Why Help Others

When we give to others, it activates the areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. Altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain and boosts happiness for us as well as the people we help. Studies have shown that giving money away tends to make people happier than spending it on themselves.

Scientific studies show that helping others boosts happiness. It increases life satisfaction, provides a sense of meaning, increases feelings of competence, improves our mood and reduced stress. It can help to take our minds off our own troubles too!

How Helping Others can improve your wellbeing

Even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a “thank you” or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can also make a difference to the life of others and your own.

Whether large or small, helping others can make you feel happier and more satisfied with life, and strengthen or build your relationships with others.

Evidence suggests that people who give their time to others might also be rewarded with better physical health—including lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan. “Many people find volunteer work to be helpful with respect to stress reduction, and we know that stress is very strongly linked to health outcomes,” – Harvard Medical School.

Helping and working with others can also give us a sense of purpose and feelings of self-worth. Research shows individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy people. Research also shows that happy people can live up to 7 years longer.