By Phil Rosenbalm
Did you know that helping others actually helps you? It is true. When you help others, you are getting many benefits. Research studies have demonstrated that people who regularly help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains, and better health. When you help another person, your body releases endorphins, which relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood.
Many studies have demonstrated that doing volunteer work, for example, increases a feeling of well-being and lowers depression. Other studies suggest that there is a connection between generosity and happiness. Spending money on others increases our happiness. In addition, helping others improves our emotional well-being. It can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also strengthen friendships, improve social connections, and generally decrease loneliness.
People who do good deeds feel better about themselves. Brain studies have shown that when we give to others, we have a profound state of joy and delight. Furthermore, helping others improves your mood and increases feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and gratitude. It improves one’s self-esteem, increases one’s sense of belongingness, and reduces isolation. It also helps you feel more in control. Brain scans have shown that generosity can lead to a calmer disposition.
Acts of kindness also have multiple health benefits. It improves immunity from diseases. It decreases blood pressure and improves recovery from coronary-related events. It lowers stress and actually increases life span. People who help others are better able to cope with chronic pain. Being “selfless,” in a way, is being selfish because you get so much out of it.
Here are some ways you can be helpful. Do volunteer work. Donate items you no longer use. Practice kindness. Comfort someone in grief. Compliment people often. Smile at people. Do not judge others. Rescue an animal. Send thank you notes. Pick up trash. Recycle. Praise others. Acknowledge good things others have done. Donate food. Let people know they are not alone. Be a good listener.
In addition, it is important to take care of yourself. When flying in an airplane, you have probably heard, “In an emergency, put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” The idea is that if you are not breathing, you cannot help anyone else. If you are not doing well, it is hard to help others. Some ideas to improve your life would be to set goals for yourself, challenge negative thoughts, control your anger, practice forgiveness, meditate regularly, exercise, eat well, and praise yourself for your accomplishments. If you take care of your mental and physical health, you’ll be better able to help others.
If you are experiencing difficulties and have not been able to deal with them in a constructive manner, you might want to consider seeing a counselor or hypnotherapist. Hypnosis works and can be helpful for a great number of issues. It is also very safe.
If you would like to learn more about hypnotherapy, please call Phil Rosenbaum at 248-688-6469. Get yourself healthy so you can enjoy the benefits of helping others.
Phil Rosenbaum
