Altruism is the act of promoting someone else's welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. Studies show that women are intuitively more altruistic than men... Here are some reasons why it's healthy to be altruistic:
1. Improved physical and mental health :
Altruistic behaviour is associated with reduced aggression, better physical and mental health, longevity, and improved well-being[1][3]. Helping others can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness, and can improve our self-esteem[2]. Studies have found that people who help others usually have healthier, happier lives[3].
2. Sense of belonging and reduced isolation :
Helping others, especially those less fortunate than yourself, can help put things into perspective and make you feel more positive. Being aware of your own acts of kindness and the things you are grateful for can increase feelings of happiness, optimism, and satisfaction[2]. This can create a sense of belonging and reduce isolation.
3. Positive outlook and happiness :
Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place. An act of kindness can improve feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness, and optimism, and may also encourage others to be kind[2]. Being altruistic can help you have a more positive outlook on your circumstances.
4. The warm glow effect
When you are altruistic toward others, it's because you want to feel the contentment of having done something good. This is known as the warm glow effect[5]. Altruism can make us feel good, and the brain's reward and pleasure centers light up when one actively participates in an act of altruism[4].
It's important to Balance your altruism with a health dose of self compassion to prevent burnout. so don't forget to consider whether you've shown altruism to yourself..
Citations:
[1] https://globalizationandhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12992-020-00587-y
[2] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/what-are-health-benefits-altruism
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15901215/
[4] https://www.onlinepsychologydegree.info/fascinating-facts-about-the-psychology-of-altruism/
[5] https://www.betterup.com/blog/altruism
[6] https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/altruism/definition