I, and others on this blog, have written that helping others is a happiness secret. After many people helped others impacted by this year’s hurricane season, a New York Times article pointed out why this is the case.
According to Dr. Richard Davidson, a neuroscientist and founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, “When we do things for ourselves, those experiences of positive emotions are more fleeting. They are dependent on external circumstances. When we engage in acts of generosity, those experiences of positive emotion may be more enduring and outlast the specific episode in which we are engaged.”
The article also explained how helping others is a health secret! Volunteering is linked to health benefits including lower blood pressure and decreased mortality rates. Helping others also gives us a sense of purpose, which in turn leads more happiness and better health.
The holiday season is a great time to help others. What are some ways you are doing so? Please join the conversation with your comments…
Best regards,
David