Health library

Volunteering and your health

When you volunteer for a cause you care about, you're not just helping others. Your generosity might also end up improving your health. Scroll on to learn more about some of the positive effects volunteering may have on your mind, body and social life.

VOLUNTEERING GIVES YOU A SENSE OF PURPOSE.

In studies, people who volunteer tend to report living more purpose-filled lives. Living with purpose can make life more joyful and meaningful. It may even add years to your life, research suggests.

VOLUNTEERING REDUCES STRESS.

When we're generous to others, our bodies release feel-good chemicals, like serotonin and oxytocin. These hormones may counteract the effects of stress and make us feel happier.

VOLUNTEERING IMPROVES YOUR CONFIDENCE.

Some people find that giving back to their community helps them gain a greater sense of accomplishment, which can boost self-esteem.

VOLUNTEERING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART.

Compared to nonvolunteers, people who volunteer for just a couple of hours a week tend to have indicators of better heart health, like healthier cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as less abdominal fat. The fact that volunteers might exercise more and stress less could help explain these differences.

VOLUNTEERING BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

The increased oxytocin levels that come with being kind to others help fight inflammation. Inflammation is linked to everything from early aging to chronic diseases, like diabetes.

VOLUNTEERING CONNECTS YOU WITH OTHERS.

Volunteering helps you build and expand your social circle. This can give you a stronger social support network that you can lean on as needed. It also may help keep you from feeling isolated and lonely.

LEARN TO BUILD SOCIAL BONDS.

Volunteering is one way to build social bonds. Here are some others.

START CONNECTING.