Why Helping Others Matters to Our Wellbeing

In a world often focused on self-improvement and personal success, the act of helping others might seem secondary. However, aiding those around us is not just beneficial for the recipients; it profoundly impacts our own wellbeing. Grounded in the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework, helping others can significantly enhance our mental and physical health. Let’s explore why helping others matters to our wellbeing, what it looks like, and how we can integrate it into our daily lives.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing

The Five Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation, are a set of evidence-based actions aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing. These five ways are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give. While each of these actions contributes to wellbeing, giving—helping others—holds a special place in fostering a sense of purpose and connectedness.

Why Helping Others Matters

1. Improves Mental Health

   Helping others has been linked to reduced rates of depression and anxiety. Acts of kindness trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, which enhances mood and reduces stress. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “helper’s high,” can lead to prolonged feelings of happiness and contentment.

2. Enhances Social Connections

   By helping others, we build and strengthen social connections. These interactions foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. Strong social networks are crucial for mental health, providing support during challenging times and enhancing life satisfaction.

3. Increases Sense of Purpose

   Engaging in altruistic activities gives life greater meaning and purpose. Knowing that your actions have positively impacted someone else’s life can be incredibly fulfilling. This sense of purpose is vital for overall wellbeing, contributing to a more positive outlook on life.

4. Boosts Physical Health

   Interestingly, helping others can also have physical health benefits. Studies have shown that people who volunteer regularly have lower blood pressure and longer lifespans. The act of giving can lead to reduced levels of stress hormones, which benefits heart health and boosts the immune system.

What Helping Others Looks Like

Helping others can take many forms, from simple daily acts of kindness to more structured volunteer activities. Here are some examples:

• Random Acts of Kindness: These can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, paying a compliment, or helping a neighbor carry groceries.

• Volunteering: This can range from working at a food bank, mentoring youth, to participating in community clean-up events. Volunteering provides structured opportunities to make a difference and meet new people.

• Supporting Friends and Family: Offering emotional support, lending a listening ear, or helping with tasks can strengthen bonds and provide significant help to those close to you.

• Charitable Giving: Donating money or goods to charitable organisations supports those in need and fosters a sense of global responsibility.

• Advocacy and Activism: Engaging in social or political activism to support causes you care about can drive societal change and promote a sense of justice and equality.

Integrating Helping Others into Daily Life

Introducing the act of helping others into your daily routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. Here are some practical ways to make giving a regular part of your life:

1. Start Small: Incorporate small acts of kindness into your daily routine. Smile at strangers, offer to help a colleague with a project, or make an effort to check in on friends and family. These small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s day and boost your own mood.

2. Volunteer Regularly: Find a cause you are passionate about and commit to volunteering regularly. Whether it’s weekly, monthly, or a few times a year, having a scheduled commitment ensures you keep giving a part of your routine. Websites like VolunteerMatch can help you find local opportunities that fit your interests and schedule.

3. Join or Start a Community Group: Community groups provide a platform for collective action and social interaction. Whether it’s a book club, sports team, or gardening group, being part of a community can create opportunities for helping others and fostering connections.

4. Leverage Your Skills: Use your unique skills and talents to help others. If you’re good at math, offer tutoring services. If you’re handy, help neighbors with home repairs. Sharing your skills can be a fulfilling way to contribute to your community.

5. Be Mindful and Present: Taking notice of the world around you, as emphasised in the Five Ways to Wellbeing, can create opportunities for helping others. Pay attention to those in need, whether it’s a co-worker going through a tough time or a stranger who needs help. Being present and mindful allows you to see where your help is needed.

6. Incorporate Giving into Your Professional Life: Look for ways to help others in your workplace. Mentor a junior colleague, organise charity drives, or propose community service projects. These actions can build a supportive work environment and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Conclusion

Helping others is a cornerstone of our wellbeing, intricately linked to the Five Ways to Wellbeing. It enhances mental health, builds social connections, provides a sense of purpose, and even boosts physical health. By integrating small acts of kindness, regular volunteering, and mindful presence into our daily lives, we can foster a more connected, compassionate, and fulfilling world.

So, take a moment today to help someone else. Not only will you be making a positive impact on their life, but you’ll also be nurturing your own wellbeing in the process. In the end, helping others isn’t just about them—it’s about all of us, creating a healthier, happier community together.