4 Ways that Helping Others can Enrich Your Life
It is widely accepted that committing kind acts not only helps others, it makes us feel better about ourselves. We’ve all been on the receiving end. Maybe someone once stopped to help you fix a flat tire, or went out of their way to return a lost wallet or bag with everything intact. Such acts can brighten up anyone’s day, whether you are on the giving or receiving end.
While random acts of kindness, by nature, can happen at any place or any time, this week especially (February 12-18) we should all be on the lookout for the opportunity to help others. Each year, Random Acts of Kindness Week gives us the chance to be our better selves by helping others when and where we can. Here are four reasons why you should help spread the joy on Random Act of Kindness Week:
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1. It Makes You Happier
Helping others can increase happiness and contentment on a number of levels. We all know that giving to those who need our help can be rewarding because it is the right thing to do and it answers an in-built need to enrich the lives of those around us. However, research suggests that random acts of kindness also benefit us on a biochemical level. Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor at the University of California, Riverside says: “People who engage in kind acts become happier over time. When you’re kind to others, you feel good as a person—more moral, optimistic, and positive.”
2. It Makes You Healthier
Helping others doesn’t just help us on an emotional level, but can promote good physical health as well. Dr. David R. Hamilton says acts of kindness creates “emotional warmth”, releasing a hormone known as oxytocin which can reduce blood pressure and protect the heart. Dr. Hamilton also says oxytocin “reduces levels of free radicals and inflammation in the cardiovascular system and so slows aging at source”.
3. It Helps You Make Lasting Friendships
Taking part in volunteer activities or other projects aimed at helping others is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Not only will you connect with the community, people or organization you are helping, you will also form strong bonds with fellow volunteers, making lasting friendships and even professional connections that will last for years to come.4. It Helps You Gain Confidence
Volunteering and helping others provides an inherent sense of accomplishment that can significantly boots your own self esteem. Very often, volunteering involves going to new places, working in new environments and meeting new people. Exposing yourself to new experiences is a great way to boost your confidence and gain the tools to excel in new situations. Random Acts of Kindness week offers a great opportunity to help others and explore all kinds of volunteer activities, even if just for a day or two. If you feel the volunteer life is for you and you would like to try out something a little more challenging, Friends for Asia offers a range of exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities in Thailand. Contact us today to find the perfect project for you. or 