How Giving And Helping Others Can Improve Your Health

You know that feeling when you get a chance to help someone? When you're able to use your skills, talents, and knowledge to make someone's life better?

It's a great feeling. It makes us feel good about ourselves, and it gives us a sense of purpose.

But what if we told you that giving is good for more than just our own wellbeing? What if we told you that there are actual health benefits to being selfless?

It's true! When we engage in meaningful donation of our time and energy, it activates the pleasure center of our brain. Being selfless releases endorphins in our brain and boosts our mood. Additionally, knowing you are making a difference can create a sense of purpose which can make you healthier.

Volunteering is a great way to make your health and happiness a priority.

It can help you stay physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally balanced. Here are some of the ways volunteering can improve your overall well-being:

Physical Benefits: Volunteering includes physical activity like walking, bending, and being active. These activities can improve weight, blood pressure, stamina, and help keep you fit.

Mental Benefits: Being of service boosts mood and can help with cognitive functioning. Studies show that older adults who mentor and teach can help prevent issues like dementia by continuing to use their cognitive skills past retirement.

Volunteering is a great way to build a healthy self-esteem.

Volunteering is not only good for your community, it’s also good for you. If you feel like you need the boost, here are some of the ways volunteering will help you become more confident and make a difference in your life:

Volunteering builds confidence and can increase personal satisfaction in everyday life. Knowing you are making a difference, an impact, and a change for the good is great for the mind and body. Over time, confidence can grow and blossom making a huge impact on esteem.

Volunteering can prevent or reduce depression and anxiety. Putting other’s needs first and finding an altruistic purpose can help reduce a sense of hopelessness and helplessness and provide an outlet for a healthier mindset.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved, connect with people, and make a difference in the world.

The act of helping others can lead to a lot of positive changes in your life—and not just for the people you're helping!

Depending on the type of service and volunteering you choose, you may be faced with situations that challenge what you thought you knew about yourself. It’s common to feel “changed” after deeply meaningful situations, which can lead to greater self-awareness and maturity.

Helping others who may not be able to help themselves or are going through incredibly difficult situations can help you challenge your perspectives and become more grateful, less self-centered, and humble. You'll learn how important it is to give back—and how much you have left after giving everything!

Volunteering is a great way to find like-minded people to be around.

Working together for a common goal can build healthy bonds with people who also see the value in being of service to others. Volunteering can combat loneliness and improve social skills.

Volunteering is a great way to better understand people with different perspectives, lifestyles, or circumstances than your own. Volunteering with people from different walks of life can diminish prejudices and reduce stigmas.

When you volunteer, you get to know the people who are doing what you're doing—and they get to know you! It's easier to connect with new people when there's an activity involved (like volunteering) versus just "hanging out" at a bar or party.

And volunteering doesn't have to be just one thing: it can take many forms! You could volunteer at your local animal shelter one week and then do some gardening work at a community garden the next week. It doesn't matter what form it takes—as long as it involves helping others!

Volunteering is a wonderful way to use your time and energy to help others, but you’re also helping yourself by becoming healthier inside and out.

Volunteering increases one’s sense of purpose and self-esteem, which has been shown to improve overall health. Studies show that volunteering helps alleviate depression, reduce stress and anxiety, and can even help prevent heart disease. And if you think about it, your volunteer work actually does serve a purpose for your own life. When you spend time helping others, it helps you feel more grounded and connected to the world around you.