Serving Up a Healthy Helping
By
Dr. Lorraine Cassista

Did you know helping others can actually be healthy for you? It seems to come naturally around the holidays. Christmas and other religious holidays around this time of year spurs the spirit of giving. The truly wealthy people know this spirit of giving year round. I don’t mean those wealthy in money. I mean those wealthy in purpose. There is probably no greater satisfaction than helping others. Whether you donate your time to help someone learn how to read or care for a sick child or adult, helping others is good for the body and the soul, yours as well as those you are helping.

Helping others improves mood and gives you a sense of well-being. It can take your mind off of your own problems and give you a greater appreciation for what you have. It can help you physically by easing anxiety, depression or hostility. You can make new friends by offering your services to someone who needs you, providing you with another network of social support. The most beneficial helping, that reaping the greatest reward for the giver, is done one on one where there is personal contact with another. Helping others serves a greater purpose and, therefore, is fulfilling and reaffirming of your meaning in life.

According to the healthy mind healthy body handbook, a Tecumseh, Michigan study of 2700 people, showed men who volunteered for community service were 2 1/2 times less likely to die form all causes of disease than those who didn’t. Studies also indicate helping can give our immune system a boost.

Truly helping others means empowering them to help themselves in some way, not making them helplessly indebted to you. Allowing the person being helped the room to grow, make decisions, take control over their lives, and accept responsibility can be the best medicine some people can have. Just as helping others may give more meaning to your life, those being helped can be made to feel purposeful as well. When people of all mental & physical abilities accept responsibility and feel they have a sense of control, they flourish physically and emotionally.

Avoid taking it personally if things don’t work out the way you thought they would. If you help others looking to be rewarded with thanks and praise, you may be disappointed. How many times have you heard someone say, “after all i did for him”? You need to focus on the process of giving rather than the end result.

If you find yourself in the position of caretaker of a loved one, make sure you take time for yourself and ask for help when you need it. Taking care of someone full time can be exhausting, physically, emotionally and mentally. It can become a source of stress which takes its toll on you. Make sure you get your needs met and take time out for you.

Kenneth Hildebrand said, “strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes”. Helping others can reap many benefits. Just like serving another helping of your favorite meal, remember to add an occasional helping of helping others. It’s something you can do year round! Happy holidays!