Mindfulness Month! Altruism

There is no better time than December to practice mindfulness. So all month our theme will be the mindfulness methods that can help make this the most wonderful time of the year.

When you give of yourself, you get good health for yourself too. That’s because there’s something about altruism – unselfishly giving of yourself to a cause or person – that creates good health inside your body. Perhaps it is the positive emotions it generates, perhaps it is something else. But even though the cause isn’t know, the effect definitely is.

For example, scientific research shows that those who volunteer have lower levels of depression and better heart health.

It’s so prominent that the term “helpers high” was coined, and  the endorphins that create positive feelings in the brain are heightened when you are helping others.

To do this, you can either join an organization or do it yourself! Just volunteer for something you believe in. Here are some suggestions to start with.

• Babysit your friend’s kids to allow the parents a relaxing night out.
• Make cards with your kids and deliver them to a nursing home.
• Give someone a hand getting across the street, loading their bags in an airplane, or lifting something heavy.
• When grocery shopping purchase items for a sick friend.

Community Organizations

• Participate in a park clean-up; get some physical activity while helping the community.
• Volunteer doing something that interests you: build homes for the needy, coach youth soccer, cook for a shelter.
• Use your skill set: be the accountant for a non-profit, teach a language at a community center, or tutor at an after-school program.