Do yourself some good…and others, too

by Brandon Leonard, MA March 8, 2010 Comment

Remember the last time you did something nice for someone, just because? It probably felt pretty good. Imagine multiplying that good feeling over many times, and it’s bound to have some positive effects on your own health. For those who have a little or a lot of time to give, volunteering for a cause that means something to you has many benefits. It can help you make connections with people, foster new friendships, and give you the chance to learn about the lives of others. Research has also shown that volunteering can bring health benefits such as lower incidence of heart disease and lower levels of depression. These are some of the findings published in a 2007 report from the Corporation for National and Community Service titled The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research. You can find the press release and the report itself here (http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=687).

It’s not surprising that volunteering can make us healthier. When we give our time to something we care about, we are happy with ourselves and the fact that we are doing something good. In many cases, it is very easy to see that the work we are doing is having a direct and positive impact on others. Staying active through volunteering also keeps our minds and bodies engaged, providing physical and/or mental exercise that is essential for us to thrive. If you find that something is missing from your life, or if you have too much time on your hands, give some thought to an organization or cause that could use your support. Even if it’s just a few hours a month, the time you spend could end up benefiting a lot of people – including yourself.

If you like to volunteer to help the Men’s Health Network, please email Ramon at ramonl@menshealthnetwork.net

Author: Brandon Leonard, MA (has written 11 posts)

Brandon Leonard is a State Coordinator for MHN in California. Born and raised in Southwest Virginia, he graduated from the University of Virginia in 2004 with a degree in Foreign Affairs and Spanish. After receiving a Governor’s Fellowship with the office of Mark Warner, Brandon continued working with the state government for two years as a Policy and Planning Specialist on an initiative promoting community integration for people with disabilities. In this role he worked closely with advocates and government officials, particularly in public health, toward policies that favored independence and community-based care options. Brandon continued his studies at the George Washington University, earning an M.A. in International Development Studies in 2008. That year, he worked with MHN in Washington, D.C. as a researcher on state and local health initiatives for men. He has since moved to the San Francisco area, where he is an International Programs Officer for the Foundation for Sustainable Development. Brandon is excited about promoting men’s health in his new home state and nation-wide.

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