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Health Benefits of Volunteering

Health Benefits of Volunteering. National Monitor, August 2013. University Exeter Medical School May improve mental health & live longer Biological & cultural factors Worldwide volunteering rates – 22.5% Europe 36% Australia 27% United States (Dr Suzanne Richards, 2013). Helpers High.

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Health Benefits of Volunteering

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  1. Health Benefits of Volunteering

  2. National Monitor, August 2013 • University Exeter Medical School • May improve mental health & live longer • Biological & cultural factors • Worldwide volunteering rates – • 22.5% Europe • 36% Australia • 27% United States (Dr Suzanne Richards, 2013)

  3. Helpers High • Study involved over 3,000 • Frequent helpers reported physical effects • Similar to those who are physically active or meditate • Endorphins released during positive social contact • Counteract body’s agitated conditions Allen Luks, 1988

  4. Stony Brook University • 2009 study of 5,000 Americans • Volunteers felt physically healthier, happier, less stressed and slept better • Health benefits • Meaningful activities • Made people feel like they mattered • Adjust to change Dr Stephen Post

  5. Reviews…. • More than 40 published papers… • Volunteers 20% lower risk of death • Lower levels of depression • Increased life satisfaction • Enhanced well being

  6. Health and wellbeing • Volunteering can lowerdepression levels. • Volunteering is beneficial on heart and lung functions. • Volunteering has positive effects on mental and emotional problems. • … if you want to be happy, try volunteering.

  7. Happiness Effect • Helping others kindles happiness • Experience ‘warm glow’ • Feel stronger & more energetic • Positive moods • Less anxiety & feelings of helplessness

  8. Doctors should be prescribing Volunteering • News reports across the globe • In some cases… all that’s needed is a good ‘dose’ of volunteering • Forget traditional pills • Feel good factors • Endorphins, happy hormones • Helpers high

  9. Volunteering - Health benefits • Live longer – up to 10 years… • Less heart disease • Lower levels of depression • Less chronic pain • Lower blood pressure • Improved immune system • Helps you lose weight, reduce alcohol consumption& smoking

  10. Personal benefits… • Enhanced well–being • More connected • Lifelong learning • Positive self-identity / sense of purpose • Sense of control • Making a difference • Improved love life!

  11. Benefit #1 - Connections • Make new friends & contacts • Increases your social & relationship skills • Volunteering as family

  12. Benefit #2- Mind & Body • Increases self-confidence • Combats depression • Stay physically healthy

  13. Benefit #3- Career Growth • Provides career experience • Teaches valuable job skills • Pathway to employment

  14. Benefit #4- Fun & Fulfilment • Renewed creativity, motivation & vision • Consider your hobbies & interests • Consider your goals

  15. Head, Hands & Heart Activity

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