Can volunteering help you avoid digital burnout? That could be an option. Something to think about!

Katarina Lukač writes that volunteering not only benefits others and society at large, but also the person who donates their time to a chosen cause. People who volunteer in their free time have better mental health, a TELUS Health | TELUS Santé study suggests. Social engagement, apart from recreational activities, also improves or maintains people’s physical health, according to a study of middle-aged and older Canadians.

But taking on too much volunteer work can lead to stress and even burnout, which doesn’t help anyone. Volunteering numbers have been down since the pandemic, UK and US nonprofits told Fortune, making the need for long-term engaged volunteers bigger than ever.

To make your volunteer experience rewarding:

- Recognise which causes are closest to your heart, recommends Jo-Ann Pöhl on LinkedIn.

- Honestly assess how much time you can invest, says Kim Lim in a LinkedIn post.

- Make sure the volunteering role is spread across several people, and ask what support is available from other volunteers, recommends Reader's Digest Association.

- Don’t be afraid to say no when the call goes out for volunteers to do something, particularly if you’re among the group of people that usually come forward.

- Ask for training, clear instructions, regular updates and debriefing, particularly if you’re likely to encounter stressful situations – and give feedback.