By Linda Chamberlain
These are all words synonymous with the concept or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others. No doubt many of us have experienced that “helper’s high” when we have given to a charity, or gotten involved in a community outreach project. Science can now explain why we feel warm and fuzzy after helping someone else in need. What’s even more exciting is that one doesn’t need to have the checking account of Bill and Melinda Gates in order to receive the benefits of giving back to the community.
Evidence shows that while sharing in benevolent deeds we actually secrete chemicals in the brain such as serotonin (mediates mood), dopamine (associated with feel-good), and oxytocin (widely referred to as the love hormone). Recent studies reveal other significant health benefits linked to giving back: lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, decreased depression, lower stress levels, and longer life expectancy.
Giving stimulates the mesolimbic pathway, which is the reward center in the brain. This pathway is responsible for releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the “helper’s high” or “giver’s glow.” Because the reward center has been stimulated, this helper’s high becomes addictive, associating this new giving behavior with a desirable consequence.
Pictured below is a telomere. According to an article published in the Atlas, telomeres are the caps at the ends of our chromosomes that protect the DNA code of the genome. The shortening of our telomeres is a natural process that happens as we age, but can be accelerated by chronic stress. Telomere lengthening, however, allows a cell to divide more times before dying; this lengthening has now been linked to delaying the aging process. So, if one of the health benefits of giving back is the mitigation of stress, we could say we are physiologically extending our lives by helping others!
It was always important that my children, at very young ages, understood gratitude. I believed the characteristic of thankfulness would have to be learned by doing; in acts of giving back, sacrificing, and volunteering. We were involved with Angle Trees, Meals on Wheels, singing in nursing homes, food banks, even a couple of mission trips. Some of our favorite memories were made while sharing our time, talents and treasures with others.
Now that you know how giving back can positively impact your health, here are ways to determine how and where you can begin. Explore volunteer opportunities in a new career you have been considering. Perhaps you have always wanted to own a pet; try it out by volunteering at a pet rescue or pet shelter. Maybe you have always dreamed of visiting and discovering a particular city, county, or even a different country; find a volunteer calling and start exploring! Is there something you are particularly good at, perhaps a hobby or interest, that you could share with others? Look for opportunities to use your specific talents to brighten someone else’s day, and excite your own neurochemistry.
If you still need help deciding where to share your kindness, spiritual gifts, and resources, here are several local suggestions.
References:
Clark, Helen. “Telomere-lengthening Procedure Turns Clock Back Years in Human Cells.” Telomere-lengthening Procedure Turns Clock Back Years in Human Cells. Newatlas.com, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
“Loving-Kindness Meditation Practice Associated with Longer Telomeres in Women.” National Center for Biotechnology
Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 19 May 2013. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
Segal, Jeanne, Ph.D, and Lawrence Robinson. “Volunteering
and Its Surprising Benefits.” Volunteering and Its Surprising Benefits: How Giving to Others Makes You Healthier and Happier. Helpguide.org, 22 Oct. 2015. Web. 27 Nov. 2016
Team, By Brain and Spine. “Wanna Give? This Is Your Brain on a ‘Helper’s High'” Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. Clevelandclinic.org, 18 Nov. 2016. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
Linda Chamberlain is the Program Director/Instructor for the Medical Assisting Program at Manatee Technical College. She obtained her A.S. Degree in Medical Assisting and is pursuing a higher degree in Health Science. Linda has been employed in the medical field since her senior year in high school. Linda enjoys making memories with her 5 children and 8 grandchildren, gardening, yoga, and running.
941.751.7900
MTC offers over 50 career certificate programs. For more information, go to www.ManateeTech.edu.