If you lug your elderly neighbor's groceries up her steps, clearly it's good for her. But did you know that it's likely good for you too? Research indicates that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains and better health. They may even live longer. Doing good can make you feel good. It might (a) remind you that you'搭李re relatively lucky, (b) make you feel connected to others, (c) help you feel needed and effective, (d) take your mind off your own worries for a while, (e)make you feel generous and (f)add a sense of purpose and meaning to your life.
Consider these tips for helping others—and yourself:
(a) Don'知睁迟t feel like you have to make grand gestures or huge time commitments. Sure, helping can mean serving meals at a homeless shelter every week. But it also can mean:
(b) Calling a friend to see how she'早迟s doing
(c) Serving your spouse breakfast in bed
(d) Letting a car in front of you on the highway
(e) Smiling at a stranger in the street
(f) Holding the elevator door for your co-worker
(g) Beware of taking on too much, or you'll risk feeling resentful. When asked a favor, think it over before saying yes.