How helping others helps you health and wellness
Personal growth is at the heart of many New Year ’ s resolutions . Few paths to positive personal growth are more noble than resolving to help others through increased acts of generosity and kindness .
According to Psychology Today , doing good for others , no matter how big or small the deed , feels good but also provides reciprocal benefits . The link between volunteering and lower rates of depression has been well-documented , and there is neural evidence from MRI studies suggesting a link between being generous and signs of happiness in the brain .
The following are several ways to improve oneself by being more mindful of others .
• Be aware of social issues . Read your local newspaper to stay up-to-date on the pulse of your community as well as the world . Educate yourself about current issues that are affecting people from all walks of life . Understanding the needs or plights of others may boost your willingness to get involved with nonprofit organizations . It also may make you more empathetic and compassionate toward other people .
• Volunteer at a charity . Find a charitable group with which you can volunteer your time . This is a great way to support a cause you believe in and makes it possible for you to collaborate with others who are like-minded , potentially helping you make new friends .
• Learn a new language . North America is a melting pot that ’ s home to people from many different parts of the world . Learning a new language may facilitate interactions with fellow community members who might not speak English as a first language .
• Help someone you know . It ’ s commendable to want to assist a charity or a global cause , but what about people close to you who may need a boost ? Whether you ’ re lugging boxes to help a friend move or babysitting a niece or nephew so their parents can enjoy a much-needed night out , when you help someone , those good deeds will return to you in time .
When making resolutions , people should consider goals that involve helping others . While this assistance can benefit the people who are on the receiving end of the care and attention , those who are giving of themselves also reap considerable rewards .
16 Milledgeville Scene | Holiday 2022