Did You Know?

Volunteering Just 2 Hours a Week Can Lower Stress

Life can feel overwhelming, but what if something as simple as giving your time could bring more peace?

Research shows that volunteering just two hours a week—about 100 hours a year—can significantly reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Here’s how giving back can help you feel better, too.

1. Lower Stress Naturally

Helping others activates the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine and endorphins, which naturally reduce stress and boost mood. You’re not just doing good—you’re feeling good.

2. Improve Heart Health

A Carnegie Mellon University study found that adults over 50 who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure, lowering their risk for heart disease.

3. Feel More Fulfilled

Volunteers report greater life satisfaction, a stronger sense of purpose, and fewer feelings of loneliness or anxiety. Many say that volunteering gives them something to look forward to.

4. Prevent Burnout

Even busy professionals benefit from small, intentional acts of service. A study in Switzerland showed that volunteers had lower emotional exhaustion, despite working high-demand jobs.

Small Actions. Big Impact.

Whether you're helping out at a food pantry, mentoring a young person, calling a senior, or organizing a neighborhood cleanup, you don’t need hours of free time to make a difference. Two hours a week is enough to feel more grounded, less stressed, and more connected to your community.

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