At Severn Angels Housing & Support (SAHS), empowerment is at the heart of everything we do. A key part of this is encouraging individuals to engage in meaningful activities such as work, volunteering, or learning new skills. These activities not only benefit individuals but also contribute to society as a whole.
In this blog, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of not working or volunteering and how being actively involved can transform lives.
The Advantages of Being Actively Involved
- Improved Mental Well-being
Being involved in meaningful activities can significantly boost mental health. It provides a sense of purpose, structure, and accomplishment, reducing feelings of isolation or low self-worth. - Building Skills and Confidence
Engaging in work or volunteering helps individuals develop new skills, enhance existing ones, and build confidence. These experiences are invaluable for personal growth and can open doors to new opportunities. - Reducing Idle Time
By staying active, individuals are less likely to spend excessive time on activities like social media, which can sometimes have negative effects on mental health. Instead, they are focused on real-world achievements that contribute positively to their sense of self. - Strengthening Connections
Volunteering or working often involves interacting with others, creating opportunities to build social connections and networks. These relationships can provide support, encouragement, and inspiration. - Contributing to the Community
Whether through work or volunteering, being actively involved allows individuals to give back to society. Contributing to a cause or community creates a sense of fulfillment and pride, reinforcing their value and impact on the world around them.
The Disadvantages of Inactivity
- Negative Impacts on Mental Health
Not engaging in meaningful activities can lead to feelings of boredom, frustration, or anger. Over time, this may contribute to anxiety or depression, creating a cycle that becomes harder to break. - Overreliance on Others
When individuals are not actively involved, they may inadvertently give up responsibility for themselves, expecting others to fill the gap. This can strain relationships and hinder personal growth. - Increased Exposure to Negativity
Idle time can sometimes be spent in unproductive or harmful ways, such as overindulging in social media. This often leads to comparisons, feelings of inadequacy, and other negative emotions that detract from overall well-being. - Missed Opportunities for Growth
Without engaging in work or volunteering, individuals miss out on opportunities to develop skills, gain confidence, and achieve personal goals.
Why We Encourage Active Engagement at SAHS
At SAHS, we see firsthand the transformative power of being involved in meaningful activities. Whether through volunteering, employment, or other contributions, engaging with the world fosters independence, resilience, and self-worth.
Encouraging this is a core part of our empowerment sessions. We provide evidence-based guidance on how meaningful involvement can:
- Improve mental health
- Reduce feelings of isolation
- Foster a sense of achievement and purpose
- Equip individuals with skills for independence and growth
Building Resilience and Reducing Social Media Dependency
Being involved helps individuals focus on the real world, reducing dependency on social media and the negative impacts it can have. It offers a healthier, more fulfilling alternative that builds resilience against life’s challenges.
Taking Responsibility for Oneself
Active engagement shifts the focus from reliance on others to taking personal responsibility. This fosters independence, helping individuals realise their potential and their ability to shape their future.
Visit the link to know about a national survey on the volunteer experience
How to Get Involved
Sometimes, even small steps can make a big difference. Volunteering for just two hours a week, helping a friend, addressing issues affecting your community, or finding ways to contribute can bring a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.
At SAHS, we support individuals in identifying opportunities that align with their skills and interests. Together, we work to build a brighter future, one step at a time.
A Final Thought
Work, volunteering, or any form of meaningful activity is more than just “doing something.” It’s about building a life filled with purpose, pride, and potential. At SAHS, we empower individuals to take ownership of their lives by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.
