Help Yourself by Helping Others
Have you ever felt empty even though you had everything you thought you wanted? What if the key to true happiness isn’t in what you do for yourself, but in what you do for others?
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness are affecting many people worldwide. Trying to find happiness through things like money, career success, or social status often doesn’t work. These common ways to achieve happiness usually leave people feeling unhappy and empty.
In this post, we’ll talk about “Being Intelligently Selfish,” an idea from Buddhism. It means that true happiness comes from helping others. By the end of this article, you’ll understand how helping others can make your own mental health better and give you a more fulfilling life.
I used to think that success meant happiness. I believed that climbing the career ladder and achieving my goals would make me feel fulfilled. But the more I succeeded, the more I felt empty inside.
Then, I learned the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is a temporary feeling from things like getting a promotion or going to a concert. Joy, on the other hand, comes from our attitude and how we treat others.
I realized that too much self-centered thinking was making me suffer. So, I started caring about others. Helping others brought me a joy and fulfillment that I had never found in my achievements or possessions.
Why Helping Others Makes You Happy
We can’t survive without other people. Unhappy people tend to focus on themselves, which makes them feel more alone. We learn from other humans — our parents, friends, and others around us. We need people to learn, grow, and understand how to be better.
Science shows that helping others makes us feel better. When we do kind things, our brain releases endorphins, which boost our mood. We also get a surge of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which helps us feel connected to others.
What is Intelligent Selfishness?
“Being Intelligently Selfish” means understanding that our well-being is linked to the well-being of others. Instead of trying to find happiness through selfish actions, we should look for ways to help and support those around us.
When I first heard this idea, it made sense to me. I stopped chasing personal gains and started helping others. The result? I felt happier and more fulfilled than ever before.
Simple Ways to Start Helping Others
You don’t need to make big gestures to make a difference. Here are some simple ways to start helping others and, in turn, help yourself:
- Small Acts of Kindness: Hold the door open for someone, give a compliment, or help a neighbor with their groceries. These small acts can brighten someone’s day and boost your own mood.
- Volunteer Your Time: Find a cause that matters to you and spend some time on it. Whether it’s mentoring, working at a food bank, or participating in community clean-ups, volunteering can connect you with others and give you a sense of purpose.
- Practice Gratitude: Take time to appreciate the kindness you receive. This can be as simple as writing thank-you notes or keeping a gratitude journal. Practicing gratitude can make you happier and inspire you to spread kindness.
- Support Local Initiatives: Get involved in your community by attending local events, supporting small businesses, or advocating for local issues. This helps your community thrive and strengthens your sense of belonging.
The Ripple Effect
Helping others doesn’t just make you feel good; it creates a ripple effect. When you do something kind, it inspires others to do the same. This chain reaction can lead to a more caring and supportive community.
Think about a “kindness chain.” If you start by leaving small notes of appreciation for your coworkers, soon others may join in, and the whole office can become happier and more cooperative. This simple act creates a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Finding True Happiness
You don’t have to find happiness alone. By helping others, you can improve your own well-being in a lasting and meaningful way. When you focus on others instead of yourself, you not only feel better but also make a positive difference in the world.
Remember, true joy comes from caring about others. Acts of kindness will bring happiness to those you help and also bring a deeper, lasting happiness to yourself.
By adopting this approach, we can create a more caring and supportive community. Let’s work together to explore the power of helping others and build a world where real happiness is shared by everyone.
