How much do we need to give?
It has long been known that volunteering can remarkably improve a person’s health; but how much time do you need to devote in order to reap the rewards of good health? A study of 4,860 elderly people found strong positive effects from a combination of volunteering and paid work up to about 100 hours a year, with no extra boost to wellbeing for those who did more than 100 hours.
It has long been known that volunteering can remarkably improve a person’s health; but how much time do you need to devote in order to reap the rewards of good health?
A study of 4,860 elderly people found strong positive effects from a combination of volunteering and paid work up to about 100 hours a year, with no extra boost to wellbeing for those who did more than 100 hours.
While the study could not separate the effects of volunteer work alone, and there were always variations from one person to the next, it seems we do not have to put “too much time” in each week to receive benefits, according to researchers.
“And even volunteering on a random one-off basis would have immediate effects on our wellbeing,” researchers added.
However, researchers recommended people – particularly those who are older – do not “over do it”, recommending if you do not have time to commit to regular volunteer work, you can experience the benefits by practising simple acts of kindness.
In one of the most famous studies, students asked to practise five random acts of kindness a week for six weeks experienced a more than 40% increase in self-reported happiness levels, measured on a type of standardised questionnaire.
Are you a volunteer? How much time do you dedicate to helping those in need? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comment box below.
