Helping others doesn’t just benefit the receiver—it has profound mental and physical health benefits for the giver, too. Studies have shown that the act of comforting others offers a range of emotional, physical, and even neurological benefits to the giver.
As a company whose mission it is to provide comfort to people through our products and initiatives, we can attest to the added “feel good” perks we get in return. But what exactly are those benefits, and why do they exist?
Why Helping Others Feels Good: The Psychology of Comforting Others
Humans are hardwired for connection. When it comes down to it, we’re tribal beings who have benefited and continue to benefit from forming bonds with one another. In the past, this was likely due to the fact that we gained physical safety and security by connecting with and learning from members of our tribes, which in turn ensured the survival of our species. Today, we still reap the emotional and physical benefits of caring for one another.
What evidence is there that we’re designed to connect with and care for one another, you ask? Here are just a few facts that support this idea:
● Our brains are equipped with mirror neurons and oxytocin, which help facilitate learning from, bonding with, and empathizing with others.
● Acts of service trigger a direct release of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin in the brain, resulting in what’s called a “helper’s high”.
● Studies have demonstrated that performing acts of kindness can reduce depression and anxiety in individuals.
Emotional Health Benefits of Acts of Kindness
Now that we understand why it feels good to give back, let’s dive into the emotional benefits of giving. Here’s what you’re likely to experience emotionally when you give comfort to others and perform acts of service.
1. Increased Sense of Purpose: Supporting someone can give meaning to your own challenges by shifting focus outward beyond the self.
2. Strengthened Relationships: Small comforts and demonstrations of support lead to emotional glue in friendships and family bonds. It builds trust and a feedback loop of closeness and safety.
3. Reduced Feelings of Loneliness: Giving comfort reinforces that you are part of a community that’s bigger than you. Even virtual connection (texting, writing letters, video calls) can alleviate isolation while simultaneously providing comfort to others.
4. Reduced Depression and Anxiety: As mentioned earlier, caring for others can reduce levels of depression and anxiety. By shifting the focus away from one’s internal struggles, acts of service can interrupt negative thought loops.
Physical Health Benefits of Helping Others
Now that we understand some of the emotional perks of helping others, let’s break down some of the physical benefits of helping others. Here’s what you’re likely to experience physically when you give comfort to others and perform acts of service.
1. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Acts of service have been shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and cortisol levels. Giving also activates the vagus nerve, supporting hearth health and feelings of calm.
2. Improved Sleep: Connection to others helps with emotional regulation, which in turn can result in reduced stress and more restful sleep.
3. Lowered Inflammation: Studies have demonstrated that acts of service can reduce chronic inflammation, improving overall health and physical wellbeing.
10 Easy Ways to Comfort Others and Spread Kindness
Looking to provide comfort to others but don’t know where to begin? Here are a few ideas for how you can support others who could use a little more human connection in their lives. Remember to start small to form habits that stick, then build from there.
1. Be generous with compliments: It may seem like a small gesture, but a simple compliment not only can lift someone’s spirits, it can also build their confidence and motivation.
2. Send a quick “thinking of you” text: A short message can go a long way, especially if someone’s feeling lonely or down.
3. Drop off a comfort item: Tea, soup, a cozy pair of socks, or a favorite snack—small gestures speak loudly.
4. Offer to listen: No fixing or problem solving, just being present and listening.
5. Mail a handwritten note or card: Old-school and heartfelt. Unexpected mail is a joy.
6. Create a “comfort playlist” and share it: A custom mix of soothing or uplifting songs can feel like a warm hug.
7. Send a funny meme or inside joke: Laughter is comforting, too.
8. Offer practical assistance: Run an errand, cook a meal, babysit—emotional comfort sometimes looks like action.
9. Volunteer: To reach a broader base, volunteer at a shelter, senior living facility, food bank, or another organization helping people in need.
10. Donate: Offer items or financial support to a local shelter, food bank, or charity of your choice.
Helping Others Helps You
Every act of comfort you offer has the potential to create a ripple effect, lifting others’ spirits and inspiring them to spread kindness and goodwill. And as we’ve determined, giving is not only generous, it’s restorative. To put it simply: do good, feel good. As you begin to introduce new giving practices into your daily routine, take note of how your own well-being improves in the process.