If you’re looking for a way to boost your wellbeing, helping others is one of the best things you can do. Giving back makes the world a better place and provides many benefits for your mental health and wellbeing.
1. It Gives You a Sense of Purpose
Helping others is beneficial to your wellbeing because it provides a sense of purpose. Research has shown that having a sense of purpose is associated with better mental health.
If you’re looking for ways to live a more purposeful life, consider volunteering for a cause you care about or helping out a friend or family member in need. You can also use your life experiences as inspiration for helping others. For example, Mohamed Soltan was inspired by his experience as a political prisoner in Egypt to form a nonprofit that supports and raises awareness about the plight of political prisoners in the Middle East.
Take some time to reflect on life experiences you’ve successfully overcome. How can you use these experiences to help others? There are endless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how big or small.
2. It Builds a Sense of Connection
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. With so much of our lives taking place online, it’s essential to make an effort to connect with others in person. Helping others is a great way to build meaningful relationships and social connectedness.
When you help others, you make them feel supported, but you also benefit from social interaction. If you’re feeling lonely or disconnected, consider reaching out to someone in your community who might need help. Whether you offer to babysit for a new mom or help a neighbor with yard work, giving your time to others is a great way to feel more connected.
You can also use helping others as an opportunity to meet new people. For example, if you’re interested in environmental causes, consider volunteering with an organization that works on issues you care about. This is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and make new friends.
No matter how you choose to give back, helping others is a great way to build social connections and combat loneliness.
3. It Gives You Perspective
Helping others takes focus away from stressful situations in your life and redirects attention to other people’s situations. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a step back and think about someone else’s problems. This perspective-taking can sometimes help reduce stress and anxiety.
Cultivating empathy is associated with lower levels of stress. When you’re feeling stressed, try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and think about how they might be feeling. This exercise can help you feel more connected to others and less alone in your struggles.
Giving back allows you to see the world from different perspectives. If you volunteer with a local organization, you’ll get to interact with people from all walks of life. This can broaden your worldview and help you see the world in a new light.
It’s no secret that kindness has the power to change lives. When helping others, you make their lives better and improve your well-being. The next time you’re looking for a way to boost your mood or mental health, consider how you can help someone today.