Serving Others, Strengthening You: The Benefits of Volunteering

We’ve all heard that serving others is “good for the soul,” but did you know there’s solid science behind why it makes us feel so great? Engaging in acts of service doesn’t just help the people we’re assisting—it has a profound impact on our own well-being, too. From improving mental health to building emotional resilience, the benefits of volunteering stretch far beyond the feel-good moments.

Serving others can play a powerful role in your wellness journey, strengthening your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Let’s explore the science behind why giving back is not only a gift to others but also one of the best things you can do for yourself.

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Serving Builds Mental Resilience

When we talk about mental fitness, we’re referring to the strength of your mind to handle stress, stay focused, and bounce back from challenges. Just like physical exercise strengthens your body, certain activities can strengthen your brain and emotional resilience. Volunteering is one of those activities.

Scientific studies have shown that helping others can lower stress levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is largely due to the brain's release of “feel-good” chemicals, such as dopamine and oxytocin, when we engage in acts of kindness. These chemicals create a sense of happiness and reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which helps you feel more relaxed and emotionally balanced.

In fact, a study from the University of Exeter found that people who volunteered regularly reported better mental health, greater life satisfaction, and fewer feelings of stress. The researchers suggest that the social connections made through volunteering are key to these positive effects. When we volunteer, we meet new people, connect with our community, and feel a deeper sense of purpose—all of which contribute to building mental resilience.

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Building Mental Fitness Through Serving:

When we serve, we’re often placed in new or challenging environments that require problem-solving, patience, and empathy. These experiences help build mental resilience, equipping us to handle everyday stressors more effectively. By focusing on others, we also shift our perspective, reducing negative self-talk and promoting a more positive outlook on life.

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Serving Can Strengthen Your Body

It might be surprising to learn that serving others also benefits your physical health. But it’s true—research shows that volunteering can actually lead to a longer, healthier life.

A study published in the journal Health Psychology found that people who volunteered regularly were at a lower risk of dying prematurely than those who didn’t. The researchers attribute this to several factors, including the positive emotional impact of volunteering, which can help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Another study from Carnegie Mellon University showed that older adults who volunteered at least 200 hours a year were less likely to develop high blood pressure than their non-volunteering peers.

Beyond long-term health benefits, volunteering often encourages physical activity. Whether it’s packing meals, cleaning up community spaces, or organizing events, many acts of service get you moving, which can improve fitness, flexibility, and overall energy levels.

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Why Serving Is Good for Your Body:

Engaging in physical activity through service can help boost your immune system, lower cholesterol, and improve cardiovascular health. Even lighter forms of volunteer work, such as walking door-to-door for a charity event or setting up tables at a local fair, can contribute to a more active lifestyle.

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Serving Boosts Emotional Well-being

Serving others has a profound emotional impact, often creating a sense of fulfillment and joy. Psychologists call this feeling the “helper’s high,” and it’s a real thing. When you help someone, your brain rewards you with a rush of positive feelings, which can lift your mood and promote emotional stability.

Research from Harvard University suggests that acts of kindness lead to a rise in oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” which helps foster feelings of connection and trust. This hormone can help reduce feelings of loneliness and combat symptoms of depression. Additionally, volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which boosts your overall self-esteem.

One of the greatest emotional benefits of serving is that it shifts the focus from our own worries to the needs of others. This can be incredibly freeing and helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. By practicing empathy and compassion, we cultivate emotional resilience and improve our emotional intelligence, which can enhance our relationships and communication skills.

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Emotional Resilience Through Serving:

Helping others can act as a powerful emotional reset. If you’ve ever had a bad day and found yourself feeling better after simply helping someone else, you’ve experienced this firsthand. Serving provides a healthy distraction from our personal struggles, giving us the emotional distance to gain new perspectives and respond to challenges more calmly.

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Serving Deepens Spiritual Connection

Serving others is often described as a spiritual practice. It helps us connect with something greater than ourselves, whether it’s our faith, our community, or the idea of making the world a better place. For many people, volunteering is a way to live out their values and contribute to something that feels deeply meaningful.

In the context of SoulCare®, serving reminds us that we’re all interconnected and that we have the power to make a positive impact on the world. This sense of purpose and belonging is central to many spiritual traditions, and can bring peace, fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

Research shows that people who engage in regular acts of service often report a greater sense of spiritual well-being. Volunteering can provide time for reflection, moments of gratitude, and opportunities to practice humility—all of which contribute to spiritual growth.

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Serving as a SoulCare® Practice:

Whether it’s volunteering at a faith-based organization, mentoring someone in need, or simply helping a neighbor, serving others can deepen your connection to your spiritual values. It reminds us that true joy comes from giving, not receiving, and that by helping others, we’re also nurturing our own souls.

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Serving others is one of the most powerful ways to enhance your well-being, from building mental fitness and resilience to improving your physical and emotional health. Volunteering isn’t just about what you give—it’s about what you gain. When you engage in acts of service, you’re nurturing yourself in profound ways, creating a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment that positively impacts every aspect of your life.

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This November, as part of Forte’s SoulCare® practice, consider making time to intentionally serve others. Whether you volunteer with an organization, help a friend, or simply spread kindness in small ways, remember that every act of service has the power to build a stronger, healthier you.

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