Have you ever worked at a charity shop, joined a temple charity, or helped someone in need? After doing so, you must have felt a wonderful sense of happiness and relief. That feeling of "Oh, I did something good" is what sociologists call the " helper's high ." This is not only a feeling of happiness, but it is also really good for your physical health.
What is this wonderful feeling called "Helper's High"?
Simply put, it’s that positive, happy feeling we get when we help someone else. It’s a bit like the feeling of relief you get after a good workout. According to Stephen G. Post, a research expert on this topic, helping others triggers a physiological process inside our bodies. Not only does this make us happier, it also improves our overall health.
Imagine the joy you feel when you put a smile on someone else's face with a little help from you... That's where it all started.
Scientifically speaking, what happens inside the body?
This is not just a myth. Research has shown that when we help, some amazing things happen in our brains and bodies . Let's take a look at what they are.
Activation of the brain's reward system
There is a special part of our brain that controls "happiness and satisfaction". This is called the mesolimbic reward system. Specifically, this part is activated when we feel happy, such as when we eat a delicious meal or receive a gift. Surprisingly, researchers have found through `MRI` scans that this "happiness center" of the brain is also activated when we help someone in need or donate money to a charity. This releases feel-good chemicals into our bodies.
The magic that reduces stress
When we constantly think about our problems and worries, our body's levels of the stress hormone cortisol increase. This can lead to many diseases, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
But when we put our own problems aside and start thinking about the needs of others and helping them, these cortisol levels drop dramatically. In one study, a group of older adults were followed for 4 years. They found that those who volunteered for more than 200 hours a year had a 40% lower risk of developing high blood pressure than those who did not.
The comfort of oxytocin and endorphins
When we help someone face-to-face, for example, when we visit someone who is sick, or when we comfort someone who is sad, our bodies produce two other special hormones.
- Oxytocin: This is also called the "love hormone." This hormone is produced when a mother breastfeeds her baby. It creates a wonderful sense of calm and bonding in our minds.
- Endorphins : These are like our body's own natural painkillers . They can even reduce our physical pain.
So, when we help, the production of both of these hormones gives us great comfort, both mentally and physically.
So, how do I choose the right place to help?
Okay, now you're eager to help out. But there are so many places and jobs out there, and you're probably wondering where to start. These tips will help you choose the one that's right for you.
| Consider the fact | Why is that? / Examples |
|---|---|
| Choose something that is really important to you. | Choose a field that interests you and that you are passionate about. For example, if you love animals, go to a place that helps animals. If you love the environment, plant trees or join in cleaning up a beach. |
| Use your talents. | Do you know how to cook well? Then help out at a charity shop. Are you a teacher? Then give free tuition classes. You will feel great satisfaction when you can find a place to use your skills. |
| Help with something you've also faced. | This is a very powerful thing. Research shows that when someone who is recovering from alcoholism helps someone else recover, they are less likely to relapse. Similarly, when someone who is suffering from chronic pain helps someone else, their pain is reduced. |
| Help sincerely. | Your body will get the best results when you help from your heart, rather than just to show off to the world or for some other benefit. Your motivation is very important. |
Also, think about your schedule. Can you go every day or only occasionally? Do you prefer to work with a large group, or do small tasks on your own? Think about all of these and choose what suits you best. Remember, if you feel stressed or anxious about helping, it will do more harm than good. Therefore, it is very important to choose something that you enjoy doing. If you have a health condition that makes it difficult for you to volunteer, talk to your doctor about it and get advice.
Take-Home Message
- Helping others is good for your mind and body. This is called the "Helper's High."
- When you help, the "happiness center" in the brain is activated and the stress hormone cortisol is reduced.
- This can reduce the risk of developing diseases like high blood pressure.
- The production of "comfort hormones" such as oxytocin and endorphins provides mental relief and pain relief.
- When choosing a volunteer job, consider your interests, talents, and time, and choose something you can do from the heart.
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