E-mail: info@responseability.org.uk
Phone: 0207 535 3881
Being a volunteer and giving to charity has consistently been shown to be hugely beneficial, both mentally and physically. Even simple isolated acts of kindness can have health benefits, with studies showing that volunteers and people who give to charity suffer less from depression than those who do not, with those giving two hours a week to volunteer work experiencing significant health benefits.
Studies have shown that if people take time at the end of every day to reflect on things that have gone well there is a marked increase in well-being. This is true even of those who are clinically depressed. Dr Martin Seligman’s research goes further and points out that through identifying the very best in ourselves, we can achieve new and sustainable levels of contentment and meaning.
People cope better if they are part of community networks and possess strong relationships with friends and family. It’s not just a cliché, money really can’t buy happiness. High salaries, fancy houses or prestigious jobs have very little impact on your levels of wellbeing. Strong personal relationships are the most important factors for an individual’s overall happiness.
Exercise is not just about physical health, but mental wellbeing as well. Studies have shown that individuals suffering from depression can either reduce or end their suffering through physical exercise rather than with medication. More generally, single bouts of exercise are proven to reduce anxiety and tension.
Learning new skills stimulates the mind and can have long term benefits in reducing your chances of developing dementia or alzheimer’s. The brain, like other parts of the body, needs to be worked out regularly. Stimulating your mind by learning something new regularly helps to keep the brain strong and healthy, thus delaying the effects of ageing.
Reflecting on your surroundings and your feelings can help you to appreciate what matters to you most. Take the time to savour the weather, food and the other joys of life. Other forms of reflection such as meditation have been shown to reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system and boost self confidence.

Blog

Welcome to the ResponseAbility blog, where we pose questions and discuss the cutting edge issues facing Britain and the wider world from a distinctly Jewish perspective.

About us

ResponseAbility is a new cross communal organisation which provides a contemporary Jewish commentary on cutting edge issues. ResponseAbility in its first year is successfully bridging the two worlds of the Jewish and the secular, speaking to both and enabling the two worlds to meet and speak to each other. It is the only Jewish organisation that engages with the issues that all Jews face living in modern, complicated multi-cultural Britain.


Upcoming events

Positive Ageing
Details 		01 Jul 2010 20:00

Positive Ageing

ResponseAbility is currently working with Jewish Care to write a report on ageing in the Jewish community, looking at the obstacles to positive ageing in the community, and considering what could be done in the future.  Get in touch at abigail@responseability to share your experiences. Read more >

Materials

Details of publications, articles and media from ResponseAbility. Read more >

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Registered Charity No: 1124400