The Good of Good: How Positive Contribution Does Everyone Good, Starting with You
Have you ever done something good for someone else and felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction? It’s no secret that helping others can have a positive impact on our overall well-being. In fact, research shows that volunteering, donating to charity, or simply doing a kind deed can boost our mood and improve our mental health. But have you ever stopped to consider the personal benefit of knowing you are doing good for others?
Believing in what you are doing is a crucial component of the personal benefit of helping others. When you truly believe that your actions are making a positive impact on someone else's life, it can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can be hard to find elsewhere. It’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve made a difference in the world, no matter how small.
One study found that people who volunteered for just two hours a week experienced a greater sense of purpose in their lives than those who did not volunteer. The study also found that those who volunteered had a higher level of overall life satisfaction and were less likely to suffer from depression. This goes to show that even just a small amount of time spent helping others can have a significant impact on our well-being.
But it’s not just volunteering that can provide this sense of purpose and fulfillment. Donating to charity or simply doing a kind deed for someone can have the same effect. A study conducted by Harvard Business School found that participants who spent money on others experienced greater happiness than those who spent money on themselves. This is known as the “helper’s high” – a rush of endorphins and positive emotions that comes from helping others.
But the personal benefit of helping others goes beyond just feeling good. It can also have a positive impact on our physical health. A study conducted by the University of Exeter found that volunteering can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. The study also found that volunteers had lower levels of inflammation, which is associated with a variety of health problems.
So, what can we take away from all of this? The personal benefit of helping others is clear – it can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boost our mood, and even improve our physical health. But it’s important to remember that helping others should not be done solely for personal gain. The true value of helping others lies in the positive impact it has on those we are helping.
If you’re looking to experience the personal benefit of helping others, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Volunteer at a local non-profit organization, donate to a charity that aligns with your values, or simply do a kind deed for someone in need. If you are a business owner, you can begin thinking creatively about the contribution your company can begin having those in need right in your community. The possibilities are endless, and the personal benefit is priceless.
Remember, helping others is not just a selfless act, but it’s also an act that can have a positive impact on our own well-being. When we believe in what we are doing and know that we are making a difference in someone else's life, it can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can be hard to find elsewhere. So, the next time you have the opportunity to help someone else, remember the personal benefit that comes with it and embrace the “helper’s high”.