Serving others serves us.
For the last two years I have volunteered for a local organization called The Ophelia Project where I mentor teenage girls enrolled in high school. While not well known, I first learned of the organization from another volunteer named Sandy who told me how much she loved the experience. She explained that although it was an eight-month long commitment per year, adding up to about 12-15 hours a month, the time spent was some of the most rewarding things she did in her life. Right after that conversation, I got in touch with the director of Ophelia and signed up.
Sandy was right—it is a big commitment and quite a bit of work. But she was also right about the benefits. Looking back over my life I must admit that most of my happiest times have occurred when I was actively engaged in helping others. That’s why it should come as no surprise that it is practically impossible to create a happy, meaningful and rewarding life without being of service to others in some small way. Even more, new information about philanthropy shows that serving others ultimately serves us in many ways. Here are the top seven benefits we each gain by compassionate helping.
1) More happiness. According to Stephen G. Post, professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University in New York and author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping, a part of our brain lights up when we help others. That part of our brain then doles out feel-good chemicals like dopamine, and possibly serotonin. According to Post, “These chemicals help us feel joy and delight—helper’s high.” A common reaction is that “some people feel more tranquil, peaceful, serene; others, warmer and more trusting.” When we volunteer we often give ourselves deeper purpose and meaning and that nearly always leads to greater happiness.
2) Reduce stress. When we help others our bodies release a hormone called oxytocin, which buffers stress and helps us maintain social trust and tranquility. Along with oxytocin are the other chemicals like dopamine, which is a mood-elevating neurotransmitter. These drugs tend to push aside negative emotions and reduce the stress level.
3) Relief from pain. A study done by Pain Management Nursing reports that on a scale from 0 to 10 that people’s pain ratings dropped from nearly 6 to below 4 after attending a volunteer training program and leading discussion groups for fellow sufferers. Volunteering takes our mind off our pain and also makes us feel more in control of the experience.
4) Longer lifespan. Over 40 international studies confirm that volunteering can add years to your life. In fact, current studies suggest up to a 22% reduction in mortality rates! How much do we have to do? Studies confirm that a regular commitment of as little as 25 hours per year is beneficial.
5) Lower blood pressure. A study done by Psychology & Aging reports those adults over 50 who volunteered for 200 hours in the past year were 40% less likely to have hypertension than non-volunteers. It is believed this is accomplished because of the lower stress, and the effects of being active, social and altruistic.
6) Reduce mild depression. A study of alcoholics going through AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) points out that those who volunteered to help others were twice as likely to stay clean a year later and their depression rates were correspondingly lower as well. Plus, in many cases mild depression is linked to isolation. Volunteering helps to keep a person in regular contact with others and to help develop a social support system.
7) Benefit your career. That’s right. A book entitled The Halo Effect by John Raynolds insists that volunteering for the right reasons can so turn your life around that the benefits will extend to your work. Raynolds says, “Remember, when you become involved, when you lead with your heart as well as your head, the result is always good.” Instead of feeling depressed or unfulfilled at work, Raynolds is convinced that you will feel more happy, confident and energized when you find something that makes you feel generous and purposeful—and that of course will spread to every single area of your life.
So does all volunteering prove beneficial? No. Stephanie Brown, Ph.D. associate professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University in New York says, “You have to genuinely care.” In other words, feeling resentment or obligation will erase the benefits that we might otherwise receive in both our emotions and our physiology. If you feel exploited in any way it is better not to take the action than stress yourself out doing something for the wrong reason.
My time as a volunteer isn’t always fun—there is usually time, energy and even money involved—but it is always meaningful and gratifying. Looking back at the times when I helped at a local food distribution service, delivered gifts for seniors, helped a young boy get braces, wrote a check when I could, and so much more, my feelings of contributing to others and my community have always boosted my awareness of the blessings in my life. Plus, I honestly feel that offering words of encouragement, and sharing ideas, here on SMART Living 365 is a gift to readers around the world. The meaning and purpose I get from putting out my blog, helps me receive a combination of all seven benefits listed above. I like to think I am serving others, because without a doubt I am being served as well.
A big part of SMART Living 365 is discussing ideas that can lead to a happy, peaceful and meaningful life for each of us. Even though there are lots of ways to do that, and some of them seem incredibly obvious, if you’re any thing like me you appreciate being reminded of ideas that often slip under the radar or are routinely taken for granted. Volunteering and serving others are like that. So even if you already know that volunteering offers huge benefits, but haven’t done it in a while, it’s definitely SMART to make it a regular part of your life.
