How to help yourself by helping others: why volunteering is so good for you
- Studies show that volunteering to help the community can reduce stress and help people lead a happier more productive life
- We talk to three Hongkongers, who all agree that giving up time to help others has improved their own well-being
For the last eight years, Lovelyn Padernal has spent her free time volunteering for non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong, including Books and Beyond Reading Club, Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association, Soap Cycling, and the Centre for Refugees Hong Kong.
The 42-year-old, who lives in Pok Fu Lam on Hong Kong Island, says that besides building her confidence and giving her the chance to interact with people from all walks of life, volunteering gives her a sense of satisfaction that is hard to top.
“The simple act of helping the less fortunate makes me feel more purposeful, because I’m sharing my time, energy and skills with others,” says Padernal, who volunteers between one and eight days a month for two to 10 hours at a time.
“Knowing that I’m helping to change or improve even one life also makes me happy. Over the years, volunteering has also made me a better person – I have become more confident and learned to be more empathetic towards others.”
Volunteering for Food Angel has also changed Eddy So Chin-wing’s life for the better. The 43-year-old, who prepares and serves hot meals for the non-profit organisation, says that his interactions with Hong Kong’s needy families and senior citizens have made him more appreciative of what he has. Talking to seniors, in particular, gives him great joy.