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What’s the secret to happiness and life satisfaction? Is it landing your dream job? Meeting the love of your life? Maybe it’s being able to afford a new sports car, or losing 10 pounds, or traveling to a new place. Or is it something more? Turns out, life satisfaction has more to do with what you do for others and less to do with what you do for yourself.

Volunteerism & Health

Research shows that volunteering your time to help others has numerous health effects. People who volunteer have greater life satisfaction and self-esteem. They also have lower rates of symptoms of depression compared to those who do not volunteer. 94% of individuals say that volunteering improves their mood! And 96% say that it gives them a sense of purpose.

Easy Ways to Give Back

1) Download some Apps

Giving back to others could be as simple as downloading an app! Love to run (or dance or bike)? Then check out Charity Miles. This app donates money to a charity of your choice for every mile you move. Love to take pictures? Donate a Picture donates $1 to your favorite charity for every photo you submit to them. You’re allowed 1 photo a day – meaning you can donate $365 by simply lifting your finger. There are are a TON of charity apps out there. Do some research and find one that fits in with your lifestyle.

2) Donate Blood

Next time there’s a blood drive in your area – sign up! The decision to donate blood can save a life (or even several lives). It can help trauma patients, cancer patients, burn patients, and individuals with chronic diseases. Visit redcrossblood.org for more information!

3) Out with The Old

One of my favorite ways to give back is to donate my old clothes, shoes, and blankets. That shirt you never wear? Someone else might benefit from it! Have a ton of old blankets? Drop them off at the animal shelter. It’s a super easy and effective way to help others!

 

So, how do you Get Up and Give Back? Let us know!

 

Written by GUADS staff member Angelina with contributions from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, huffingtonpost.com, redcrossblood.org