8 Benefits of Helping Others

When we help others, the idea is to benefit them. We’re trying to do our part to make the world a better place.

Interestingly, a lot of recent research indicates that helping people around us actually boosts our own health and happiness. Here are 8 ways that being kind and generous benefits our own well-being.

Benefits of helping others

It feels good

People have known for years that it feels good to help others, but only recently have researchers identified some physiologic changes that occur when we lend a helping hand. These changes include complex interactions between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems and a “helper’s high” (dopamine-mediated euphoria). As a result of these changes, we feel an increase in our happiness and a warm glow (a feeling researchers refer to as “moral elevation”).

It boosts self-esteem

Researchers have found that people who volunteer have higher self-esteem than people who don’t volunteer. This particular benefit increases with consistency—the more regularly one volunteers, the more his or her self-esteem and confidence increase.

It provides purpose

As we help others, we feel a sense of empowerment and fulfillment. We’re also able to see our roles in the world around us. According to researchers, these feelings and this perspective can help each of us gain a better understanding of our purpose and identity.

It cultivates optimism

Our own outlooks on life can be changed after we witness acts of kindness. Researchers have found that individuals who typically view the glass as being half-empty (i.e., pessimistic individuals) can become more positive and optimistic when they see how they can have positive impacts on the lives of others.

It helps keep things in perspective

Helping others gives us a front-row seat to witness their hardships. Seeing these difficulties can help us feel better about our own circumstances and practice gratitude.

It creates a sense of belonging and fosters friendships

While helping others, we have opportunities to meet new people, connect with our communities, and fellowship with existing friends. Therefore, face-to-face activities (volunteering at the food bank, driving an elderly neighbor to an appointment, taking a meal to a coworker who just had a baby, etc.) help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It is contagious

Researchers have found that kindness can resonate through communities. In other words, when people witness altruism, they tend to turn around and act altruistically towards others. Because of this, one simple act of kindness can have a ripple effect that benefits an entire community!

It promotes longevity

According to researchers, volunteering regularly can improve our stress management, help us stave off disease, and alleviate loneliness. All three of these things are known to increase both length of life and life satisfaction.

Final thoughts

I’m not suggesting that we be kind and help others because it makes us feel good. We’re supposed to help others regardless of how it makes us feel (Micah 6:8, Luke 10:27, Ephesians 4:31-32, Philippians 2:4, etc.). However, there’s no reason not to embrace and enjoy these benefits of altruism. In fact, the Bible even speaks of some of these benefits:

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.” Proverbs 11:25 (NET)

If you’d like to read more about the benefits of helping others, then check out my sources:

• How Volunteering Can Help Your Mental Health
• If You Want to Be Happy, Try to Make Someone Else Happy
• What We Get When We Give
• How Kindness Spreads in a Community
• How Our Bodies React to Seeing Goodness
• Kindness Matters Guide

How do you feel when you help others? Do any of these benefits ring true for you?

Shared at the following:

Encouraging Hearts and Home, Busy Monday, and Grace and Truth.