Improve Your Health Through Service

The beneficial effects of volunteering on health outcomes have been well documented. Research has found that participation in voluntary services is significantly predictive of a better state of health.

The data distinguish between two types of volunteering. “Self-oriented” volunteering and “other-oriented” volunteering.  

Self-oriented being that which is done primarily for the benefit of the one providing the service (I.e volunteering to gain perspective, practice discipline, or for other self-improvement purposes) and other-oriented service which is volunteering for the sole purpose of benefiting those who receive the service (selfless service).

What is interesting is that both types of service produce comparable health benefits for the volunteer.  Time and again research has shown that volunteering positively correlates with the following aspects of health: 

• Greater life satisfaction.

• Improved self-esteem.

• Increased happiness.

• Lower depressive symptoms.

• Less psychological distress.  

• Decreased mortality and morbidity. 

• Greater functional ability.

What’s more, some studies suggest that the benefits of volunteering are reciprocal, in that both those who give and those who receive assistance benefit.