How to get the helper’s high?
Few of us will get through life without ever experiencing some random act of kindness, compassion or generosity. But think for a moment. When was the last time you did something positive for someone else? How did you feel? On top of the world? Less stressed? Perhaps even a bit happier? If so, you may have experienced what experts call the “helper’s high”.
“Helping someone in a thoughtful and kind way is beyond any doubt an instant mood booster. For me, the helpers high is a by product of living a life that is attuned to the needs of those around you - helping them wherever possible - and living in the space of kindness.”
“There is a lot of evidence that one of the best anti-anxiety medications available is generosity”
In 1988, Allan Luks coined the term “helper’s high” after examining the feelings of over 3000 volunteers. What he discovered was that many of the volunteers experienced a “high” while helping other people. Many also felt happier and more energised. But it didn’t stop there. He also discovered that when people helped others they often felt less depressed, calmer and some even experienced fewer aches and pains. Interestingly, research has consistently found that helping others not only generates a benefit for those receiving the help but also for the person giving it. So how does doing “good” make us feel good?
Helping behaviours have been found to trigger feel-good hormones within us. Basically altruism stimulates the brain’s positive emotion centers. So if we help someone else chemicals such as dopamine and various other endorphins are released into our bloodstream. So what is the result? Well, we can get a burst of euphoric energy and this generates pleasurable emotions making us feel good (the “helper’s high”).
Think about it. The good news is that next time you want to feel a bit better or want to give yourself a little boost, it’s easy. Try helping someone else. Doing good makes us feel good.
Specs of Gold
Helping behaviour has been found to have many positive effects including alleviating depression, improving self-esteem, diminishing stress and improving our sense of emotional well-being.
Volunteering has been found to significantly reduce symptoms of depression in adults over the age of 65. Volunteers have also been found to live longer than non-volunteers.
Did you know that we are more likely to help others if we feel good ourselves. This phenomenon is called the “feel good, do good” effect.