In this BIT: Why is it important to help others? See below the benefits of helping others along with actionable tips on how to help others!
Have you ever felt better or happier when you helped someone? Maybe you held a door open, gave a compliment, or picked something up after someone dropped it. Is it true that helping others gives us a small bit of happiness? If so, why? Why is our brain rewarding us to feel better when we help others, and what are some small and easy ways to help others everyday?
A Harvard study conducted an experiment, where a group of participants used their own money to buy a small goody-bag full of candy and treats. Each of the participants were then randomly assigned whether they were to keep the bag of treats, or if they would give it to a sick child at a local hospital. After either keeping this bag or giving it away, the participants were asked questions to gauge their mood. The results of the study demonstrated that those who gave the bag away had a small but steady mood boost, compared to the other participants.
Another study found that although giving creates a mood boost for everyone, each person may experience this increased sense of happiness differently. The impact varies depending on one’s background and the way they were raised. For example, in Canada and the United States, one is more likely to see giving to another person as a two-way street. When someone helps another, they think of how good the action makes them feel. The scientific word for this belief is “impure altruism” as the action isn’t fully pure since it was done out of knowing that one will feel happier too. On the other hand, cultures in countries such as China, Japan, and others, have a mindset of “collectivist”. This means that when one helps another, they don’t necessarily feel the need to feel happy as the action itself is for the other person. Researchers call this type of belief “pure altruism,” as the action itself is pure. It can almost be regarded as a gift without strings attached.
On the other hand, cultures in countries such as China, Japan, and others, have a mindset of “collectivist”. This means that when one helps another, they don’t necessarily feel the need to feel happy as the action itself is for the other person. Researchers call this type of belief “pure altruism,” as the action itself is pure. It can almost be regarded as a gift without strings attached.
This study found that when we believe that helping others actually helps us too, we start to feel happier. Even though this mindset could be considered “selfish,” as it reduces that simple act of goodwill with no expectation of anything in return, there is no downside to helping someone and feeling happier. Helping others doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many benefits of helping that don’t require us to spend hours volunteering. Below are some easy ways to incorporate helpful actions into every day.
Hold the door for someone: One of the easiest activities that we do everyday is opening or keeping a door open for another person.
Send a kind message: A short message, appreciation, gratitude, or compliment, or other means of kindness makes the other person feel seen. We all have hard days sometimes, and kindness creates support for the other person. Instead of writing this message, you can also just say it to them in person!
Help with chores or simple tasks around the house: The best kind of help is unprompted and comes without grumbling and complaining. Notice when a parent, sibling, friend, or classmate is struggling and is overwhelmed. Help them with something!
All in all, small acts of service for people around us and in our community are one of the easiest ways to spread happiness to them, and to find some happiness for ourselves. There are so many benefits of helping others, even in simple ways. We can all use a little more help and happiness!
We hope that this inspires you to do something kind – big or small – for someone else, bringing you a Small Bit of Happiness.
For more happiness check out our Mood Boost page.
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