What Doing Good Can Do For You
Allen Luks’ book, with co-author Peggy Payne, The Healing Power of Doing Good is the result of analyzing the experience of thousands of do-gooders. Most of the volunteers reported what Luks calls “helper’s high” - a physical and emotional sensation of euphoria that lasts for days or weeks and spreads into other areas of the volunteer’s life. Luks also found that the sensation returns when that act of good is remembered and the more you volunteer and do things for others, the more benefits you receive.

Among the benefits Luks found you get from volunteering are:

• A more optimistic outlook


• Increased energy


• Better perceived health


• Decreased feelings of loneliness and depression


• Better weight control


• Less pain


• A greater sense of relaxation and improvement in sleep


• A stronger immune system