I’m always trying to think of different ways to get out of a funk; the more tools you have, the better off you’ll be if something that usually works isn’t getting the job done. I’ve written about a number of these different tools and ideas that I use to get myself out of depressive states when I find myself in them.
A big one for me is taking in some kind of content that makes me laugh or generally feel good. Another tool I use a lot is music. Music seems to have an unwavering ability to mold my feelings. These are just a couple of things I do to feel better.
But today, I’m talking about helping others.
Research shows that those who make an effort to consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains and better health. They may even live longer.
Why is this? Why does bettering someone else’s situation make us feel better? Well, I think you can attribute it to a couple of things.
Speaking for myself, when I help others, I feel needed. It gives me a personal sense of purpose. Even if it’s not on an everyday basis, volunteering can scratch that itch for me and feeling purpose for me is huge.
Also, helping others and giving of ourselves makes us feel connected to other humans. Even if we’re homebodies or introverts, we still need that occasional human connection – it feeds us to a degree.
Doing something as simple as buying a meal for someone – or even handing your leftovers to someone who doesn’t know when they will be getting their next meal – can each be one-way tickets for connecting with a person, even if just for a moment.
Finally – if nothing else – volunteering is a way to concentrate your thoughts on something other than yourself. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in what I’m doing and what others may think of me. Putting my attention on serving others completely takes those thoughts away and gives me a new focus.
The best part about all of this? None of it really costs you very much – but it helps others and there are ALWAYS opportunities.
A great place to start is St. John’s Breadline. You get to feed people, which offers someone an instant comfort they didn’t have before.
For questions or to volunteer, call: (217) 528-6098.
Enjoy this weeks happy fun time video:
