10 ways giving back can benefit your mental and physical health

pulse

November 15, 2018 6:24 PM

From your mental health to your physical health, here are some ways giving back can benefit you while benefiting others.

Beyond just generally being a good thing to do, giving can also be good for you. There have been a number of studies that suggest generosity and giving back could positively impact an individual's health both mentally and physically.

You can feel an immediate surge in happiness.

for others or for the world can boost your mood

release dopamine "helper's high."

Giving to others can boost your overall life satisfaction.

people are happier overall when they give to others

In some cases, volunteering can help decrease depressive symptoms over time.

A study published in the Oxford Journal, The Gerontologist,

Providing support may lower your blood pressure.

typically had lower blood pressure

Giving might lower your stress levels.

giving back could help lower your stress levels

Giving back to others might help you live longer.

older adults who volunteered

Volunteering your time may improve your heart health.

It can boost your quality of life.

Generally, their review suggests that those who volunteer seem to report a better quality of life.

Giving back may help prevent cognitive issues down the road.

Volunteering might also help you to maintain your functional health as you age.

volunteering might help older adults maintain

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