Four Ways to Become a More Altruistic Person
Scientifically-backed ways to boost others’ mental wellbeing as well as your own.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank
The act of giving feels good. After all, there’s no better experience than sharing a gift and seeing someone’s face light up with genuine excitement — whether the gift is for a special occasion, or simply to show you care.
Of course, giving doesn’t have to be material for it to have an impact on both the giver and receiver. Whether donating time to charity, volunteering at a food bank, or raising awareness for a worthy cause, giving is the gift that keeps on…well, you know…giving.
Research even shows that those who practice altruistic behavior regularly are healthier — living longer lives, having better mental health, and finding a greater sense of purpose. A study by Allen Luks, who surveyed thousands of volunteers across the United States in 1991, confirms this. He found that people who helped others reported better health than peers in their age group.
Similarly, a 2010 Harvard Business School survey in 136 countries found that people who showed generosity — in this case, people who made charitable donations — were happier overall. With this…
