Among physical benefits like lower mortality rates, stronger immune systems and a decrease in physical pain, humanitarian acts are said to have mind-healing qualities as well.

If you’re a regular traveler down the helper’s highway, you’ll know that its euphoric high is not always a lasting sensation. The second phase produces a calming effect on the helper, much like that found through meditation. These calm feelings are similar whether you are practicing yoga or helping out at the local hospital; both activities will allow you to become focused on that which is outside of yourself. In turn, this helps reduce overall stress.

It has been noted that this stress reduction also stems from an increase in self-worth; in fact, 57 percent of those surveyed by Luks felt an increase in self-esteem after helping out.

As executive director of the Mental Health America of Arizona, Charles Jepson wholeheartedly agrees. MHAAZ works on behalf of those living with mental illness and provides various opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Most of the volunteers at MHAAZ have mental illnesses themselves and facilitate peer support groups. “These facilitators have a rise in self-esteem knowing they are helping other people,” Jepson says.

Now meet Tamara Milke, who, prior to volunteering at MHAAZ was in recovery for a mental disorder and co-occuring illness. After a few short months, it became clear that giving back was just what Milke needed to regain her confidence and happiness. “In seven months of working with MHA Arizona, I have gone from lying under my bed on the 4th of July, terrified to come out, afraid of everyone, to working full time and feeling good about myself and what my abilities are and not giving up on myself,” Milke says.

“Each time she came in, we could see a real difference,” says Beth Summers, MHAAZ executive assistant and manager of volunteer services. “[There was such] a difference in her confidence, and the way she dressed and the way she combed her hair…she just started blossoming again, and she said it just brought her out of her shell.”

“She was awarded our Bill Haase Annual Volunteer Award because of what she brought to our office and because of the example she was,” says Suzan Manning, MHAAZ advocacy and referral administrator. Milke now works a full-time job and is managing anxiety.