Altruism, or the willingness to do things to bring an advantage to others, is one of the most powerful influencers in the formation of your own happiness. Countless studies have shown that people who do things for others, rather than always focusing on themselves, have a deeper sense of happiness and satisfaction that lasts. This doesn’t mean putting yourself last makes you happy. It means that the care for others is also a component of self-care. Volunteering your time, donating money to a cause you believe in, giving someone your car space, doing something thoughtful for your spouse for no reason at all – these things trigger dopamine release within the brain and flood us with a feel-good experience.
There is one HUGE condition in this, though. We all know people (or we may be one of them ourselves) who do things for people, but grow bitterness and frustration in ourselves whilst we do it. We get frustrated at the seeming lack recognition and praise. This attitude is the most damaging thing to the potentially revolutionary power of altruism. When you are doing a kind act for someone else and rolling your eyes, or showing frustration, you create an awkwardness in the other person (if they see it) and make it extremely difficult for them to appreciate the task without feeling guilt and a sense of indebtedness. The altruistic transaction is then ruined for both participants. If you do something nice for someone else, watch your own attitude. Are you allowing yourself to feel happy and light? Are you wishing the best towards the recipients? Or are you doing it automatically, or even full of resentment? Positioning our mindset is crucial in order to fill our everyday actions with purpose and joy, not just for ourselves, but also for those around us.
LLUMI Australia 