Recent studies confirm what many of us who have been on Fuller Center for Housing job sites already know — people who volunteer tend to be happier, healthier and more grateful than those who do not. It’s what we might call a “duh!” study.

It’s definitely true, though. And you can pay a free visit to fullercenter.org/volunteer and schedule your volunteer dose anytime. No referrals from your doctor or permission from your insurance provider required!

But does this “volunteer” medicine really work? Well, anecdotally, I can verify that I’ve seen good-hearted folks try this medicine repeatedly, and it sure seems to do them good. I’m afraid many of them have become utterly hooked on it.

Of course, that just confirms what many studies have shown:

• The Cleveland Clinic reports that volunteering “decreases stress levels, depression, anxiety and boosts overall health and satisfaction with life” by triggering serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
• The Mayo Clinic confirms volunteers have lower rates of depression and anxiety — especially among those aged 65 and older.
• Research from Harvard Health shows volunteering enhances social connectedness, which helps ward off loneliness and depression. Harvard Health adds that volunteering can lower blood pressure and increase lifespan
• A study by UTHealth Houston found that children and teens who volunteer have better physical health, more positive outlooks, and lower rates of anxiety and depression.
• The National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine found that volunteering is linked to reduced mortality and functional decline in older adults.
• A Guardian article highlights that among adults aged 65+, volunteering sharply reduces loneliness, promotes purpose, improves grip strength and walking speed, lowers risk of heart attacks/strokes, slows aging, and helps maintain overall health.
• Countless more studies have shown that volunteering boosts self-esteem, problem-solving skills and personal growth while fostering important social bonds.

Oh, and by the way, you also can change the world — in addition to changing yourself — for the better in the process of volunteering. And that kind of medicine is priceless. So, see if volunteerism is right for you at fullercenter.org/volunteer.

Disclaimer: Do not take volunteering if you are allergic to volunteering or any of its ingredients. Do not drink alcohol while volunteering. If you develop a strange red rash on your nose, stop volunteering immediately or put on more sunscreen. If you encounter happy thoughts while volunteering, inform others. Those taking volunteerism on an individual basis may want to consider group volunteerism therapy. Many patients may need repeat doses of volunteerism for maximum effect. Nearly 100 percent of those who try volunteering become addicted.