Study: Social Engagement Makes You Happier and Healthier
Satisfaction was about 13 percentage points higher among socially engaged individuals. People who do something for others have a 78 percent satisfaction rate, which is significantly above the population average of 65 percent. 77 percent of volunteers describe themselves as happy, and 71 percent speak of good self-esteem. The values are lower in the general population, where only 63 percent are happy and 58 percent have positive self-esteem.
Life More Meaningful and Fulfilling
Additionally, volunteers are more resilient in dealing with difficult situations (69 percent; general population: 55 percent) and perceive their lives as more meaningful and fulfilling (70 percent; general population: 57 percent). Eight out of ten employed volunteers rate the opportunity to engage voluntarily (also) during their working hours positively. The majority of all employed individuals see a mental benefit from social engagement at work (57 percent).
Nearly two-thirds of all active volunteers have made new friendships through their activities (65 percent), 60 percent have developed new skills, and 58 percent feel overall more emotionally balanced. In addition to better mental health, socially engaged people share a number of other characteristics. Among them are particularly many optimists (72 percent; general population: 57 percent) and extroverted individuals (44 percent, general population: 30 percent). Noticeable differences are also evident in terms of self-esteem: While the majority of socially engaged individuals rate theirs as good to very good (71 percent), only slightly more than half (58 percent) of the general population report equally positive self-confidence.
Study: Volunteers Physically Fitter
Apart from psychological aspects, social engagement also correlates with physical condition. Half of all volunteers feel physically more active due to their activities (50 percent) and describe themselves overall as fitter (47 percent, general population: 35 percent). 53 percent of socially engaged individuals lead an overall active lifestyle with plenty of exercise and sports, while the average value is 40 percent.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.