One of my good friends is a serial offender.
If there’s a charity that needs supporting, a good cause worth celebrating, or a call out for donations and goods to assist following a bushfire, flood or earthquake, she’s there, ready, able and more than willing to get stuck in, getting her hands dirty or pushing her body to the extreme by walking all night, doing 24,000 push-ups (OK this is an exaggeration) or rattling the donation tin under our noses.
It can be exhausting trying to keep up with all her multiple good deeds!
She’s not alone. Helping others is an innate human trait. One study of 100 19-month-old babies found that they would give a tasty snack to a stranger, without prompting or training, even when they were hungry themselves. Altruism clearly starts early, and family and social experiences also play a part in shaping this behaviour.
From an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense to look out for others and keep them safe from harm.
There’s something else happening, too.
One of the biggest benefits of our altruism is the reward we feel from undertaking the activity, which enhances our overall well-being.
This is why, if you’ve been feeling a bit down, isolated, or generally a bit bleh, one of the fastest pick-me-ups (other than retail therapy, which I often find ends in buyer’s remorse) is to do something that helps someone else.
Showing kindness to others is the gift that keeps on giving.
Altruistic activities don’t have to be huge.
It’s more about looking for the opportunity to be of help where you know there’s a need.
Whether you’re volunteering at Food Bank or sleeping out to raise awareness and money for homelessness, there are a multitude of ways you can help.
One of my favourite activities to take part in is the annual trek held in late October by the charity Coastrek in Margaret River. It’s a walk of 20 or 35 km that raises funds for the year’s chosen charity, which this year is Beyond Blue, the charity that helps to raise awareness of and supports those dealing with mental illness.
There is something truly special about participating in an event where hundreds of women come together, united in their desire to support mental well-being while enjoying the fresh air and engaging in activities like walking, cycling, or swimming for a good cause. Sunshine, wind or rain, it doesn’t matter because doing good is doing us good too.
At Coastrek, we, the walkers, have a whale of a time.
Invariably, the humpback whales put on a floor show for us as we walk along, waving their flippers, breaching and providing us spectators a powerful performance of whale support.
As we walk, you can see the long, winding snake of colour ahead and behind as we follow the path. I love seeing the ingenuity and creativity of some of the team’s costumes. One of my favourites last year was the cupcake headbands that looked good enough to eat.
Invariably, we chat and find out more about each other, forming new friendships along the way. Despite being a bit footsore by the end, everyone has a great day walking in a pristine environment along the coastal path. Tired and happy, we tend to sleep very well the night afterwards.
If you’re interested in joining the fun, registrations are open until September 21st, so you’ve still got time to dig out your hiking boots and get fit before the big day.
As a proud Coastrek Ambassador, I’ll be there and would love to have your company!
How being ‘happy to help’ boosts mental well-being
1. It has a cognitive benefit.
If, like me, you’re interested in maintaining your cognition as you age, a new study has shown that getting out for 2-4 hours each week to volunteer your services, whether as a volunteer or to help a neighbour, can decrease your potential for cognitive decline associated with aging by 15-20%.
The researchers found that the cognitive benefit accrues over time. Making your informal help a regular part of your week is what makes the difference.
2. It boosts your mood.
It provides a sense of purpose and meaning. Spending time volunteering, helping in a school cafeteria or working as an assistant in an aged care facility are all simple ways to help others.
3. It makes you more observant of others’ needs.
Whether it’s a friend who needs a listening ear or offering to help a colleague who’s drowning in work, seeing where you can help means you’re more present.
4. It builds connection.
In a world drowning in loneliness, the fastest way to connect with others is to join a community group, such as a community garden, where the aim is to come together, have fun, and gain great pleasure from growing vegetables that can be shared or given away. Building a stronger social network promotes more prosocial and active behaviour, both of which raise self-esteem and confidence.
5. It helps keep things in perspective.
If you’re feeling like the world is becoming an increasingly dark place, small acts of kindness and showing that you care help to raise optimism, hope and faith in humanity.
Are you a serial helper like my friend?
Or are you someone who’s looking for a way to get out of a rut, to find a way to reconnect to something that provides purpose and meaning, or simply to meet new people?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
