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How helping people means you are also helping yourself

When you do good things to people, they are not the only beneficiaries of your kindness. There are
loads of benefits in it for you as well.
In this article, I will be discussing the ways in which helping others can actually put a smile on your face.
Check them out below.
You feel great when you help others
Helping others has a good effect on your body. Research has shown that as people donate to charity,
the mesolimbic system, that portion of the brain that is responsible for feelings of reward, is triggered.
The feel-good chemicals released by the brain pushes them to perform more acts of kindness. This is
referred to by psychologists as helpers high.
Helping can boost your self-esteem.
Those who volunteer to help others have been observed to have a higher self-esteem and overall wellbeing than others. Your self-esteem increases as feelings of social connectedness increase, so say
experts. The more consistently you volunteer, the more confidence you can harness. So why dont you
consider donating some of your time to a cause you are very passionate about.
You build stronger friendships
When you are a source of help in a friends life, chances are high that a lasting bond will be created. A
study by the National Institute of Health says that, helping others sends out a positive vibe that rubs off
on your friends and improves your friendship as both parties will contribute to maintaining a mutually
beneficial relationship.
You become a more optimistic person
Helping others helps you to become a glass half full kind of person. It changes your outlook and attitude
towards life. Every act of kindness performed is a mood booster that brings about a more positive and
optimistic view of life.
You feel like a superman that can take on the world
An act of kindness can make you feel rewarded and fulfilled. People who volunteer to help others have
more sense of empowerment than those who dont. A survey carried out by the United Health Group
shows that 96 percent of those who volunteer over a period of twelve months, say that volunteering
enriches their sense of purpose.
It gives you a sense of belonging.
It doesnt matter whether the help you render is between friends or within a large group of people in a
volunteer organization. Helping others creates a sense of belonging. According to Mental Health
Foundation, acts of volunteering can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
You find inner peace when you help other people

In a study carried out by the United Health Group, 78 percent of people who volunteered over a 12month period said that they believed that their acts of charity helped lower their stress levels. They
were also calmer and more peaceful than those who didnt take part in volunteer work. Have you got a
lot weighing on your mind lately? Giving back to people around you could help reduce the burden.
You feel more thankful
When you help others, you are presented with a new perspective about your own situation. You feel
more appreciation towards what you have. Talk about counting your blessings.
It creates a sense of renewal
When you help others, you indirectly learn how to help yourself. A research carried out by the University
of Texas posits that Volunteer work improves access to social and psychological resources, which are
known to counter negative moods. So, if you are having a hard time or feeling blue, volunteering to help
others is a great way to go back to feeling like yourself again.
One good help deserves another.
Helping others spurs others to return the help thereby keeping the cycle moving. K indness is a
contagious act. When people see someone helping others, it provokes a good feeling. This feeling in turn
causes them to want to go out and help others as well.
Finally, now that you know the benefits that go with helping, hope you feel inspired to go out and lend a
helping hand yourself?

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