BACKING IT UP...
There have been numerous studies about the positive effects of volunteering, and these effects can spill over into your work life. Allen Luks researched the cause and effect relationship between helping and good health and found that after doing an act of kindness there is a physical reaction called a “helper high” and that is followed by a “longer period of calm and improved emotional wellbeing.” This period of positive mental health affects all areas of a person’s life. Luks continues, stating the period of wellbeing can stay for hours or days and reduce negative feelings which cause “stress, overeating, ulcers,” and more. Good news, too, because an academic study reported that a manager can waste $75 per week due to being “psychologically distressed.”
Diane Stafford’s article from the St. Petersburg Times states that a person’s “psychological well-being is a significant indicator of job performance.” Her article goes on to point to stress on the job as being an indicator of low psychological wellbeing, but if we refer back to Luks’s research there is a clear option for improvement. Help others.
THE CHALLENGE!!
There have been numerous studies about the positive effects of volunteering, and these effects can spill over into your work life. Allen Luks researched the cause and effect relationship between helping and good health and found that after doing an act of kindness there is a physical reaction called a “helper high” and that is followed by a “longer period of calm and improved emotional wellbeing.” This period of positive mental health affects all areas of a person’s life. Luks continues, stating the period of wellbeing can stay for hours or days and reduce negative feelings which cause “stress, overeating, ulcers,” and more. Good news, too, because an academic study reported that a manager can waste $75 per week due to being “psychologically distressed.”Diane Stafford’s article from the St. Petersburg Times states that a person’s “psychological well-being is a significant indicator of job performance.” Her article goes on to point to stress on the job as being an indicator of low psychological wellbeing, but if we refer back to Luks’s research there is a clear option for improvement. Help others.
THE CHALLENGE!!I challenge you and myself to volunteer not just during the holiday seasons, but the rest of the year as well. There's this classic Christmas song entitled Christmas All Year Long where the artist sings about the things he likes about the season and wishing it would carry throughout the year. The bridge is my favorite part of the song with the lyrics stating, "I wish that every spirit in the world could feel the power, and know love not once a year but every minute and every hour." This is exactly what I mean by the helper high and volunteering having an impact on your mental wellbeing. You could personally have your own holiday spirit all year long if you so choose.
HOW TO KEEP POSITIVE MENTAL WELLBEING
Perform acts of kindness like donating to a worthy cause, spending time with people who are lonely, or specifically do something special for people at your workplace. Now here’s the kicker, these acts of kindness must be completely altruistic. After all, if you expect something in return then you’ll prevent your heart from receiving the true gifts of love and joy—along with other life-enhancing benefits. As you consider this, let me leave you with one last piece of evidence, “studies suggest that people with greater personal well-being may volunteer more often, and people who are involved in community service may have greater life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of purpose in life, physical health, and mental health.” Read more about this study here.
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