If you are a runner like me, you understand the term “runner’s high”, the state of euphoria that makes you feel like you could run forever and conquer the world. If you are not a runner, you might better understand the term endorphins, which are released during a workout and trigger a positive feeling in the body.
Aside from running and working out, when can you think of a time you’ve experienced that euphoric feeling in another normal day-to-day activity? The first thing that comes to my mind is human contact, either in a physical way or in a mental capacity such as helping someone out.
When you think of what a runner’s high and an individual connection have in common, it is The Feel Good Factor. An experience that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, that you are making a difference and that you have a higher purpose.
If you’re thinking to yourself that you know a lot of this already, you may not know what I am about to share next. New research from the Royal Voluntary Service “shows that volunteering just once a week sparks more joy than any other activity, and matches that feeling of a ‘runner’s high’”. And “of those who claimed to have experienced ‘runner’s high’…almost three quarters (73%) consider the feeling of volunteering to be equivalent or event better.”
As it relates to an event, volunteering checks all the boxes that make up The Feel Good Factor. Every now and then think about forgoing the hangover from a late night party, and instead experience the positive emotions that come out of volunteering. The same research from the Royal Voluntary Service also shares that amongst first time volunteers” 34% felt less stress, 42% felt a positive effect on their physical health, 65% felt a positive effect on their happiness levels and 37% felt less lonely.”
In the world we live in today, hidden behind social media, we all crave human interaction for our overall well-being. Everydayhero explains that the “5 key ingredients for well-being are: 1) Positive emotions 2) A Sense of engagement in what we do 3) Caring relationships 4) Undertaking meaningful activities 5) A sense of accomplishment” all which can be fulfilled through volunteering.
If you have thought recently about wanting more purpose in your life or anything described above when the runner’s high isn’t cutting it anymore, you should get involved in your local community. If you don’t know where to start, look internally to your business. And if your business doesn’t know where to start, then turn to Lucky Forks, we’ll show you the way!