Help Someone

Description

Helping someone is as simple as it sounds. It can be anything from giving a hint on the street to sharing food, to actions that involve greater commitment or time.

Why it works

• Humans are social beings. Biologically, it means that we are meant to cooperate to some extent. We inherit a sense of connection and wellbeing whenever we help someone, especially if they are in trouble.
• Helping someone forces us to focus on something other than our own issues. This decreases stress and anxiety. 
• Dedicating our time and money to an external cause has been proven to be a way to build long-term happiness

Suggested Frequency

At least once a week 

When you have the chance

Possible Side Effects

None known

Make sure you help in a safe environment

Supporting Studies and Articles

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1. Altruism, Helping, and Volunteering: Pathways to Well-Being in Late Life. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3910233/  
2. Volunteering and health benefits in general adults: cumulative effects and forms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504679/ 
3. Giving to Others and the Association Between Stress and Mortality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3780662/ 
4. Ways to support someone who is grieving. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/ways-to-support-someone-who-is-grieving 
5. Stop asking ‘how are you?’ Harvard researchers say this is what successful people do when making small talk. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/07/stop-asking-how-are-you-harvard-researchers-say-this-is-how-successful-people-make-small-talk.html 
6. Positive psychology progress: empirical validation of interventions. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16045394/ 
7. Positive Psychology and Physical Health. Research and Applications. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124958/ 
8. A balanced psychology and a full life. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1693422/