Doing good makes for a healthier and happier heart

American Heart Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about heart disease and share tips for reducing risk. While you can take many steps towards diet, sleep, and exercise, your mindset also plays a significant role.

The heart we’re talking about isn’t physical but spiritual. Specifically, the level of empathy and kindness that humans have when caring for the well-being of others. This is also defined as altruism. Examples of altruism include donating time or money, volunteering, or giving blood. Studies show that these acts benefit the giver and the receiver—even when the giver does not expect anything in return.

Altruistic behaviors promote sharing and cooperation. This can help societies or groups survive crises like food shortages or natural disasters. But what about those acts of altruism where nothing can be gained? Why does somebody give when there is nothing to receive in return? “Finding joy in helping others is fundamental to who we are as a species,” said Elizabeth Dunn. She’s a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia.

Two studies conducted by Professor Dunn and her colleagues confirm the theory. A small study published in Science Journal in 2009 and a larger one published 2019 Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, gave participants a small amount of money ($5 or $20). Then, they told them to spend it on themselves or someone else. People who spent the money on someone else reported being happier than those who spent it on themselves, regardless of the amount.

Altruism can relieve physical pain

A 2019 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reported that people who performed altruistic acts, such as donating money to orphans, perceived less physical pain. Cancer patients even experienced a respite from chronic pain.

Doing good leads to increased self-esteem and a greater sense of purpose

The study published in PNAS also found that giving time, money, or social support delivers gains to the participant, such as increased self-esteem, less depression, and seeing one’s life and existence as having value, purpose, and direction.

Another study showed people who helped others reported that they were more satisfied with their lives and jobs and had fewer depression symptoms up to two months later. The study also showed that well-being and altruism probably have a relationship. That’s because happier people tend to engage in more altruism, and more altruistic people feel happier.

Start now 
Do your research, but don’t put off helping just because you are waiting for the perfect opportunity, Dunn said. “Even small donations make a difference, both for charities receiving them and for the emotional benefits that we observe among donors,” she said.

Think local 
Though people often think of helping large, international charities, donating to or volunteering at nearby organizations can help “knit that fabric of the local community,” said Abigail Marsh, a professor of psychology and the interdisciplinary neuroscience program at Georgetown University. She added that it also helps you make friends, see your effect up close, and change local norms.

Ask people what charities they support 
Not only can you learn about other opportunities, but it can create connections between you and them, Dunn said.

Allow yourself to enjoy giving back 
You may feel guilty about feeling good when helping others. But “it’s okay to feel good about giving,” Dunn said. “What a wonderful way to feel happy.”

Would you like to test the theory? Explore tips on how to activate your altruism practices.

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