Our culture tends to associate happiness with getting something. Why should we humans be programmed to respond so positively to giving?
Group selection played a strong rule in human evolution. If something like helping benefits the group, it will be associated with pleasure and happiness. While evolution may have primed us to feel good from giving, it may not be the only reason helping others makes us feel better. Since depression, anxiety, and stress involve a high degree of focus on the self, focusing on the needs of others literally helps shift our thinking.
When you’re experiencing compassion, benevolence, and kindness, they push aside the negative emotions. One of the best ways to overcome stress is to do something to help someone else.
Even better, feeling good and doing good can combine to create a positive feedback loop, where doing good helps us to feel good and feeling good also makes us more likely to do good.
Numerous studies have found that happy people are more helpful as well. Those who've just found money in a phone booth are more likely to help a passerby with dropped papers. Those who feel successful are more likely to volunteer as a tutor.
It’s crucial in life to help others in life. In essence, not only does it make us feel good, it makes the other party feel good. It gives you a sense of fulfillment, and also creates a better feeling for the individual you’re helping. Whether it be donating, mentoring, or just giving someone a kind smile its good for our personal health and all around karma.
Remember, giving is a great way to help you feel all around good about yourself. It almost always helps the other party feel great as well.
II Corinthians 9:7 says "Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." So give because you want to not because you have to. It does not have the same effect on your emotions or your health. If you do it grudgingly you are unhappy and you will have resentment in your heart.
There are big things you can do like donating your time and knowledge by mentoring. You can also do small things like being there for a close friend or just giving someone a warm smile while walking down the street. You can become a mentor to a child or an adult. You can help a competitor to become better. You can be unselfish in all you do. You will be amazed at the joy and happiness that will come into your life. We have a natural instinct to want to help others so get started today! Help others in order to help yourself!
Do you volunteer? Share with us in the comments section. Does your organization need more workers? Let us know how one of our readers can help.
In Gratitude,
Beverly
Beverly F. Jones
Inspirational speaker on prosperity and abundance
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