Guest Blog

Forget Veggies-Science Shows Volunteering Is Healthier Volunteers nationwide tell Points of Light that they are happier, and healthier people as a result of their volunteer roles, so we say, "forget veggies-science shows volunteering is healthier." Now, scientists are catching up with what these points of light are telling us, demonstrating that the benefits are tangible — mentally and physically — and a reason why so many keep coming back to help. They just feel better when they put others first. And this is despite the fact that the nature of their work often puts them in close contact with people who are suffering from illness, victims of crime or natural disasters, homeless, lonely, despairing or even dying. How can that be? Let’s start with looking at the difference between two words that are often used interchangeably: empathy and compassion. Empathy is defined as “the visceral or emotional experience of another [...]