Boost Your Health By Giving Back

During the holidays, the giving often brings us as much joy as the getting.

And there’s a thought. A 2018 National Institutes of Health study found that helping others in your community has a “multitude of benefits on mental, physical and social health.”

Whether giving back or paying it forward, lending a hand can boost your mood and overall happiness. It provides a sense of purpose and reduces stress. It encourages you to be more present. The NIH study even found that people who give back live longer!

Read More: Coping with Holiday Stress

So what can we do during the holidays to help others and ourselves thrive? Here are some ideas.

Brighten your neighborhood. Got a neighbor who needs help? Offer to shovel their driveway, rake leaves, or even help with their outdoor decorations. Consider hosting a holiday potluck for your neighbors.

Sponsor someone in need. Contact a local women’s shelter or an organization that supports adolescents in need and sponsor someone for the holidays. Get your family, friends or coworkers involved. Maybe start a giving tree. Knowing you made someone else’s Christmas can be life changing.

Volunteer at a community holiday meal. Contact local organizations or churches that sponsor holiday meals and find out how you can help. It might be your best holiday ever.

Leave positive reviews for your favorite local businesses. We hear “shop local,” how about “praise local?” Sharing a positive review online means the world to small businesses.

Share an inspiring story. Is there a person in your community, a business owner or teacher that you admire? Take some time to use your social media presence to share their story and to show your appreciation.

Pay it forward. Next time you’re in line for coffee or takeout, pay for the order of the person in the car behind you. Your simple action could start a happy chain reaction.

Write nice notes for your coworkers, friends or neighbors. Being appreciated is a key human need. Say what you admire about them. Recall a time they did something thoughtful for you. Your gesture could change their holidays.

Read More: The Health Benefits of Gratitude

Donate to a local organization. Don’t just donate online (though that great). Find their address, walk in and make a donation. Ask what they need from the community. Then share that information with your friends or on social media.

Volunteer. Find opportunities through online services that match you to organizations where you can volunteer. Your city, county or local church websites are a great place to start.

These are just some ideas. There are many others. Whatever you choose, this holiday season, give others a boost, and boost your health too.