As Stephen Post declares in his scientific report ‘It’s Good to Be Good’¹: “It would be difficult to identify any pill or vitamin with such a pronounced self-reported impact on so many lives.” read more
Helping others is the foundation of peer support groups. It is an antidote to loneliness that is so prevalent. In his report, Post reports some of the many reasons why helping others is good:
- 68% of those who help others said it “has made me feel physically healthier”
- 92% that it “enriches my sense of purpose in life”
- 89% that it “has improved my sense of well-being”
- 73% that it “lowers my stress levels”
- 96% that it “makes people happier”
- 77% that it “improves emotional health”
- 78% that it helps with recovery “from loss and disappointment”
- Those who help others have less trouble sleeping, less anxiety, less helplessness & hopelessness;
- Those who help others have better friendships and social networks, and a sense of control over chronic conditions
But how much is enough?
The Magic Number – 2 Hours a Week
Post states that volunteering generates happiness, reduces depression and loneliness. But some studies suggest that there is a volunteering threshold—more is not always better. This is not a hard and fast rule, as everyone experiences volunteering in different ways. Generally speaking though, studies suggest that volunteering 2 hours per week is necessary to achieve the health benefits associated with helping others.¹ That is great news for us—something we can work towards. How can we find ways to make it easy for others to achieve this?
Attending a Peer Support Group = One hour of volunteering—tick, done.
Attending a peer support group program means we are listening, supporting and helping one another. The act of simply listening attentively when others talk has a positive impact on stress-related illnesses. Bringing our attention and intention off of ourselves and on to others, improves well-being.
So how can we create another hour and make it easy for more group members to do the same? There are of course, unlimited ways for anyone to volunteer their time. Inviting someone to attend the peer support group is a great way to do it. Who in their neighbourhood might benefit from trying out the group? A friend, a family member. Use the invite cards provided with the Java programs. Mention it at the end of each group – who can we invite next week to attend our group? So simple and so good.
¹It’s Good to Be Good: 15th Annual Scientific Report on health, happiness and helping others. Stephen G. Post, PhD.