Why do i feel so good after i volunteer at a soup kitchen? i thought it'd be stressful, but i actually feel less stressed.

Endorphin release: When you do something so satisfying you produce endorphins which are morphin like natural calming neuro transmitters

Selflessness: Helping others is a way of helping yourself. Such selfless actions enhance one's sense of purpose and connection with community. That is why you feel good. What a wonderful act of giving! Keep up the good work!

Generosity: Helping and being concerned about others, prevents you from thinking about your own problems.

Serving others is: one of the surest ways to feel good. It goes to altruism, selflessness and genuinely aiding another human being (or animal or organization). It's paradoxical because you benefit as much as those you serve, even though your intent is not to serve yourself. It taps a higher cause and elevates us out of our daily struggles. Keep it up. We need more altruistic people.

Contribution: Contributing to the welfare of others is among the highest spiritual needs. While helping others is not self-centered, you get to feel good about yourself as a result of your actions. A nice bonus!

The Mother Theresa: effect is a psychological phenomenon. When we do good for others it boosts our mood. Doing good works in a group can even increase the impact of it. Thanks for volunteering. Peace and good health.

Service to others: Not everybody likes the holidays. A way of dealing with holiday/family stress is giving to others on your own time, your own way, and your own speed. You do it because you wish to, and not out of a sense of moral obligation, which can have nothing whatsoever to do with actual desire.