Natanya Wachtel: Why ‘Doing Good’ Is the Key to Individual Well-Being : When it comes to improving our individual well-being, much of the focus tends to be on our physical health. And while following a quality exercise regimen can certainly provide a big boost to your overall well-being, this is far from the only factor that can influence your health and wellness.
In fact, as Dr. Natanya Wachtel, a behavioral psychologist, founder of The New Solutions Network and director of education for women’s wellness brand THOR explains, one of the most important keys to individual wellness is doing good for others.
Doing good provides several noteworthy benefits that can lead to whole-body healing and dramatically improve wellness.
Doing Good Alleviates Stress and Anxiety
“We all deal with stress and anxiety in our day to day lives,” Dr. Wachtel explains.
“If we’re not careful, these feelings can easily become overwhelming, leaving us less capable to care for ourselves and manage other responsibilities. Doing even small acts of goodwill can be a powerful antidote to these negative emotions because they redirect our thoughts and attention to trying to help others instead of focusing so much on ourselves. We forget about our own problems and find happiness as we help someone else with the challenges they’re facing.”
Indeed, a study in the United Kingdom found that people who volunteered regularly reported being happier and more satisfied with their lives. They rated their overall health higher, and also reported having better mental health than non-volunteers.
This should come as no surprise, as research has shown that participating in volunteer work releases dopamine (the feel good hormone), directly countering stress and anxiety. By lowering stress and anxiety, you will be better positioned to focus on other health-conscious activities with a more positive mindset.
Volunteering Creates a Sense of Purpose
A big part of the power of doing good comes from its ability to create a greater sense of purpose in your life. “So many of us are wanting to contribute to something greater than ourselves,” Dr. Wachtel says.
“When you volunteer or do good in an activity that you find meaningful — where you can see the positive impact you’re having on others — it can completely transform your outlook on life. This can give you a powerful sense of purpose that increases your motivation and drive in all areas of your life. Many people find a sense of pride and identity through their volunteer work or acts of service. This creates a positive perspective that influences how they approach other activities, as well.”
Volunteering can be especially meaningful when it draws upon a person’s pre-existing skill set. It can help them see their talents and abilities in a new light. Of course, doing good can also create opportunities to learn and develop new skills as you try to fulfill your newfound purpose.
Doing Good Often Improves Physical Health
Doing good doesn’t just affect your mental and emotional well-being. Many forms of volunteering also require some level of physical effort, which can have a noteworthy effect on physical health. “Exercising at the gym isn’t the only way you can improve your physical health,” Dr. Wachtel notes.
“Many volunteer activities keep you physically moving throughout — and often in a way that is more mentally engaging than running on a treadmill. From crafting blankets to lifting boxes, many service activities can help you ‘work out’ different parts of the body, from improving coordination to increasing strength and stamina.”
In fact, studies have repeatedly shown that those who volunteer on a regular basis enjoy improved physical health when compared to non-volunteers, with lower blood pressure a specifically cited outcome. Reducing stress and anxiety through doing good can also reduce the risk for conditions like heart attack or stroke.
Grow Your Own Support Network
Finally, doing good rarely occurs in a vacuum. Most volunteer opportunities in local communities are sponsored by nonprofit organizations, churches and other groups that are focused on bringing people together to serve a need in their area.
“Doing good is one of the best ways to connect with like-minded people who share your values and goals,” Dr. Wachtel says. “Helping others is a powerful way to create new connections and build a sense of belonging in your community. It can also help you strengthen your existing relationships when you serve alongside those you already know. This is one of the best ways to stave off the sense of isolation that is so common in today’s society.”
For those who are still trying to advance in their career, this can even lead to new opportunities in the workforce. Surveys have found that 60 percent of hiring managers view volunteerism as a valuable asset when making hiring decisions — in part because volunteering often helps individuals develop leadership skills.
Do Good to Others — and Yourself
There is no one size fits all approach to doing good. For some, this could entail taking a weekly shift at the local food bank. For others, it might involve actively seeking ways to help neighbors or family members.
Regardless of the specific actions you take, an increased emphasis on “doing good” ultimately creates powerful win-wins for you and the people you serve. As they get much-needed help and support, you also take valuable steps to improve your own individual well-being — leaving you even better positioned to do more good in the future.
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