Numerous research studies have tried to prove what every person who has ever volunteered knows to be true — doing good feels good. So, what does that hit of dopamine do for a person’s overall health and well-being? In a study published in The Gerontologist, older volunteers were less likely to have high blood pressure than their non-volunteer counterparts. Another study targeting a younger audience featured in JAMA Pediatrics had similar findings. High school students who volunteered had better markers for heart disease risk than those who didn’t. Research also suggests volunteering may help you live longer.A study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that, over a four-year period, people who volunteered at least 100 hours per year had a reduced risk of dying compared with non-volunteers. The positive impact extends beyond health. Volunteering provides opportunities to network and develop new skills and knowledge, fostering personal growth and lifelong learning. This not only enriches lives but can also enhance employability and adaptability in an ever-changing job market.The benefits are clear, but incorporating this act of benevolence into your life requires time. So, who is making time to give of their own? According to United Nations Volunteers, around 57% of the world’s volunteering is done by women. And how do they fit volunteering into their calendars already filled to the brim with professional, family and personal commitments?Let’s look to some of our female Lions to learn why — and how — they do it.Joyce AkpataCurrent Lion role: Global Leadership Team (GLT) district coordinator Career: Lawyer, international development professional Hobbies: Long-distance running and traveling Club: Lagos Phoenix Location: Lagos, Nigeria Number of years as a Lion: 10Top Tip For Finding Balance: Prioritize self-care to recharge and refresh your physical and mental health. You can’t give from an empty cup.How did you get involved with Lions? Prior to joining, I knew little about Lions. I was invited by a friend who knew of my interest in charitable endeavors, and together with other ladies in my neighborhood, we chartered a club.Is there a particular service project or program you’re most proud of? One project that filled me with a profound sense of appreciation was helping with 25 cataract procedures to restore sight for individuals who would not have otherwise been able to obtain this treatment.Why is it important to fit being a Lion into your life? My service not only benefits those I get to help, it also enhances my own life. It allows me to enjoy valuable experiences outside my routines as a wife, mother to three young men (ages 18, 15 and 9) and working professional. It also acts as a stress release, providing a break from the demands of daily life, and gives me a sense of balance and gratitude for my many gifts.Does your work as a Lion help you in your professional life? Absolutely! It allows me to develop and improve a wide range of useful skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and project management. My reputation as a Lion has also enhanced my personal brand and values-driven approach to work, distinguishing me as socially responsible and ethical leader.What would you say to a prospective Lion if they said they are too busy to join? I would assure them that, while life can be hectic, being a Lion provides opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways that are adaptive based on each individual’s interests and schedule. I would also emphasize that participation, no matter how modest, can make a difference in the lives of others while also bringing fulfilment.Gizem Özkazman ÖzenClub: Istanbul Cemenzar Location: Istanbul, Türkiye Number of years as a Lion and Leo: 12 Current Lion role: Club secretary Career: Environmental engineer Hobbies: Pilates, dancingTop Tip For Finding Balance: Take part in projects that make you happy.How did you get involved with Lions? What initially drew me to Lions was the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, and throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to numerous meaningful projects. I was so encouraged by the support and camaraderie I experienced during my time as a Leo that I decided to become a Lion.There are many ways you could volunteer — why do you choose to be a Lion? Lions is a community where individuals gather without personal agendas, united by the shared goal of serving those who lack the same opportunities. And Lions holds a special place in my heart. Throughout my pregnancy, the Lions family enveloped me with support, treating the impending arrival of my child as if it were their own family member.Is there a particular service project or program you’re most proud of? Last year, Türkiye was struck by a devastating earthquake, resulting in the loss of over 50,000 lives. The entire country faced a critical shortage of essential resources. Thanks to generous donations from my fellow Lions and the company where I am employed, a water purification device capable of providing 2,000 liters of clean water per hour was installed in one of the severely affected areas.Why is it important to fit being a Lion into your life? Being a Lion is about embracing humanity and enriching one’s sense of self. It allows me to live with integrity by dedicating myself to serving others while also managing my professional and personal obligations.Does your work as a Lion help you in your professional life? When I attended a presentation training where everyone had to prepare a sample presentation, it was easy for me because of the skills I have developed doing many presentations as a Lion. The only comment I received was, “Brilliant.”Have you encouraged any friends or family members to join? My 8-year-old daughter attends services with us within the scope of the Cub program.Angela YuenClub: Hong Kong Citizens Location: Kowloon, China Hong Kong Number of years as a Lion: 10 Current Lion role: Second vice district governor Career: Private banking professional Hobbies: Reading, dancing, running, yoga and hikingTop Tip For Finding Balance: Review your personal growth and goals regularly so you remember your purpose.How did you get involved with Lions? In 2013, I joined a youth service project organized by the Lions Club of Hong Kong Citizens and was touched by how Lions service could genuinely help others so I joined.Is there a particular service project or program you’re most proud of? I remember a project where we invited children with special educational needs and their parents to join us to visit and chat with elderly people who live alone. Afterward, a child glanced at his mother and said with a proud smile, “Mom, I didn’t realize I could help people! I feel so happy!” I was really touched by the remark and it made me realize that our actions have the power to impact