Why Giving is Good for your Mental Health and Your Heart
I love the first part of winter. I am in awe of a landscape transformed by white snow and sparkling ice. I love any weather that prompts drinking hot cinnamon tea, cuddling under warm blankets by a fire, and gives me an excuse to binge watch Netflix shows all day. But by February, my love of winter is waning. The months of grey sky, and the seemingly never-ending snow storms, plunging temperatures, and constant scraping and shoveling have outweighed my love of lounging. In February, I find EVERYTHING to be harder.
I recently read an article in an older Time magazine titled “The Secret to Happiness is Helping Others” by Jenny Santi. She starts off the articles with a series of quotes she collected about the topic of finding happiness through service to others. Like this centuries old Chinese saying:
“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”
Research has shown time and time again that doing things for others, whether big or small has a positive impact for the doer as well as the recipient. Lots of experiments show that helping others may be the key to a life that is happier, healthier, more productive, and even wealthier. In fact, neuro-scientists now have evidence from MRI imagining suggesting a strong link between generosity and happiness in the brain.
With this information in mind, I thought to myself, Anna, what can you do this cold endless month of February that might help you feel better?
Wise mind: Do something nice for someone else!!
Internal Voice of doubt and suspicion: But I don’t feel like doing anything at all.
Wise mind: Just do something small and make it something that you actually like to do.
Internal voice of doubt and suspicion: It’s cold. My feet are cold. My dog chewed another hole in my sock.
Wise mind: I know what you can do! You like making things. It’s February. MAKE VALENTINE DAYS CARDS FOR ALL THE FRIENDS YOU LOVE AND MISS.
*BAM* just imagining making Valentine’s day cards improves my mood and gives me a project that aligns with my interests while also providing an opportunity to do something nice for my friends. I’ll probably bake some treats too, ‘cause why not also increase my caloric intake with sweet treats?!
It’s not always that easy though. Not all giving is helpful. In fact sometimes giving too much can deplete us of energy and be overwhelming. Here a few things to keep in mind to fully get the benefits of helping.
1. Find the things you care about
We don’t all have the same interests, skills, or passions. It only makes sense that you will be more invested and receive more positive feelings and feedback if you are participating in activities that you already like to do.
2. Find a balance that works for you
As mentioned, you don’t need to perform exuberant acts of self-sacrifice to benefit from engaging in helping others. Sometimes small acts can make a big difference. Find ways to give of your time and talents that help others while also filling your own bucket. Are you tech savy? Offer your skills to an elderly neighbor who has difficulty facetiming his grandkids. Like to bake? The answer is MAKE COOKIES, always make cookies. All the cookies.
3. Don’t be guilt tripped into giving
Giving money or time just to satisfy some social pressure or feeling obligated is not going to help. You are going to have to research your options and find organizations or solutions that inspire you, or move you in some way. If you don’t feel a sense of connection or satisfaction in the idea of participating than it’s probably not going to provide the benefits you are seeking.
February may be a real drag in terms of grey sky and freezing cold weather but it is also the month we celebrate love. What better way to combat the cold than to focus on helping someone else or spreading some kindness to others? I, for one, will be over here making Valentine’s day cards and eating cookies. I, mean, baking cookies.
Here is a link to a country living article featuring 38 different easy DIY Valentine Day card ideas:
https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/how-to/g2963/diy-valentines-day-cards/
And a link for a recipe for something called Valentine’s day crack candy (which seems appropriate for the times)
https://www.passionforsavings.com/valentines-day-crack/
LOVE always,
Anna
