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Volunteering is good for your health
Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of volunteers and those they help . Many people may be surprised to learn how positive volunteering can be for volunteers . Indeed , studies show that volunteering leads to better physical and mental health , among other benefits .
According to an article published by the American Heart Association and Jeffrey Burr , a professor of gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston , “ compared to non-volunteers , volunteers have less depression , less anxiety , higher self-esteem , greater happiness , and a greater sense of meaning in life .” Burr and the AHA note the health benefits of volunteering occur among all ages , and a deep look at how volunteer efforts are good for personal health shows just how profound giving back can be .
• Reduces stress : The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive , relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine . When volunteers spend time in service to others , they report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation , both of which can have stress-reducing effects .
• Lowers depression : Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety , particularly among people 65 and older .
• Provides a sense of purpose : AmeriCorps reports volunteering can provide a sense of purpose in older adults , which can help replace feelings of inadequacy due to loss of major role identities , such as wage earner or parent . This sense of purpose can improve life satisfaction and happiness .
• Reduces blood pressure : According to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University , older adults who volunteered for at least 200 hours annually decrease their risk of high blood pressure by 40 percent . This also may lower risk of heart disease and stroke .
• Eliminates feelings of isolation : Volunteers working together link people to others and their communities . This can help people overcome feelings of isolation , which may come from being new to a community or being a senior and having a smaller social circle .
• Increases happiness : Those who volunteer regularly tend to be happier and more empathetic towards others . Volunteering also instils a sense of pride that can make people happier .
• Keeps the mind active : Individuals who volunteer can improve their cognitive health . That ’ s because volunteering engages a person in new skills , requires them to solve problems and keeps them mentally stimulated through various activities .
• Improves physical health : Some volunteer activities will involve physical tasks that can contribute to improved physical health because they constitute moderate exercise .
Volunteering offers a number of benefits that can improve both physical and mental health for those donating their time to help others . n
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Valdosta-Lowndes County Family YMCA 2424 Gornto Rd , Valdosta GA 31602 229.244.4646 WWW . VALDOSTAYMCA . ORG
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