Nowadays, the importance of one’s mental health and emotional stability is a popular topic — and rightfully so. We are no longer living in a time of “suffering in silence.” It is “okay not to be okay” and ask for help. Living through a worldwide pandemic and the devastation and isolation that the collective has experienced has had lasting effects, and we must look for ways to improve our mental state when it is not doing well.
When we talk about mental health, we are talking about more than just emotions. It also considers 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, and re-focusing your priorities all have a huge impact on both your physical well-being and mental well-being. They will also tell you that giving back to others is a key component to a healthier you.
How does giving back benefit your mental health?
Iconic TV shows and Michelin-starred restaurants aside, America is known for its philanthropic, giving nature. When it comes to disaster or poverty relief, e are on the front lines fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. Americans are giving their time and resources to meet the needs of thosethey don’t even know.
So, why do we do this? Are we just generous by nature? What impact does giving to others have on the giver?
Giving back has numerous benefits for the giver. Let’s dive into some of them.
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.* (Many people feel down for various reasons, one of them being that they feel like their life has no purpose. Giving back to others or to a cause important to us offers a sense of connection and that we are contributing to a better world. While this won’t necessarily cure feelings of depression or anxiety, it’s one way to extend an empathetic hand to those who might be in the same boat as you.) 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. However, research shows that when we can find ways of taking the focus off ourselves, we can lead a more fulfilling 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.* (When we’re not feeling well, it’s common to close ourselves off from the world and dwell on what’s wrong. Spending time in your community, such as volunteering for a local charity, can expand your world view and help you see different perspectives on life.)
Giving increases gratitude
Serving others, especially those r who are enduring difficult circumstances , allows you to have an impact and potentially better their day. Serving others and putting a smile on their faces allows for gratitude in knowing you are making a difference in their lives, no matter how small. Serving others allows for gratitude in knowing that we have the means to give back to those in need.
Immersing yourself in your community to create a change around you has a ripple effect, both on you and those around you. Even small acts of kindness, like donating used clothes or providing meals to the homeless, can help us foster meaningful connections in ways we otherwise wouldn’t have. When we connect with others and expand our relationships over time, our mental health can see positive changes that last.
At IntuneHealth, we provide proactive, preventative care designed to keep you healthy both physically and mentally. IntuneHealth takes the hassle out of health care by giving you direct access to your primary care physician, a personal care team coordinating all aspects of your care, and an all-in-one app to manage your health. With virtual, in-office, and in-home appointments, access to care is conveniently available when and where you need it. Schedule an appointment today to meet your new partner in health.
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