Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Mental health is a topic that, fortunately, is being talked about a lot these days. We are no longer living in the days of “suffering in silence”. It is no longer taboo to “not be okay” and ask for help. Living through a world-wide pandemic and the devastation and isolation that so many of us experienced has had lasting effects and we must collectively look for ways to improve our mental health.
When we talk about mental health, we are talking about more than just emotions, although those are included. We are also talking about our psychological and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we feel, think, and act. It determines how we handle our daily tasks, how we relate to the world around us, and the choices we make.
There are many ways to improve your mental health. Medical professionals will tell you that getting physical exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting quality sleep/rest, and re-focusing your priorities all have a huge impact on not only your physical well-being, but also on your mental well-being. They will also tell you that giving back is a key component to a healthier you.
How does giving back benefit your mental health?
America is famous world-wide for many things. Often it is the negative that reaches the eyes and ears of the world. Ask any European why there is suddenly a problem with obesity in their country and they are quick to point to American fast-food restaurants and products that are now common in their cities. However, if you ask them what they admire about Americans, they often point to our volunteer spirit. When you look at disaster or poverty relief, it is often Americans on the front lines fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. Go to any third world country and you’ll find Americans giving of their time and resources to meet the needs of people they don’t even know.
So why do we do this? Are we just generous by nature or is there something in it for us? What impact does giving to others have on the giver?
The rewards of giving
Giving back has numerous benefits for the giver. Let’s look at some of those benefits.
Giving provides purpose
Ask a person suffering from depression why they feel depressed and one of the things they will mention is that they feel like their life has no purpose. Giving to someone or some cause gives us a connection and a sense that we are contributing to good in the world. It helps us feel that our time or our resources can make a difference. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a research psychologist at the University of California at Riverdale, in her book The How of Happiness, says that “being … generous leads you to perceive others more positively and more charitably… this fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in your social community.”
Giving shifts your focus
We live in a “me first” world right now. Everyone is looking out for #1, it seems. However, research shows that when we can find ways of taking the focus off of ourself and our problems, we live a much happier life. People who suffer from loneliness and depression often close themselves off from the world and can’t see outside of their own life. Volunteering in a soup kitchen or in disaster relief, for example, helps you see the world from a different perspective and often our problems don’t seem so big after all.
Giving increases gratitude
Serving other people, especially those who have less than you or who are suffering through circumstances that are difficult, will have you thankful for what you have. Maybe you are unhappy in your job, but when you come home from serving families that are unable to keep a roof over their head or food on the table, you realize that at least you have a job and can provide for yourself. When you volunteer in a nursing home or a hospital, you feel less thankful for your own health and ability to get around. In short, you’re more satisfied with what you have when you spend time with those who must do without.
Looking beyond yourself and trying to make a difference in the world can give your life meaning and purpose. It doesn’t have to be going to another country to dig wells or giving thousands of dollars to disaster relief. Even small things like donating used clothes can help us to take the focus off of ourselves and boost our mental health. Watching for ways to help someone on a day-to-day basis is one way to ensure that your focus is not on your own problems. Look for ways to be generous today and see how it can change your attitude and state of mind.
The Key offers in home care for your loved ones. If your elderly loved one is dealing with depression, one way to help them is to find ways for them to give back to their community. We’d love to help them find a way, even if they aren’t able to leave home. Please contact us today and we’ll get started with a plan for care that includes finding ways for your loved one to give back and feel better.
We provide hourly care and in-home 24-hour care for your loved ones. Get in touch with us now to learn more.
THE KEY
239-494-1039
www.thekey.com
1395 Panther Ln, #210, Napes, FL 34109
AHCA License #: HHA 299995190
