The Benefits of Helping Others

How Helping Others is a Benefit to You

A few days ago, I had the privilege of volunteering at the local Sharing Center. Along with 4 other volunteers, I helped to pack 135 bags of food that will help needy children have food on the weekends when they don’t have the benefit of eating lunch at school. I walked away with a since of giving back to the community and doing something for others in need.

This got me to thinking about how volunteering for a worthy cause really helps the volunteer as well as the recipient. First, it just feels good! Knowing that you made a positive impact on the life of another person, in this case, 135 families, is a great feeling. I know that the families that will receive these bags of food need help providing food to their kids. I love knowing that I have done something that will keep all those kids fed and healthy, and I intend to go back because this is a cause that is very dear to my heart.

Volunteering actually gives you many health benefits that you may not think about. Aside from that wonderful feeling of helping someone else, it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. You get to step away from your own problems and help someone else with their challenges.  It helps to put our own lives in prospective and realize that we really are doing OK and there are so many others that are not as fortunate as we are. In this way, it helps to fight depression and anxiety. Research has shown that helping others increases those healthy hormones that make us feel better and it influences our brain waves in a positive way too! This may also help to lower blood pressure by taking your mind off your own worries for a while.

The social aspect of volunteering is also good for you.  It gives you the opportunity to connect with others on a mission to make a positive impact on the community. You will make new friends and gain a feeling of being part of the community. Volunteering is a great way for shy people to get out there a little in a safe “behind the scenes” way. It helps you to develop social skills and build a support system.

Volunteering is also a great way to add some fun to your life. You will find yourself surrounded by others with a positive attitude about helping and giving back. You will also gain a since of purpose, which might particularly benefit retired people.

So, if you want to feel better, find a charity that you feel a connection to and get out there and help!