The Health Benefits of Helping Others

Giving and helping others are wonderful acts of kindness but giving can also help the giver. Studies have been conducted recently that show that adults aged 65 and over have found that they feel physically and mentally better because of the volunteer work that they do. Other studies have shown that regular volunteering lowers the rates of depression in those 65 and older.

Other Great Health Effects

Other health effects that come from helping others are: a happier and more positive outlook on life, a sense of well being, decreased feeling of loneliness, feeling good about connecting with others, reduction in high blood pressure, a stronger immune system, recovering faster from surgery and a greater sense of self-esteem and a reduction in stress.

Givers Find a Better Life

Also, when we connect with others and guide others toward a better life, we also add enjoyment and pleasure to our lives. And, when we help others, we help our communities to grow and prosper. Certain studies also show that those who go to church and show caring, support and love to others, enjoy better mental health than those who only receive help from others. Some have also noted that the act of giving to another may have mental health benefits because the nature of giving to someone else—thinking of someone else’s needs beside their own—helps lessen anxiety and depression in the life of the giver. However, some studies have shown that if a person gives too much, stress, negativity and poor health can follow.

A fundraising website is an excellent place to start volunteering to see if you enjoy it.