There’s no denying that doing something good for others feels good. It\u2019s the sort of warm, fuzzy feeling that fuels a sense of purpose and connection. But did you know that giving back is actually good for your health too?<\/p>\n
Below, experts explain how it has an impact on your overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Volunteering can lower stress<\/strong> Volunteering may reduce blood pressure<\/strong> Volunteering can replace less healthy habits<\/strong> Volunteering is actually used to treat mental health<\/strong>
\nIn the hustle of our careers, social lives, and obligations, stress can run rampant. \u201cStress is a monster when it comes to our health,\u201d says Vicky Woodruff<\/a>, a licensed social worker. \u201cIt raises cortisol levels, increases blood pressure, and puts strain on the body as a whole. People with high levels of anxiety tend to have high rates of comorbid pain, obesity, and other physical health issues.\u201d In order to reduce stress, a change of pace is required. Volunteering can do just that while breeding perspective, social connection, and happy hormones.<\/p>\n
\nAccording to Dr. Nikola Djordjevic, family physician and contributor to MedAlertHelp<\/a>, \u201cPeople<\/a> over 50 who regularly volunteer are less likely to develop high blood pressure than people in the same age group who don\u2019t volunteer.\u201d Though the exact reason is unclear, Sandy Griffin<\/a>, a licensed practical nurse, suggests it may be due to stress. \u201cWhat we think and how we feel is directly related to our physical health \u2013 just look at the correlation between stress and ulcers, high blood pressure, complexion, and hair color.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nLicensed clinical social worker and author Arlene B. Englander<\/a>\u00a0says, \u201cIn my work with clients who complain about unhealthy habits like obsessive rumination and worry, emotional overeating, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, I always ask at some point, \u2018How are you spending your time?\u2019\u201d Englander suggests that too much free time makes it more tempting to fall back on negative habits. On the other hand, giving back keeps your brain, hands, and schedule a little fuller and a little more positive.<\/p>\n
\n“According to a recent study<\/a>, both mental and physical health, as well as overall life satisfaction, improve [with volunteering],” says Bart Wolbers, a researcher at Nature Builds Health. Social worker\u00a0Dr. Julie Lopez<\/a>\u00a0adds that volunteering is even used as a form of treatment for mental health and addiction. \u201c[Volunteering is prescribed] under different names: acts of restoration, making amends, giving back, making a difference,” says Lopez. It can help patients gain a sense of responsibility, engagement, feel a connection to power, and find meaning.<\/p>\n