5 reasons to help others​

1. It keeps you healthy

Altruism provides your life with a sense of meaning which increases life satisfaction and improves your overall wellbeing. Focusing on other people’s problems takes our minds off our own, and reminds us to be grateful for what we have. It also reduces stress by putting our troubles into perspective. A healthy mind leads to a healthy body. And a healthy body helps you feel good about yourself, which makes you happy. This brings us to the next point. 

2. It makes you happier

Some research has proposed that helpers may get more happiness out of their selfless acts than the people being helped. Helper’s high is a term used to describe the positive feelings you get from doing good deeds, which are the results of endorphins being released into your system, much like the “high” you get after exercising. Studies also show that helping others switches on the same areas of the brain that are triggered by fun things like food and sex! 

Not convinced? Let’s see what else giving to others could do:

3. The ripple effect

Kindness is contagious. An act of selflessness can set off a chain of events, or inspire other good deeds to be passed on from person to person.  You may not know whom you’ve helped with your kind acts, but the recipients will always remember it. Spreading goodwill also helps us connect with others and strengthens social bonds; meeting a basic human need – social belonging. 

4. Builds communities 

Humans are social creatures and have evolved through learning to live and work with one another. People who live in pleasant communities have a higher quality of life. By giving to others, you’re building a society of trust and compassion.  

5. Make a difference 

You can actually make an impact on the lives of others by helping (or not helping) them. This is your chance to get out there and change someone's life for the better. What are you waiting for?