Helping Others Brings Health Benefits

I am fortunate that what I do for a living (web design) is something I really enjoy. It is challenging, and allows me to use and develop my creativity. Yet, if I allowed my occupation (or any other secular pursuit) to become the center of my life, it would soon feel empty and unfulfilled. What gives my life true meaning is helping others. I do that in volunteer work in a number of ways. Researchers have discovered that doing good for others is one of the best things we can do for our own health! Note the following:

“Exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet and do something nice for someone. That’s the advice you’re apt to get from your doctor in the near future,” states the magazine American Health. Why? Evidence has been mounting that altruists—those who help others—derive definite health benefits from doing so. “The researchers found that doing regular volunteer work, more than any other activity, dramatically increased life expectancy (and probably vitality),” reports the article. “Several studies have shown that people need other people for their health’s sake.” The heart, nervous system, and immune system are all benefited by doing good to others.

On the other hand, hostility—which cuts people off from one another—multiplies the risk of heart disease. “The notion that altruism is good for people could have a profound social effect,” the magazine observed. “Good Samaritans might cease to be a rare breed.”