We know that volunteering for a good cause helps others.

Research now shows that the volunteers are also helping themselves be healthier: physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.

What do you think is the greatest health benefit of volunteering? (Pause for a moment to come up with your answer.)

When I conducted an informal poll, many of my friends had answers like “feeling good” and “feeling useful.” Others spoke of greater empathy, a new perspective on life and increased self-esteem.

Indeed, these are all real advantages of donating our time and energy on a regular basis. However, no one mentioned living longer or being physically healthier. Should they have?

Yes! We can enjoy all of these benefits and more by volunteering one to two hours per week! Here are some encouraging facts from recent scientific studies:

Better physical health: Canadian teenagers who volunteered at an after-school program lowered their weight and cholesterol levels. Young married women who volunteered through age 55 were physically healthier than those who did not. Adults over 55 who tutored children through Experience Corps showed greater stamina and flexibility and 24 percent lower mortality risk.

No matter what our age, volunteering gets us moving and encourages us to take care of our own health. Older adults seem to gain the greatest physical benefits, including increased brain function and greater longevity.

Better mental health: Fewer instances of depression and reduced anxiety are well-documented advantages of helping others. War veterans have recovered from PTSD through specially designed programs volunteering at animal shelters.

In general, taking time away from our personal problems to meet a community need widens our perspective, promoting mindfulness and appreciation for what we have.

Better social health: By spending time with others towards a common cause, we forge connections with like-minded people. These relationships replace loneliness and social isolation with feelings of happiness and belonging. We experience both pride and joy from participating in the life of a community.

Better emotional health: Volunteers exhibit increased emotional stability and greater self-esteem. These traits are inextricably tied to our physical, mental and social health. For example, when we feel better about ourselves (self-esteem), we are less likely to seek solace in physically detrimental behaviors such as overeating or drug abuse. 

To experience these benefits, researchers have discovered a “volunteering threshold”: 100 hours over the course of a year is the magic number. To learn more, look up the publication “The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research” by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

To begin volunteering, consider your skills and interests and look for a need. The holidays are a great time of year to jump in and lend a hand.

Consider area organizations like the Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Optimist Club, the Niles Service League, our local schools, libraries, nursing homes, senior centers — the list goes on.

Let’s improve our own lives while improving the lives of others. Here’s to our health, southwest Michigan!

Chrissie Kaufmann teaches (and volunteers) at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.