It is absolutely true, one gets little benefit from a monthly contribution to some or other charity that you have not thought about in ages, no matter how big the contribution, whereas even a smile or a thoughtful word at the right time to some one who needs it can warm one’s heart with happiness. It is being grateful that inspires us to generosity, I consider volunteering (usually it has something to do with people and with horses) as generosity-in-action.
There’s also the Law of Attraction to consider. Believe it or not, the right mindset and action brings back the same tenfold. I never believed it at first, but just by giving it an honest go, I realized that I was very much wrong!
Hi Adam! Oh yes, Law of Attraction applies to absolutely everything doesn’t it? I completely agree that “the right mindset and action brings back the same tenfold.” Thanks for sharing that. ~Kathy
Well, there is no bigger happiness in the world than serving others. It gives a feel of satisfaction. Its like what you give, you get back.
Hi Charmie! Yes, helping others nearly always brings great happiness and satisfaction. Definitely Karma in action. ~Kathy
I don’t know whether it is funny or sad that so many people spend their lives searching for a way to make themselves feel “better” when searching for some small way to help others would give them an instant boost. We act like the key to happiness is such a mystery, but it is really quite simple. Help others and you help yourself.
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for adding to this conversation. You are so right in that we do often make it seem like happiness is a mystery when the single most important thing we can do is help others. I also think that reading about other people’s acts of kindness can lift us up as well…so I’ll be over to check out your post! Thanks again for joining in! ~Kathy
You have a great post. Thanks for sharing. This will somehow help us be more appreciative to those who help and to those whom we will help.
Thank you for stopping by SMART Living. I’m glad you found this helpful and good luck continuing your good work. May you find all the volunteers you need to serve all those you help! ~Kathy
Totally agree. One of the better things to come out of volunteering (aside from helping others) was that I was able to network with a lot of influential people. Not to mention, it just makes me happier to give than to receive, like you said.
Hi Ryan! You are so right that volunteering can often lead us to all sorts of amazing and influential people. I have met some really great people involved in my current work with The Ophelia Project and some of them have turned out to be good friends. I’m also certain that at some point they could also serve in ways to enhance my business. I think what happens is that we attract the kind of people who are likewise attracted to being of service just like us. So how could that be anything but good? Thanks again for your comment. ~Kathy
Great post. I have just started volunteering at my daughters school, doing reading recovery. Even though my daughter is a great reader and isn’t one of the students that needs reading recovery, it still feels great to help others and see the kids improve every week.
Hi Sara! Thank you for stopping by SMART Living 365 and joining the conversation. How great it is that you’ve found a way to help other students at your daughter’s school. Not only does that likely help you feel connected to her and her school, you are able to appreciate where you daughter is in comparison and to others and as you say, “see the kids improve every week.” All that I read about volunteering and service never distinguishes between big or little–it’s just the consistent doing of it with an open heart that seems to make a difference. Keep up the great work. And thanks again for stopping by. It is very much appreciated! ~Kathy
I agree 100%! My family has always felt strongly about giving back to our community and we have volunteered both individually and as a family unit. The sense of goodwill afterwards is a very satisfying reward. Good for you, Kathy, for sharing what you do and inspiring others.
Hi Helene! Thank you so much for stopping by SMART Living and joining the conversation. You bring up an important point that I think bears repeating and that is how much our family can support and encourage us to be of service in the world. I was actually born in a family where both my parent worked and seldom had time to volunteer (or else never made the time) so it wasn’t something that came naturally to me. But once I discovered it on my own i was hooked. What I’ve observed in other families is that you can jump start the idea by modeling the behavior to your children and raise them to not only be helpful but to be socially responsible too. Once we get started it is so easy to see why it serves everyone involved. Thank you for coming by AND for your words of encouragement as well. ~Kathy
Volunteering is great for all of the above reasons. My only caveat is it is possible to be TOO involved – there are SO many good causes out there, but I can only handle so many and a full time job, too.
So, limiting my efforts to my local writers group, a children’s literacy program, and donating blood.
