What if someone promised you a happier, healthier life – and had the secret to reducing stress and improving your mood? Would you be interested?
It all starts with service.
Generally speaking, there are two areas of service that are more well-practiced than others: volunteering and giving. From 2022 – 2023, around 28.3% of Americans formally volunteered.1
So, why is it that we feel good after giving up our Saturday morning to help clean up trash at the beach? Why do we feel happier after giving away our money and time? And, better yet, why do we continue to serve?
When someone helps others, the brain’s reward center is activated, releasing serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. This chemical response is why many people experience a boost in mood or overall well-being after volunteering.2
Oxytocin is also responsible for the runner’s high that many athletes feel. A runner once described it as, “All is right with the world, I can do anything!” As we connect with a feeling of accomplishment or with other people as we serve, our brain releases oxytocin into our bloodstream, giving us a shot of this feel-good hormone.
Because of this, research shows that there is a strong relationship between serving and health. Volunteers reported feeling less stressed, physically healthier, and having an improved mood.
The good news is that you can make a difference today by doing a random act of kindness. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-through line or pick up trash that you may see. Write positive sticky notes and put them around your office. Cook a meal for someone; welcome a new neighbor to your street. The options truly are endless.
Choosing to help others, through service or giving, can sometimes feel like a step outside of your comfort zone. But the payoffs for your health and well-being are undeniable. Find a way to spend your time investing in the lives of others or improving a condition in your community and it is guaranteed you will find it changing your life.
1. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2024/11/civic-engagement-and-volunteerism.html
