This week we are focusing on investing time in others. After reading this excerpt, why not get a friend and begin brainstorming together how you can help your community?

 

Benefits from helping others:

  • Increase happiness
  • Increase a boost in a feel-good part of the brain
  • Remind people that they relatively lucky
  • Feel connected to others
  • Feel needed and effective
  • Take the mind off worries for a while
  • Feel generous
  • Add a sense of purpose and meaning to life

 

Tips on helping others

  • Call a friend to see how she’s doing
  • Cook a meal for the family
  • Let a car merges in front
  • Smile at a stranger in the street
  • Hold the elevator door for others

 

Even though a small generosity might not have a big impact at the moment, many small generosities could make a big difference. However, people should be careful when others ask favors. Sometimes it is perfectly fine to say no to favors.

 

Ways to Volunteer:

  • School or tutoring program
  • Clean up a local park
  • Work with immigrants
  • Community events
  • Volunteer as a coach
  • Local hospital or clinic

 

Source: “8 benefits of helping others.” By Mykim Tran. http://www.examiner.com