You know that volunteering is good for your community. Did you know it’s also good for your brain? Researchers have known for a long time that helping out others makes you feel better. Your brain produces dopamine and endorphins and other feel-good chemicals when you reach out to help. But a recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health showed even longer- lasting benefits than that momentary glow of goodness. The study found that people who volunteered maintained or increased the size of their memory centers (which usually decrease over time). Volunteering also helped women in particular improve their physical health, which of course is crucial to brain health. Re- searchers theorize that these physical improvements could help improve executive function (decision making). Another study showed that volunteers have lower blood pressure, which means less likelihood of stroke and other health problems.
Key elements of brain-boosting volunteering include working in teams (socializing helps the brain), problem-solving (practice makes perfect), and sharing knowledge (having a purpose makes your brain happy). In other words, simple tasks you perform by yourself are unlikely to boost your brain as much.