The helper's high

'It's been shown there's a connection between feeling good and helping others,' says psychiatrist Jack Leedy of New York's Lutheran Medical Centre. 'People who help others experience something called the helper's high.'

Allan Luks, author of 'The Healing Power of Doing Good', theorises that these positive changes take place because doing good deeds triggers the body to release endorphins, painkilling, mood-elevating hormones.

'People who help others actually receive a health benefit in return,' said Luks, director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New Yorkl. 'We've studied thousands of volunteers. Those who help two hours weekly found they have lower blood pressure, lower heart rates, less stress and less tension.

'When they help others, they have fewer minor aches and pains, headaches and stress-related disorders - and they get a big boost in self-esteem.'