Looking forward to the upcoming holiday season and spending quality time with family and friends? Many will be!
However, for some, the holiday season can be a struggle for a variety of reasons. For the past 17 years, the patients and families of Alliance Chiropractic, have collected toys and gift items to support the Good Shepherd Centres of Hamilton. We believe that giving back to the community is important, and as it turns out, research shows that helping others is also a powerful way to boost your own physical and mental well-being. Let’s explore how.
Helping Others is Good for your Health
You might have heard that helping others can boost your mood, but the health benefits of charity go much deeper. Research shows that those who engage in charitable activities experience lower levels of stress, improved mental health, and even physical benefits. For instance, studies have found that volunteering can reduce inflammation markers in the body, similar to the benefits of regular exercise. Additionally, acts of kindness activate reward centers in the brain, increasing happiness and providing a sense of purpose.
In another study, adults with high blood pressure who spent money on others, experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure, comparable to beginning an exercise routine or adopting a healthier diet. This highlights the profound physical impact that charitable giving can have on health.
The Mental Health Boost of Charity
One of the most immediate benefits of charitable work is the mental boost it offers. Helping others has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by fostering a sense of connection and purpose. When we participate in charity, our brains release oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine—neurochemicals that elevate mood and combat stress. Regular engagement in altruistic activities is also associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults, showing that charity can be as beneficial for the mind as it is for the heart.
Social Health Benefits of Charity
Charitable activities also improve social well-being. Volunteering creates opportunities to connect with others, building friendships and fostering a sense of belonging. Shared experiences can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation while increasing overall life satisfaction. By working towards a common goal, volunteers often develop strong support networks, making charity work a powerful tool for improving a sense of connection at the individual and community level.
Physical Health Perks of Charity
In addition to mental health benefits, giving back has positive effects on physical health. Research shows that charitable activities can increase longevity and reduce the risk of certain chronic illnesses. For example, volunteering has been linked to lower risks of hypertension, while helping others has been shown to improve overall cardiovascular health.
Charity also promotes a more active lifestyle. Whether you are sorting donations, delivering goods, or participating in events, these activities promote movement.
How to Find Local Charities
If you’re interested in exploring other causes, many organizations in Hamilton provide opportunities to give back. You can find local charity organizations by cause by clicking here to see the variety of nonprofits making a difference in our community.
Incorporate Charity Into Your Holiday Season
The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the spirit of giving, with the added bonus of experiencing its positive impact on health and well-being. Here are some simple ways to get involved:
- Donate to our toy drive for Good Shepherd: Your contribution brings joy and hope to local families in need.
- Volunteer locally: Organizations like Good Shepherd are always in need of volunteers for a range of services, from serving meals to assisting in shelters.
- Make charity part of your family tradition: Involve your children and loved ones in giving back by donating toys, food, or clothing.
- Perform random acts of kindness: Whether it’s paying it forward at a coffee shop or helping a neighbour with errands, small acts of kindness add up.
A Reminder About Self-Care
While helping others provides numerous health benefits, it is important to balance charity with self-care. It is easy to become overextended during the holiday season, so set boundaries to avoid burnout. By taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to make a meaningful impact on others.
At Alliance Chiropractic, we know that health is about more than just physical wellness. While our focus remains your musculoskeletal system, we are committed to providing you with information to help inform and educate you on other factors that could affect your health. Social and emotional factors play an essential role in overall well-being. As part of our commitment to the Hamilton community, we encourage you to explore ways to incorporate kindness and
generosity into your life. For those interested in holistic approaches to health, check out our previous blog on Why Helping Others is Good for your Health.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This holiday season, experience the joy and health benefits of charity. Now in its 18th year, Alliance Chiropractic is hosting a toy drive in support of the Good Shepherd Centre’s holiday season outreach programs. Together, we can make a difference for families in need while enhancing our own health through the power of giving.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding this blog or any other health or wellness concern.
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For more information, visit goodshepherdcentres.ca.
Information for this blog was sourced from academic.oup, psychology today, cleveland clinic, and point of light.org.