Helping Others is Good for Your Health

My mom was my best friend. She was the first one who I would call to share any news, and she always listened patiently to my ideas, observations and thoughts. But she didn’t have much patience for complaining, and whenever I did so, she would say something that drove me crazy: “If you feel sorry for yourself, do something to help someone else.”

“But how could doing something for someone else help me? She just doesn’t get it,” I remember thinking.

But according to a 2007 publication from the Corporation for National and Community Service called “The Health Benefits of Volunteering,” volunteering can provide social and health benefits for those who volunteer.

The benefits are increased for those older than 60 and for those who volunteer for two hours per week or more. Here are some of the benefits mentioned in the publication:

• Greater sense of life satisfaction and increased sense of purpose
• Lower rates of depression
• A larger social network, which helps to decrease stress
• Increased longevity and lowered mortality rate
• Lessened symptoms of chronic illness and heart disease

But why does volunteering make us healthier and happier? According to the website HelpGuide.org, volunteering can increase our self confidence and support systems and can keep us physically active. It’s also a great way to exercise our creativity and hone our skills in teamwork, communication, problem solving and organization.

This website also says that to find the right volunteer position, the key is to find one that you would enjoy and are capable of. The more satisfaction you have as a volunteer, the better your contributions will be and the more likely you’ll continue as a volunteer. The site points out that anyone can volunteer, and some of the most valuable skills are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed and a positive attitude. 

Here are some ideas for how to find volunteer opportunities, with links to some organizations right here in Brecksville:

• Online databases like one here on Brecksville Patch
• Community theaters like
• Food donation centers like the
• Libraries, such as the
• Centers for seniors, such as the
• Service organizations, including the  or the
• Youth organizations, sports teams and after-school programs
• and local parks like the Brecksville Nature Center in the
• Nonprofit organizations like the and charitable organizations like the 
• Places of worship such as churches, temples or synagogues

Although I don’t remember my mom volunteering at many organizations, I do remember that she spent her life doing things for others, being a good listener and giving wise advice. Thanks, Mom.