Hi Beverly! Great to hear from you. Yes, I completely agree that you have to feel no pressure about volunteering or your benefits diminish. Any time we feel we have to or should do something because others expect it, then we feel obligated or resentful.
Of course there are so very many great resources that can use our help. The challenge is balancing our time and energy so that it continues to be a joy. Good for you for finding areas that are that do that for you. ~Kathy
Great post. Other than the relief from pain I completely agree with. To give is to love, and if one gives/serves others we serve ourselves in return.
Keep up the good work.
Hi David! Thank you for coming by SMART Living 365 and joining the conversation. I agree the “pain” benefit is a bit harder to understand but think of it in terms of the placebo effect. Dozens of studies have shown that when someone thinks something is going to help their pain, it does. Maybe it works something like that….or maybe it just works in the same way it does when we are depressed or unhappy and it take the attention off ourselves and our pains if even for a short time. The good news is that it doesn’t cost much to at least try it right? Now I want to check out your page and see what the relationship between life span and the GDP! Thanks again for dropping by. ~Kathy
Great reminder. Volunteering helps everyone. It’s the best way to take your mind off your own problems.
Hi Stacy! Thank you for stopping by SMART Living and leaving a comment. Isn’t it so true that when we go out of our way to be of any service (big or small) it takes our mind off our stuff and instead reminds us of our connection to each other. And that definitely is much cheaper alternative to all sorts of other behaviors like “retail therapy” or other things without any lasting satisfaction? The challenge is to remember that when the time comes! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy and thanks for an inspiring post!!
I’ve been thinking of volunteering as of late and not sure where or when at this point in time. I did contact the Big Brothers in my area about a year ago but they never got back to me. I’ll have to try them again. I’m sure though that there will be no shortage of places I could volunteer at.
Apart from the above benefits you discuss, there’s also the monetary as volunteering when unemployed can sometimes lead to a paid job down the road. It’s also a great way to find out what type of work you would be interested in if you’re unsure of where you would like your career path to go.
And yes, your blog is a definite service to your readers and because of that, you should be experiencing joy pretty much everyday 🙂
Take care Kathy and my best to all.
Lyle
Hi Lyle! Happy Sunday! Hope you are having an awesome day. I so encourage you and everyone to find something to do. I tend to believe that most people WANT to do good but we often let it slip away because we aren’t quite sure WHAT to do. Something I really feel passionate about is making sure that people get food when they are hungry so I’ve volunteered for the local food bank on several occasions and donate to them (both food and money) as much as possible. No matter where you live there is likely a place that could use your help on that–either a church or a local organization.
And YES! The one guy whose book I quote at the end about being good for business says that over and over again in his book. Volunteering also opens up your network to meeting other people so it is great for finding a new or better job or getting referrals. People like helping friends especially so that is a great way to expand your job opportunities.
And thank YOU for affirming that my blog is a service–just as yours is as well. And YES I do have lots of joy in my life! ~Kathy
Kathy, I think a well-rounded life includes all kinds of pleasures! Your commitment to volunteering is admirable! I will be sharing this article.
Great post, Kathy. I do believe that when we ‘give back’, we get back so much more than we put in. And I absolutely agree that for the volunteering to be truly beneficial, it has to be something you are passionate about. Otherwise, if you’re doing it from obligation or just ‘phoning it in’, you (and they) are probably better off by just writing a cheque.
Hi Nancy! I think when we’re younger we like to believe that being altruistic is done so selflessly that you should never get anything for the act but the research (and my/our experience) doesn’t show that at all. Of course, like you said, it does need to be something you truly care about. And actually some of the research I read said that some people reported getting a high just FROM writing a check so even that helps some–but again, it better be for something you care about or don’t bother to do anything. ~Kathy
All of this is so true–in fact, so many therapists I know suggest this for clients with depression!
Hi Carol! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I didn’t know that about therapists but I so agree with it! I think any time any of us is feeling a bit down we can turn that around just by thinking and doing something nice for someone else. The term “helpers-high” is a very real phenomenon. ~Kathy
I’m totally in agreement as to the benefits of volunteering. I’ve worked with various nonprofits and done all kinds of things, with my family and solo. It does make you feel good to be giving to others. Valuable information to share–thank you.
Hi Walker! Thanks for your comment. I realize that volunteering isn’t as “sexy” as some topics 🙂 Especially some that you cover on your blog, but I do believe it to be so very important in my life. ~Kathy