Can volunteer work help make me happier?
-
Dr. Edward Phillips answered:Helping others kindles happiness, as many studies have demonstrated. When researchers at the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness in a large group of American adults, they found the more people volunteered, the happier they were, according to a study in Social Science and Medicine. Compared with people who never volunteered, the odds of being "very happy" rose 7% among those who volunteer monthly and 12% for people who volunteer every two to four weeks. Among weekly volunteers, 16% felt very happy—a hike in happiness comparable to having an income of $75,000—$100,000 versus $20,000, say the researchers. Giving time to religious organizations had the greatest impact.Helping others kindles happiness, as many studies have demonstrated. When researchers at the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness in a large group of American adults, they found... More -
RealAge answered:Volunteering at a nearby school or retirement residence, running to the pharmacy for a sick friend or lending emotional support to a loved one can give your happiness quotient a big boost. How? Giving back and bonding with others inspires gratitude for what life has given you, and can help you define your purpose in life. The secret to being happy may be realizing that true happiness isn't about being high on life all the time, but slowing down enough to share your natural gifts with others
Volunteering at a nearby school or retirement residence, running to the pharmacy for a sick friend or lending emotional support to a loved one can give your happiness quotient a big boost. How? Giving back and bonding with others inspires... More
