Give Back to GET More? (Surprising Health Benefits)
Most people do volunteer work because of how it benefits others.
But if you’ve ever served in a soup kitchen, cut the grass of a disabled neighbor, or cooked a dinner for a new mother, then you know a little secret…
Serving in these ways is rewarding, bringing immense satisfaction, energy, and a sense of purpose.
But volunteering can do MUCH more than make you feel good.
It turns out that “giving back” also has some surprising health benefits.
There’s an increasing amount of research looking into the mental and physical health benefits of volunteering.
Studies show that people who volunteer tend to have less depression and anxiety and higher self-esteem, life satisfaction, happiness, and life meaning.
Volunteering is also good for your heart health.
In one study, researchers found that volunteers had less abdominal fat, lower blood glucose and blood pressure levels, and higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Another study showed that even teenagers who volunteered had healthier hearts than those teens who didn’t donate some of their time to others.
And in people over 50, folks who volunteered at least 100 hours per year were less likely to die over a four-year follow-up period (compared to non-volunteers).
Research has even pinpointed a benefits sweet spot. Studies suggest you must volunteer for at least two hours per week to see a physical health benefit.
See, health ISN’T just about what you eat or how much you run on a treadmill.
True health is a lifestyle incorporating mental, physical, environmental, and social aspects.
What stands out about volunteering, though, is that you’re ALSO helping others while helping yourself.
That’s what I call a classic win-win situation.
P.S. Volunteering isn’t the ONLY way to lengthen your stay here on earth. Check out my previous report, 6 Secrets to a LONGER Life.
SOURCE:
“Volunteering and Subsequent Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: An Outcome-Wide Longitudinal Approach.” Am J Prev Med. 2020 Aug;59(2):176-186. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.03.004. Epub 2020 Jun 11. PMID: 32536452; PMCID: PMC7375895.
