The Power in Helping Others

Have you ever noticed how great it can feel when we help others?  It turns out that even small acts of service to others can also help us by boosting our own mental health.  This article will lay out the science, simplicity and the payoff from helping those around us.

The Science:

Mental health is deeply connected to our neurotransmitters.  It turns out that the most enjoyable brain chemicals are released when we do even the smallest of acts of service for others.  Chemicals like Dopamine and Oxytocin are considered part of the “helper’s high”, and it turns out there is a lot of science on how even brief, prosocial behaviors can help reduce stress, increase life satisfaction and lower depression levels.

The Simplicity:

Truth is that acts of kindness can be pretty simple.  This can look like holding a door for someone, texting words of encouragement to a friend or colleague, writing a thank you note to someone or donating unused items.

The important part is your intention.  Not all acts of service require big time or financial commitments.

For more than a decade, I went to a local nursing home to play music for the residents.  It cost me nothing, but it was deeply rewarding.

The Payoff:

Helping others can boost our sense of purpose and increase our feelings of self-worth.

It is also well known that switching your focus onto helping others can in turn reduce any over-focus we might be having on our own personal problems that might be renting space in our heads for free.

It also increases social connections, and this is true for even small, temporary interactions.  The science is quite clear on the benefits of social connection on mental health, well-being and longevity.

The Challenge:

My challenge to you is to try one small act of kindness or service today and to pay attention to how you feel when you are doing it as well as afterwards.  Just the act of brining your awareness to your environment to see where the opportunities for serving others exist can open our eyes to the wonderful effects being of help to others.  It’s truly fun just to look around to see who we can compliment or help out.

Please remember that kindness and being in service to others costs little, but the return on investment for your mental health is priceless.

 

 

source https://www.lifesworkclinic.com/the-power-in-helping-others/