Since we are young, adults in our environment try to instill values such as generosity, solidarity and empathy. They remind us of the importance of helping others, focusing it from the prism of altruism.
The reality is that it has been shown that there are hardly any completely disinterested acts, since favoring the other always brings us benefits of some kind .
This, far from giving us a selfish vision of the human being, confirms that prosocial behaviors are beneficial both for the recipient and for the issuer.
How does it help us to help others?
Improve self-esteem
When we perform a beneficial action for others, we feel better with ourselves. This satisfaction comes from the certainty that we are acting in the right way. The image that each one maintains of himself becomes more positive, being able to consider himself a good and generous person .
But, in addition, when this happens we feel more useful. Knowing that we are necessary, that we can contribute to the welfare and happiness of the other makes us feel important and valuable . All the positive attributes that emerge from a solidarity action contribute to strengthening our self-esteem .
Strengthen our links
Having a quality social support network is truly beneficial for our health, both physical and emotional. Social support acts as a stress absorber and helps us to implement better coping strategies, making the recovery of the disease faster.
Well, by helping others, we are strengthening the emotional ties that bind us to them . When we do a person a favor, he feels clothed, valuable and appreciated. Consequently, he will express his gratitude with words or gestures, which will give us a pleasant feeling of satisfaction.
In this way a cycle of positive exchanges is forged between both people that favors the happiness of both. By helping others, we are contributing to our relationships being based on reciprocity, trust and gratitude. Thus, having social links of this nature will have a great impact on our well-being.
Wake up gratitude
Helping others helps us witness different realities and become aware of everything good that surrounds us . It motivates us to thank you for finding us in the position of who can help instead of that of the one who needs to be helped. This favors the development of positive thinking and removes the complaint, prevents our attention from getting caught in what we lack.
Regretting what we lack, focusing on what does not work damages our mood. On the contrary, recognizing and thanking the positive aspects of our existence helps us to enhance optimism. Acting on behalf of others, we open our eyes to the beauty of life and put humility into practice.
Boost the feeling of belonging
The feeling of belonging is one of the main needs of every human being on the path to personal fulfillment. When we give, we transcend. We feel part of something bigger: of a relationship, of a society, of humanity. ..
Helping ignites connections, brings us closer to others and makes us feel that we are part of a common project. The feeling of unity that is generated by investing your energy in others is beneficial to both parties.
Help others after helping you
Somehow, helping others also reminds us that we are people we need from others. On the other hand, sometimes we fall into the error of being extremely helpful to others, disregarding our own needs. The golden rule says that in order to love, you must first love yourself, in order to help, you must first help yourself: no one can give what they do not have.
When you give yourself to others without having taken care of yourself, you run the risk of being empty, flooded with nothing . On this same line, it is simple to confuse generosity with need: I help you so that you love me, so that you need me, so that you do not leave my side. This attitude is insane and harmful for both people and for the bond.
Therefore, when you give (love, support, understanding …), do it because you have left over, not because you lack it. And don’t forget that reciprocity is an important part of social relationships. You also deserve support, help, listening and understanding.