Okay, we know that giving helps others, and it can give you a little after-glow, but did you know that giving and volunteering are good for your health? And not in vague ways, either.
You may have missed a spot!
You’re probably fairly switched-on about your health: you get some regular exercise, try to avoid too much sugar or carbs, and you even get your annual check-ups. Good! But what are you doing about the most serious health-risk in 2015: stress? Not everyone has time for yoga twice a week, and maybe you’re not too sure about taking up meditation? Well, volunteering – even once a month – can get you the same health benefits!
How does giving make me healthier?
Studies show that giving is good for the giver; it boosts both mental and physical health.
Conditions like high blood pressure and depression are pretty common, but the health benefits associated with giving have a real impact on both. Here are some of the ways volunteering/giving can boost your well-being:
- Increased self-esteem
- Lower blood pressure
- Less depression
- Lower stress levels
- Giving stimulates the reward centre in the brain, releasing endorphins and creating the “helper’s high.”
A proven link
A 2006 study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, found quite a few interesting benefits linked to giving and volunteering;
- people who gave their time to help others through community had greater self-esteem, lower stress levels and less depression than those who didn’t
- supportive interaction with others helped people recover from coronary-related events
- people who gave social support to others had lower blood pressure than people who didn’t
Find something you enjoy
So, with Mandela Day coming up, this is a good time to look around for an opportunity to volunteer a little time or donate something. And it doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable activity. In fact, finding a cause that’s important to you and accessible means that you’ll be more likely to stay involved, reaping long-term benefits. If you can get some friends or colleagues to join you – look at that: the benefits just increased!
Getting you started
Here is a link to Mandela Day activities happening around the country – use the search engine on their site to find something in your area best suited to you.
Sources: Huffington Post, Cleveland Clinic