BOCA RATON, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 4, 2021 / Giving back is one of the most impactful ways you can engage with your community. World champion powerboat racer Hugh D. Fuller wears many hats, one of which includes his affinity for community service. Fuller's dedication to giving back comes as a natural release from the stress and responsibility he faces while powerboat racing.
With a lifetime of experience in giving back, Hugh D. Fuller shares his perspective on the top three benefits of community service.
Building Relationships
One of the underrated benefits of community service is the people you meet along the way. Volunteering connects you to like-minded people and can help expand your network. Furthermore, volunteers are often at the center of their communities, doing the necessary and rewarding work needed to hold communities together. Community service can help you build lifelong friendships, something which Hugh Fuller can attest to firsthand.
"When I started working with my local soup-kitchens, I never expected to make the long-lasting friendships that I did," says Fuller. "The guys who run the show are great at what they do and really have a heart for helping others. I am honored to be a part of it."
The Physical & Mental Effect
Beyond the meaningful relationships that community service can bring, there is also a positive physical and mental effect to be gained. Giving back to your community, which builds relationships, can also lead to improvements in mental health. Additionally, studies have shown that consistently partaking in volunteering activities can improve your physical health, reduce anxiety, and lessen symptoms of chronic pain. For Hugh D. Fuller, volunteering is the perfect outlet for him to remain physically active while also improving his state of mind.
Fuller explains, "Powerboat racing is thrilling, but I can't lie - it's really stressful. When I started doing community service, I immediately felt the benefits. It really helped to calm me down, but it also gave me a philanthropic purpose!"
The Happiness Effect
Finally, participating in community service can have a side effect known as the happiness effect. Studies have shown that people who give back to their communities are happier than those who do not. This effect is so powerful that it can be translated into an increase in salary of more than $50K.
Fuller tells us, "I'm happy when I'm racing of course, but I'm really happy when I'm working in my community. Those are the values that I find important and that I want my kids to take with them into their own lives. It's really all about finding what fulfills you - and for me, it's giving back."
Giving back to your community has a plethora of benefits, but as Hugh D. Fuller shows us, there are several that stand out. Building relationships, bettering your overall health, and achieving the happiness effect are just some of the lasting positive effects that volunteering can have on your life.
Contact: Andrew Mitchell, [email protected]
SOURCE: Hugh Fuller