Volunteering or Aspirin?

Last week I mentioned I would talk a bit about the ‘Helper’s High’ through January, that rush of feel good chemicals produced when we help someone else and show kindness…it’s actually good for us, we wired to give of ourselves.

People who are kind actually live longer, healthier and more satisfying lives. People who volunteer tend to experience less physical pain – Regularly giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease and volunteering has a stronger effect on longevity than exercising four times a week, almost as beneficial to our health as giving up smoking!

One article states that around half the participants in one study reported feeling stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self worth…also that volunteer work substantially reduces symptoms of depression and both helping others and receiving help is associated with lowered anxiety and depression.

Funnily enough, it just so happens that I can recommend an opportunity for you to do good….educating girls and creating income streams for their mums can transform communities …and that feels great!

Love you to get involved.

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Drop us a line and say hi,
Lv Jane

Check out these articles

http://www.webmd.com

http://www.psychologytoday.com/