By Christine Carter, PHD
Did you know that kinder people actually live longer, healthier lives? People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying-and that's after sifting out every other contributing factor, and many more. This means that volunteering is nearly as beneficial to our health as quitting smoking!
It isnt just that kind of people also tend to be healthier and happier, or that happy , healthy people are more kind. Experiments have actually demonstrated again and again that kindness toward others actually causes us to be happier, improves our health, and lengthens our lives.
We feel so good when we give because we get what researchers call a "helpers high," or a distinct physical sensation associated with helping. About half of participants in one study report that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feeling of self-worth. This is probably a literal "high," similar to a drug-induced high: for example, the act of making a financial donation triggers the reward center in our brains that is responsible for dopamine-mediated euphoria.
Like laughter, kindness is a terrific happiness habit , good for both our physical and emotional well-being.
There are many local places to volunteer, from becoming a big brother or sister to helping to serve a meal at a soup kitchen. I am sure you could think of many more ideas!
Did you know that kinder people actually live longer, healthier lives? People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying-and that's after sifting out every other contributing factor, and many more. This means that volunteering is nearly as beneficial to our health as quitting smoking!
It isnt just that kind of people also tend to be healthier and happier, or that happy , healthy people are more kind. Experiments have actually demonstrated again and again that kindness toward others actually causes us to be happier, improves our health, and lengthens our lives.
We feel so good when we give because we get what researchers call a "helpers high," or a distinct physical sensation associated with helping. About half of participants in one study report that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feeling of self-worth. This is probably a literal "high," similar to a drug-induced high: for example, the act of making a financial donation triggers the reward center in our brains that is responsible for dopamine-mediated euphoria.
Like laughter, kindness is a terrific happiness habit , good for both our physical and emotional well-being.
There are many local places to volunteer, from becoming a big brother or sister to helping to serve a meal at a soup kitchen. I am sure you could think of many more ideas!
If you shout in a valley, "I hate you, I hate you,"
the echo will return "I hate you, I hate you,"
If you shout, "I love you, I love you,"
the echo will return, "I love you, I love you,"
This teaches us a lesson: Our life is like an echo. We get back what we give.
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