Volunteerism connotes a mindset or a philosophy. It can also mean an attitude of service or a willingness to give back to your community — and in doing so, to make the world around you a better place.

As it turns out, volunteerism doesn’t just help the organization, population or community on the receiving end. Volunteering your time or energy can have amazing benefits for you, too. Below are a few ways that volunteering can change your life for the better:

• Connection. Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people and can improve your social and relationship skills. Volunteering with family members or friends can provide an opportunity to spend meaningful time with those people, thereby strengthening those relationships.

• A sense of meaning. A lot of research has been done on the link between altruism and happiness. The happiness that many people feel as a result of volunteering may be related in part to the increased sense of purpose and self-confidence experienced when people are generous with their time and energy.

• A longer lifespan. In addition to its emotional and mental benefits, volunteering can improve your physical health. Volunteering can lower stress levels and enhance peoples’ overall sense of well-being, both of which can have positive effects on physical health. Many volunteering opportunities also entail physical labor, which can be a great source of exercise.