Working without pay? Maybe that’s how you feel about volunteering. Here in my town in Indiana, as in many cities across the country, there is a volunteer network that helps to match those with particular talents, skills, and available time to worthy causes. My colleague, Kay Stroud, writing for the December 3, 2014 edition of the Sunshine Coast Daily, has some enlightening research to share on this subject. Celebrate International Volunteer Day by getting out and helping (and by reading Kay’s article!) She helps us to see how volunteering can be good for your health and sense of wellbeing. Here’s Kay:
International Volunteer Day falls on 5 December each year; a day established by the United Nations to raise awareness of all that volunteers add to our economic and social development, at every level in the global community.
Did you know that your “attitude of gratitude” which has led you to volunteer is adding to your health and wellbeing; whether it’s in collecting for a worthwhile cause, giving your time and expertise in community service organisations like Surf Life Saving Australia, working on school P&Cs; or for Meals on Wheels or church-based community organisations?
Scientists have been accumulating considerable evidence that verifies what spiritual thinkers have long affirmed: “a grateful heart” that is ready to be of service is beneficial to our health.
The International Journal of Person Centered Medicine published a study (http://www.ijpcm.org/index.php/IJPCM/article/view/154) which examined fifty investigations into the health benefits experienced by individuals who act sincerely to help others. The evidence included studies on benefits such as…