“The Healing Power of Service: How to Use Altruism for Personal Growth and Healing”
The Healing Power of Service: How to Use Altruism for Personal Growth and Healing
What is Altruism?
Altruism is the unselfish concern for the well-being of others. It is an act of giving without expecting anything in return. Service is an act of altruism that helps with personal growth and healing.
Why is Service Good for Us?
Serving others has many positive psychological benefits that include improved mood, decreased stress, and an overall sense of connectedness.
How to Incorporate Altruism into Your Everyday Life
- Volunteer: Look for local organizations or charities that need help and make it a point to volunteer your time and skills.
- Reach Out: Offer to help a friend, family member or neighbor with something they need–even if it’s just a listening ear.
- Practice Random Acts of Kindness: Small gestures, like paying for the coffee of the person in line behind you, can go a long way in bringing joy to those around you.
The Benefits of Altruism:
Giving to others can provide numerous physical and emotional benefits, such as:
- Reduced stress and improved emotional wellbeing
- Increased good feelings
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- A greater sense of belonging and of being part of a community
The Bottom Line
Service and altruism may not be the most obvious forms of self-care, but they can have a substantial impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Whether you make it a part of your lifestyle, an occasional activity, or a one-time gesture, serving others has tremendous healing power and is an excellent way to cultivate personal growth.
