Volunteering your time is one of the most rewarding things you can do to increase your inner sense of generosity. One of our most valuable resources is time, and using your time to give back to people in need in your community can be incredibly rewarding. Most people take time for granted. It’s the one thing that we all have a finite number of, and yet, we tend to be self-centered most of the time.

Considering the benefits of generosity is a valuable thing to do before deciding whether to donate your time to volunteering because if you feel like you are not going to get anything out of it, why do it? Below are some benefits that people have gained from being generous:

• Greater satisfaction with life: Generosity appears to be a key component to happiness in life. In a study, 74% of high generosity respondents reported satisfaction in life, compared to 60% of low generosity respondents. Across all topics, these high generosity respondents were also more than twice as likely to report that they were “very satisfied” in life. 
• Satisfaction with what you have: Respondents in the previous study showed a clear correlation between generosity and satisfaction with possessions. When asked about satisfaction with current belongings, more generous respondents were less envious when it came to homes, cars, and other possessions.
• A more positive outlook: A positive outlook in life makes a significant impact on overall happiness. If you have direction and purpose in life, you are going to enjoy life to a greater degree. 
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To get the most out of generous experiences and to increase your sense of satisfaction, you can find an organization or non-profit that your values align with — one that you believe is striving to make a better world for everyone. The best part about this is that it does not take a lot to be generous. One of the easiest ways to volunteer is through a local food bank or homeless shelter. They are set up in a way where signing up to volunteer is simple. Spending time with people in need is a great way to see life through a perspective that you maybe aren’t used to. Sitting down and talking with some of the folks you are helping out is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and allows you to be more generous. Be generous with your time to make a difference.