THE HEALTHINESS OF HELPING OTHERS

Many people like the idea of volunteering their time and resources to support those needing assistance in their neighborhood, community, or even around the world. But did you know that helping others can also help elevate your own health and wellness?

Take a look at 5 ways that giving from the heart helps strengthen your physical and mental well-being, and optimizes your wellness routine.

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Helping Others Increases Longevity

A University of Exeter review of social studies that spanned 20 years found that those who volunteer have a 22% lower mortality rate than their non-volunteering peers. One group of 2,000 people were even able to lower their mortality risk 63% by volunteering for two or more causes. In fact, giving support to others has been shown to have an even higher correlation to longevity than receiving support does. The key reason for this seems to be that volunteering provides people with a social support network, which helps boost their happiness levels by generating feelings of connectivity. It also lowers blood pressure, which decreases the risk of developing heart disease.

Helping Others Decreases Stress

One of the major benefits of increased happiness is the lowering of stress levels. Research indicates that giving from the heart is associated with the release of specific hormones that help buffer stress and stimulate the reward centers in your brain. Since ongoing stress is a leading cause of the inflammation which leads to many today’s top chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, managing it effectively is one of the best ways to ensure that you stay in an optimal state of health.

It Elevates Mental Health

Depression affects at least 11 million adults in the U.S. and over 300 million people worldwide. The good news is that those who volunteer experience reduced episodes of this condition. This is especially true for those who practice altruism over a prolonged period of time because it helps increase access to healthy social interactions and networks. Mental health experts agree that these social support systems provide many psychological benefits for those with mental health conditions, including emotional guidance and mentoring.

It Assists with Weight Loss

It seems obvious that giving in ways that increase your physical activity can assist with weight loss. Yet there may be a surprise bonus to volunteering: it appears to positively affect empathy levels, which in turn can lead to a decrease in body mass index (BMI). One study revealed that those who reported the highest feelings of empathy while volunteering decreased their BMI, cholesterol levels, and inflammation indicators the most. This unique connection between heart-centered giving and better weight management may be due to the fact that empathy is associated with reduced stress levels, which in turn leads to hormonal balances that help positively regulate weight.

It Strengthens Self-esteem

Those who practice altruism also report feeling a stronger sense of purpose and satisfaction in life. Research indicates that giving of one’s time and energy in ways that uplift others provides a strong sense of accomplishment. This helps boost the giver’s self-esteem and increases their feelings of acceptance, which leads to improved self-care and healthcare activities in daily life. This can also help reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses and provides for better coping mechanisms when challenges or health issues do arise. These coping skills buffer the impact of chronic or other diseases so that recovery time is improved.

Giving back is a wonderful way to elevate your healthcare regime, boost your wellness scorecard, and provide optimal mind-body balance for a happier, higher-quality lifestyle that benefits you for years to come.