Helping others can be good for your health.
A study by United Health Group and Optum Institute showed 76 percent of volunteers said the work made them feel healthier; 94 percent said volunteering improved their mood.
Even more interesting, a quarter of the volunteers surveyed said it helped them manage a chronic illness over the past year. Volunteers said their work helped them better control stress, gave them a sense of purpose and helped them take greater control over their health.
Source: http://www.wthr.com/story/25751586/2014/06/11/volunteers-say-helping-others-helped-their-own-health