people.Why is it important to fit being a Lion into your life? Life is never not busy— the key is prioritizing what is important to you. Participating in service reminds me to give love to our neighborhood, our community and our home, which brings me simple happiness and comfort in my busy life.Does your work as a Lion help you in your professional life? As a private banker, it is important to understand the nature and latest trends of different industries. Since Lions come from various backgrounds, it allows me to widen my social circle and my understanding.Have you encouraged any friends or family members to join? I invited a Leo who also works in the banking sector to join as a Leo-Lion. I encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone to grow and work with people of a different age group. It has been very rewarding to see him gain confidence as he becomes more involved in Lions’ life.Kathrin Bechstein-DietrichClub: Netzwerk Süd Location: Private Lorch, Germany Number of years as a Lion: 15 Current Lion role: Zone chairperson Career: Musical director and professional opera singer Hobbies: Exercising, reading, enjoying cultural lifeTop Tip For Finding Balance: Learn to say “no” sometimes. Give yourself time to think things over and turn down tasks from time to time. The important thing is to maintain the joy of volunteering.How did you get involved with Lions? After a musical production of mine, I was asked by a Lion to take part in a Lion event. One thing led to another. I was excited about the projects the club was promoting and especially about the idea of “we serve.”Is there a particular service project or program you’re most proud of? I am most proud of being in charge of the European Lions Music Prize and Peace Poster Contest because it’s important to me to support and challenge young people. With the music competition, we support young professionals on their way into professional life, but also young musicians who have not yet considered a career in music. Through the Peace Poster Contest, we help young people ages 11-13, who are in an important stage in life, to visualize their dreams and hopes for a more peaceful world.What is your favorite thing about being a Lion? The friendship and community at Lions and the idea of being able to give something back to society.Have you encouraged any friends or family members to join? My husband and I founded a club in the past. We informed the potential candidates about the Lions’ ideas and got them excited about them.What would you say to a prospective Lion if they said they are too busy to join? I would say that being a Lion is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in important service projects that Lions supports and a great way to make new friends. I’m fully engaged in my professional life and also a wife and a mother, but it’s possible for me.Dr. Sangeeta KumarClub: Bhopal Wing Location: Madhya Pradesh, India Number of years as a Lion: 1 Current Lion role: Active club member Career: Professor, entrepreneur, corporate trainer, author Hobbies: Traveling, writing, poetry, educating disadvantaged youthTop Tip For Finding Balance: Manage your time wisely. I strive to devote, at minimum, one hour of each day to my work as a Lion.How did you get involved with Lions? My interest in social causes led me to get involved. I found there to be a good synchronization of my interests with the mission of Lions. I also love the systematic approach of my club and its overall management.Why is it important to fit being a Lion into your life? I believe “where there is a will there is a way.” Although I have a busy life with my responsibilities as a daughter, wife and mother, and with my professional pursuits, being a Lion is a way I can give something back to society. I believe we all are indebted to society and I’ve found that being a Lion is the best way to serve the purpose of my life, and I love devoting time to it.What is your favorite thing about being a Lion? The true reward for me is being known for my selfless service and work to benefit society. In addition, the more I connect with others through service, the more I feel a sense of belongingness.Does your work as a Lion help you in your professional life? I am a corporate trainer, so I’ve found Lions is a great platform for networking, which is the best way to explore new ideas and find new ways of doing things.Have you encouraged any friends or family members to join Lions? Yes, I have encouraged my family members and my friends this coming year by raising awareness of how they can make a difference. I’ll be helping 10 new members to join the club.Dr. Patricia GrantClub: Chicago Central Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States Number of years as a Lion: 3 Current Lion role: Club president Career: Senior vice president of research adjunct assistant professor Hobbies: Reading the latest studies on nutrition and exercise; staying active through strength training, walking and bike riding; spending quality time with her pre-teen son and partnerTop Tip For Finding Balance: Involve your family. Doing service together as a family allows you to contribute while spending quality time with loved ones.How did you get involved with Lions? I had always wanted to be a Lion. Growing up, the Lions were active in my community, and my older sister and I were Leos. The memories of participating in Candy Day and pancake breakfasts, and of serving our veterans, always stuck with me. We even rode on the Lions float in my town’s Fourth of July parade one year. Although we had a lot of fun, it was always clear that we were there for a greater purpose.Is there a particular service project or program you’re most proud of? My club is very active with The Chicago Lighthouse’s Rise to Shine Race in Chicago. I love this event because it promotes health, wellness and inclusion. Proceeds from the race benefit The Chicago Lighthouse and its programs that support people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and help veterans learn to work and live independently within our community.Why is it important to fit being a Lion into your life? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind but life is about more than just checking off boxes on a to-do list. Engaging with the Lions’ mission helps me slow down and gain a greater sense of purpose and perspective beyond my own life and its daily demands. Also, as club president, it’s my job to provide leadership in carrying out our service mission. It’s important to me that I show up and honor this commitment.Does your work as a Lion help you in your professional life? Yes, in many ways. It provides networking and learning opportunities, leadership experience and teaches compassion to name a few. Lions are also active in the vision field, which leads to many opportunities for support and collaboration.