The New Superfood, And It’s Free!

By Dan Hutton on May 25, 2016 in

Stop the green juice press! There’s a new wonder elixir in town and it’s proven to make you happier and live longer, and it doesn’t cost a cent.

This new superfood has just two key ingredients: volunteer in your local community; and get out into nature. Really? It’s that simple? I know. I nearly dropped my kale smoothie on the floor. And this free fix keeps me healthy? Yep, researchers have recently discovered that ‘doing good’ is also good for us.

According to the organisers of National Volunteer Week – coming up on May 11 – volunteering results in a ‘helper’s high’. In fact, one study found a 44 per cent reduction in early death among those who volunteered regularly. That’s a greater effect than exercising four times a week.

Meanwhile, other scientists have discovered the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. According to Dr Mardie Townsend of Deakin University, spending time in nature reduces the body’s response to stress by activating the production of dopamine.

So if being active in our local community boosts wellbeing, then it’s fair to say that volunteering in nature gives you a double-dose of happiness and health, and there’s plenty of this on offer in the Eastern Suburbs.

For starters, you can sign up to one of 20 community groups working to protect our beautiful beachside home. From cycling groups and share economies to litter campaigns and bushland protection, these groups often run on the smell of an oily rag and are always grateful to get a helping hand.

The Bondi branch of the Surfrider Foundation, for instance, is a super hip group dedicated to the protection of Australia’s waves and beaches through research and education.

“Without our supporters, we would not be able to achieve all that we do,” local Surfrider representative Emma Metcalf said.

“At the moment, we’re looking for volunteers with a ‘think outside the square’ approach, especially in the areas of social media, sponsorship and events.”

I know what you’re thinking: ‘I’m too busy to volunteer’ or ‘I’ve got family commitments’. Life is hectic in Sydney. However, with a bit of research, you might find there’s a volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule.

Perhaps it’s BIKEast? This local cycling group pushes for better cycling paths and helps commuters find safe bike routes to work. There are loads of ways to get involved, from attending advocacy meetings to joining a weekend ride.

“We welcome people of all ages with an interest in making eastern Sydney a better place for cycling,” encouraged BIKEast coordinator Mark Worthington.

Maybe you’d prefer to nurture native plants in a local Bushcare group? Whoever you are, your skills would be greatly appreciated by the groups working to make our suburbs greener and more sustainable. For those of us lucky enough to live in such a beautiful corner of the world, it’s the least we can do.

National Volunteer Week is on from May 11-17. For a list of local groups and how to get involved, go to www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/community_groups_and_networks.