A significant relationship has been revealed between the spirit of kindness, compassion, selfless help and volunteering and human health. Photo: File
London: Although proper diet, exercise, weight loss and other important aspects of health are essential. However, now experts have said that factors like kindness, compassion, voluntary service and charity also have the most important effects on health, along with regular exercise.
London University experts have conducted a long-term survey of more than 48 thousand people in this regard. The study, called the UK Household Longitudinal Survey, examines all aspects of health. It has revealed a relationship between social services, particularly helping others, and chronic pain. Overall, it can increase longevity and strengthen the body’s natural defense (immune) system.
All participants were asked to answer if they had donated any amount in the past year. Two-thirds of them said they donate money to a good cause and one in five said they had also done volunteer work in the same twelve months.
Interestingly, people who donated money or charity did experience some reduction in their chronic pain, regardless of where it was in the body. It was more effective in volunteers. This is because volunteering is like exercise.
According to psychologist Dr. Audrey Tang, when you donate money or volunteer, chemicals called endorphins are released, which reduce pain and induce relaxation. In 2013, experts at the University of Arizona found that people over the age of 55 who regularly gave to charity had a 24 percent lower risk of premature death.
In this way, compassion, helpfulness and volunteering not only reduce the severity of suffering but can also prolong life.
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