- The reasons and ways giving affects well-being
- The types of giving that can improve health
- Volunteer opportunities at Carilion Clinic
Does giving to others have health benefits? According to Tracey Criss, M.D., with Carilion Clinic Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, the answer is a definite yes.
"Research indicates that giving social support is related to a lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure," said Dr. Criss. "Those with a higher tendency to give social support have greater self-esteem, less depression and less stress than those with a lower tendency to give social support."
We don't automatically associate self-esteem and blood pressure with helping others, but we all know how good it makes us feel.
"Many people feel fulfilled and energized by giving to others," explained Dr. Criss. "Helping others is beneficial for one's own mental health and can improve well-being."
What does giving look like? The many different ways to give include:
- Helping someone in a time of need
- Making a donation to a charity or community group
- Sharing your time and talents
You don't have to spend months training and certifying Pet Pals support animals like the volunteers in the video to get a boost of healthy energy! Even small kindnesses like letting someone with just a few items go before you and your full grocery cart can improve your day as much as theirs.
With those kinds of benefits, "giving more" sounds like a resolution worth keeping!
Find out how you can share your time and help others by visiting our volunteers page and the Carilion Foundation. Another opportunity to give is at Roanoke's Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for families whose little ones are being treated at Carilion Children's Hospital.
