Why is helping others the key to happiness?

The Happiness Equation

Have you ever experienced a sense of joy and fulfillment after lending a hand to someone in need? This feeling is not just a coincidence, as research has shown that helping others is a key to happiness. Whether it's donating to a charity, volunteering, or simply supporting a friend in need, giving back has been linked to positive impacts on our emotional and mental well-being. ^[1]

Yet, in our modern world, it's becoming increasingly common to seek purpose and fulfillment through accumulating achievements and dedicating excessive amounts of time to work. However, this can often result in isolation from others, leaving us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.

Mudita Bell Classic Alarm Clock

At Mudita, we believe that a meaningful life involves helping others. This idea has been present for centuries, as seen in Aristotle's teachings. He emphasizes that true happiness and fulfillment are attained not through being loved, but by showing love to others.

Helping others not only brings joy to their lives, but also nourishes our soul with a sense of purpose and interconnectedness.

Now, let’s dive into the reasons why helping others can lead to happiness, and explore how making a difference in someone else's life can deeply affect our own. 

We'll examine the science behind the release of "feel-good" hormones and the increase in social connections that come with acts of kindness, and discuss why helping others should be a fundamental part of our lives. 

1. Increases Positive Emotions: One of the key reasons why helping others is the key to happiness is that it increases positive emotions. When we help others, our brain releases oxytocin, which is commonly referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. This release of oxytocin can lead to increased feelings of happiness and joy, making us feel better about ourselves and the world around us. Additionally, lending a helping hand can bring a sense of calmness and decrease stress levels. Those who volunteer regularly tend to have a more positive outlook on life, and experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, which may also contribute to a longer life. ^[2][3][4]

2. Improves Sense of Purpose: Helping others can also provide us with a greater sense of purpose. When we help another human being, we often feel like our actions have meaning and that we’re making a difference in someone else's life. This sense of purpose can give us a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, which has the ability to increase our overall happiness. ^[5]

3. Enhances Social Connections: Helping others is a great way to not only build, but also strengthen relationships. When you help someone, they are more likely to reciprocate that help in the future and feel closer to you. This can lead to stronger social connections and a greater sense of community, both of which are vital components of happiness. ^[6]

4. Provides a Sense of Accomplishment: Helping others can also make us feel good about ourselves. When we help someone, it gives us a sense of accomplishment and pride in what we've done. This sense of accomplishment can be a powerful motivator and lead to increased happiness.

5. Brings Positive Change to the World: Finally, helping others can bring positive change to the world. By making a difference in someone else's life, we can help to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. This can bring us a sense of satisfaction and happiness, knowing that our actions have had a positive impact on the world.

Helping others is a key component of happiness.

By helping others, we can increase our own happiness. Volunteering, donating, or simply lending a hand to a friend can have a positive impact on our emotional and psychological well-being. 

By incorporating acts of kindness into our lives, we can experience many benefits and live a happier life.

If you’d like to read more about topics connected to this subject, please check out some of our other articles:

• The mindfulness of winter

• Why Selfless Love Matters

• Mindful Mornings: The benefits of an offline morning routine