helping

The unexpected benefits of volunteering: Happiness, health, and connection

A study published in Social Science and Medicine found that people who volunteer regularly report higher life satisfaction and greater happiness than those who don’t. In fact, some researchers say the mental health benefits of volunteering are comparable to those of regular exercise.  Why? Because volunteering gives us a sense of purpose. When we help someone else—whether it’s cooking a meal for a shelter, mentoring a student, or walking a dog at a rescue centre—we’re reminded that our actions matter. That we matter.