Science shows that one of the best ways to take care of yourself isn’t about you at all

’Tis the season of giving! But when you’re feeling overwhelmed and you’re struggling with your mental health, the reality is, you’re probably not thinking much about other people. And that’s totally fine — it’s not selfish to focus on yourself when you need it most. But taking a little time and doing something for someone else can potentially help how you’re feeling.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider paying it forward for your mental health.

1. Your brain’s chemicals change

If you’ve ever done something kind for someone else, you probably know that euphoric feeling you get afterward. There’s actually a name for that, it’s called a “helper’s high.” Research shows that when you help someone, there’s a process that happens in your brain that releases serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin – the ‘feel-good’ chemicals. The reward center of your brain is kick-started and you get a rush of endorphins, making you feel happier.

2. You can give in so many different ways

Acts of kindness can sometimes mean giving your time and money – and that can steer a lot of people away. But one study found that acts of kindness don’t need to include face-to-face interactions or monetary donations at all. While those larger actions can still have their own unique benefits, you’re still improving your mental health by just calling someone you love or saying ‘thank you’ to a stranger.

3. Kindness builds on itself

If you think of compassion like a muscle, every time you do something for someone else, that stretches the muscle a little bit more, and acts of kindness get easier. Science shows that it can actually become an instinct to respond to others in a helpful, kind and compassionate way. So you start to reap the benefits of kindness more often, with less effort.

4. It decreases stress

Studies have found that people who show kindness and concern for others had a 23% lower level of cortisol – the stress hormone – compared to the average population. You’ve got a natural stress-reliever, just by showing compassion for someone else.

5. It changes how you view yourself

Studies show that random acts of kindness can also improve your feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. Some people also reported a stronger sense of meaning and purpose after acting out of compassion.

6. It gets you out of your own head

If only for that one selfless moment, your mind isn’t worried, stressed, sad, angry – whatever it may be. Instead, you’re focused on what you’re doing for someone else. In those minutes, your brain will be thinking about the good things that you are doing for something outside of yourself and the connection that you’re making with them.

7. The good stuff starts immediately

This isn’t one of those things where you have to put in serious effort before you see results. Paying it forward can benefit you the second you act with compassion. You’ll start to feel better instantaneously.

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We’ve just covered the basics of how those acts of kindness can benefit you, and we didn’t even begin to mention how those actions can then help someone else! Doing something kind for another person, no matter how big or small, leaves a positive impact on your mental health, while also changing another person’s day for the better. These actions go a long way.

So, how are you going to pay it forward this holiday season?

7 Reasons Why You Should Pay It Forward For Your Mental Health