Five Health Benefits to Being Altruistic

Most people do all they can to lead a healthier lifestyle, and for many of us, this means eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. We know the benefits of both of these things, but there is another thing you can do to reap maximum health benefits: be altruistic.

In a nutshell, this means being charitable and going out of your way to help other people. Aside from the obvious benefits this will bring to the person you’re helping, you can also gain a lot from being altruistic.

Whether you volunteer at a homeless shelter or donate to a livelihood appeal, your health can be greatly improved through selfless acts. Here are just five of the health benefits giving can have on you.

1. You’ll feel happier

The number one thing you’re likely to notice immediately after doing an altruistic act is that you’ll feel happier. This is because humans are social and generous creatures by default, and that means when you do something for someone else, your brain will naturally release endorphins and dopamine. These feel-good chemicals are responsible for making you feel content, and this will likely show itself in the form of butterflies in your stomach or that classic warm, fuzzy feeling you get after giving someone something.

2. You’ll be less stressed

Happiness and less stress go hand in hand. With the majority of the population experiencing stress at some point or other, anything that can reduce the levels is a welcome reprieve. With the increase in happy hormones, you’re far less likely to feel down or stressed, and this is only ever a good thing. The likelihood of you being anxious or depressed is reduced, helping your mental health to stay in good form.

When you feel less stressed, this has positive effects on your physical health, too. This comes in the form of being less likely to suffer from heart failure, a stroke, and even dementia.

3. You could extend your life expectancy

Taking into account the improved mental and physical side effects of being altruistic, it stands to reason that you could extend your life expectancy by giving back. If you’re less likely to develop killer diseases like heart disease and vascular dementia, you’re less likely to die prematurely because your chances of living a healthier life are increased. With this in mind, making an effort to donate to charity or volunteer every now and then could be well worth your time.

4. You’ll feel less lonely

Many people feel isolated and lonely – it’s a far more common issue than people think. Altruistic people feel less lonely because they’re surrounded by other people, especially those who volunteer at shelters or to spend time with vulnerable people who are also feeling lonely and isolated. If you’re feeling slightly alone, volunteering could help you and the people you’re volunteering with to feel more connected and give you a sense of belonging. This can reduce your chances of struggling mental health wise.

5. You’ll be more likely to look after yourself

The final health benefit of being altruistic is that whilst you’re looking after other people, you’re also more likely to look after yourself. Whether it’s by cooking proper meals after spending the day at a soup kitchen, or if it’s by making an effort to build social relationships after talking to a lonely elderly person without a companion, donating to charity and being selfless highlights what you do have and makes you more appreciative of it.

Summary

Will you be making an effort to be more altruistic based on these health benefits?