Living Happy | The Benefits of Giving Back

Living happy should be easy.  But it’s not always as simple as you think.  Especially during the holiday season.  The holidays help us to remember and reflect.  It’s a time to be thankful.  It is also a great time to focus on giving back to your family, friends and community. When you do good, you feel good. People of all ages enjoy the feeling of being a contributing member of society, a team or charity. This propels us to participate in activities that make a difference and support our local communities in which we serve. Not only does it feel good to know that you’re doing a good deed, but it also benefits a person’s overall health to live happier.

Promotes Physical Activity

According to a study referenced by ScienceDaily, volunteering your time is linked to health benefits like an increase in physical activity. It is important to sustain physical activity, but can be even more vital as we get older. As we age, the decrease in strength and stamina arises and is somewhat tied to a decrease in physical activities. With this in mind, any type of activity can be beneficial to the health of older adults. Although this year is looking a little different being socially distanced, charities have gotten creative in hosting online events and activities that promote physical activity in a safe way.  For example, The Alzheimer’s Association hosted its first ever virtual walk to end Alzheimer’s – from walking trails or even just taking steps in place at your home, participants are still walking for a cause and remain connected virtually.

Helps Prevent Isolation & Depression

For some, the holiday season is full of joy and happiness spent with family and friends. Others may experience symptoms of holiday stress and depression from: unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and excessive commitments. Loneliness and depression are some of the most common issues that senior citizens face, especially when transitioning to different healthcare environments. This is even more prevalent with the current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions for social distancing and quarantining. Participating in volunteer programs that encourage teamwork among many different groups of people is a great way for older adults to interact with those around them, even when interactions are done virtually. By volunteering your time this holiday season, it can help you stay engaged and mentally active. Participating in virtual group activities helps to provide seniors a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Many charities have switched efforts to online, such as Toys For Tots which allows individuals to purchase toys online instead of bringing them in person. Enabling less fortunate children to still receive a gift on Christmas.

Boosts the Spirit

At Spring Hills, we understand the benefits of giving back and how a simple good deed can boost the spirit and turn into a healthy activity that can be enjoyed year-round. No matter where you are in life, the benefits of giving back can be enjoyed at any time for all ages.  Senior citizens, especially, can use it as a way to further their own personal development at a point in their lives where they didn’t even know they still could. Young children can turn it into a yearly tradition to look forward to.  So, this holiday season, remember to reflect, give thanks and give some of your blessings back. It is not only good for those in need, but it is good for you, too. If you are interested in understanding more about what each of our locations currently offer in terms of programming, stop by or give them a call.