A: volunteer work
HIGHLIGHTS: A new study found that volunteer work doesn’t really boost your happiness or mental health until after you’re 40. The researchers say it’s probably because you look at it as a CHORE when you’re younger.
The study found that younger people didn’t get any real boost in their emotional health or happiness from volunteering. But once you hit 40, you start experiencing real benefits, and those peak in your late 70s.
The researchers say it’s probably because younger people view volunteer work as an obligation or a chore. But as you get older and more ‘worldly,’ it starts being something that’s more fulfilling.
So, in summary, if you’re under 40 and you’re selfishly volunteering because you think it’ll make you happier, there’s no need . . . just go back to selfishly NOT volunteering for a few years and you’ll be fine.
