Giving Time Reduces Chronic Pain

[Tamberly Mott]

I don't need to be convinced that this (see Dear Encourage below) is
true......I have experienced it for myself! Why take a pill when you
can change a life instead?!!

The following is an excerpt from the Institute On Aging web site.
Dear Encourage,
I am encouraged by something I discovered recently about myself: I
started volunteering at a youth center helping teens with their
homework because a friend of mine was doing it and she thought it
might be good for me to try something new. And guess what? I am
finding that my helping others is also helping me! I have been living
with chronic pain from arthritis for a long time and somehow this work
has brought me some relief-the pain is still present, but it has
subsided quite a bit. I am feeling better and better and have more
energy than before I started volunteering.

Can this be possible that helping others is actually relieving the
severity of my chronic pain?
- Pleasantly Surprised

Dear Pleasantly Surprised,
What you are describing has been referred to as the "Helper's High."
Stephen Post explains why in his book, "Why Good Things Happen to Good
People." He provides scientific evidence that indicates that giving of
one's time (or money) not only feels good, but can also improve one's
health.

"Giving is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver. Science
says it's so. We'll be happier, healthier, and even -- odds are --
live a little longer if we're generous. To get involved with someone
else's problems makes your problems look a lot less," Post said.

Post also points out in his book that there are at least five studies
showing that seniors who gave tended to live longer. A research
project at Duke University Medical Center provided evidence that
individuals with a history of heart attacks who were asked to visit
patients hospitalized with cardiac problems and listen and be a
supportive and reassuring presence to these patients had better health
themselves after their heart attacks.

The following are some possible benefits of giving to others:
· Strengthening the immune-system.
· A decrease in both the intensity and the awareness of physical pain.
· Activation of the emotions that are vital to the maintaining good
health.
· Reduction of the incidence of attitudes, such as chronic hostility,
that negatively arouse and damage the body.
· The multiple benefits to the body's systems provided by stress
relief.
· Experiencing a "helper's high," a rush of euphoria, followed by a
longer period of calm, after performing a kind act.

Thank you for bringing this pleasantly surprising revelation to the
attention of others. It seems that in our society, we are in the habit
of reacting to our physical and emotional pain by either taking a pill
or doing nothing when in fact reaching out to others may be just what
the doctor would order!

Many thanks to all who attended the first Mentor Orientation
yesterday. It was wonderful growing with all of you! For those who
were not able to attend, our next meeting (following our Holiday
Dinner/Dance at the 23 Club on 12/5 5-9pm) will be on January 5th, 7
to 8pm.
Description of Mentor Orientations- These seminars are Q&A meetings
for all adults interested in learning more about our program. We will
describe all of the elements of our programming and our educational
curriculum, as well as the various ways individuals can support-
collaborate- and/or receive services from our program. Some older
adults may choose to send a representative to check out the program to
see if this program meets their needs and/or interests.
All interested potential volunteers are welcome - even those who are
not serving as mentors.
Making Life Matter,
Tamberly Mott