The Hidden Key to True Wellness
Lately, I’ve been been thinking a lot about my pursuit of wellness, a journey that’s taken on many layers and layers over the years. Each morning, I faithfully stick to a morning routine, winding down with a nighttime ritual that helps me decompress and prepare for the next day. I’m serious about my exercise schedule and what I put into my body, cherishing the benefits they bring to my physical and mental health. But there's another aspect of wellness that I feel doesn’t get enough spotlight: volunteering and giving back.
Like many, I’ve cultivated habits that support my physical and emotional well-being. I make time for daily walks to soak in fresh air and sunlight, ensuring I get enough Vitamin D to boost my energy and mood. I stay hydrated throughout the day with water and LMNT electrolytes, which help me feel revitalized, especially during busier days. My meals are rich in fruits and vegetables, providing essential nutrients to fuel my body, complemented by Vital Proteins for joint health and skin elasticity.
In the mornings, I begin my day with a cup coffee, jotting down thoughts in my gratitude journal, a practice that has profoundly shifted my mindset toward positivity. Dental health is part of my self-care too—starting and ending the day with Cocofloss. Evenings are a time for reflection and winding down, supported by tools like the Calm app, reading a good book, and embracing my skincare nighttime routine to prepare for restful sleep.
These routines are essential for keeping my body and mind in balance. But as much as I love these practices, I’ve come to realize they’re not the ultimate key to wellness. The true secret lies in looking beyond ourselves, focusing outward to touch the lives of others.
Kindness Brings Greater Happiness Than Things
Research continues to prove that acts of kindness and generosity lead to deeper, longer-lasting happiness than material possessions ever could. Psychologist Thomas Gilovich found that while material goods provide fleeting joy, it’s the experiences and meaningful interactions that create enduring fulfillment. Giving back offers just that: experiences that resonate deeply, create connections, and foster a sense of purpose.
A study shared by the Greater Good Science Center revealed that individuals who engaged in daily acts of kindness over a 10-day period reported a significant boost in happiness. This isn’t surprising—performing kind acts releases endorphins and oxytocin, the same "feel-good" hormones triggered by physical exercise or meditation. Researchers call this phenomenon the “helper’s high.”
It’s not just about happiness. Giving back can also reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, creating a calmer and more balanced state of mind. Think of it as emotional detox: a way to shed negativity and replace it with joy and fulfillment.
Physical Benefits of Giving Back
Beyond emotional health, volunteering has profound physical benefits. Studies show that regular volunteers tend to have lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also experience a reduced risk of mortality, attributed to the combined effects of emotional fulfillment, social connection, and physical activity.
Perhaps most remarkable is the impact on cognitive health. Certain volunteer tasks require problem-solving, planning, or learning new skills, all of which can enhance brain function and help protect against dementia. In this sense, giving back isn’t just about helping others; it’s also an investment in our own long-term health and vitality.
Shaping Future Generations
Watching my children grow up in an environment where giving back is the norm has been incredibly rewarding. It’s shaped them into empathetic individuals who, most of the time, consider the needs and feelings of others. TED speaker and researcher Shawn Achor emphasizes the ripple effect of kindness: one small act can inspire others to do the same, creating a positive feedback loop. By nurturing this mindset in our children, we’re equipping them with tools for lifelong happiness and resilience.
Integrating Service into Wellness
So, why isn’t service more integrated into our discussions about wellness? We talk endlessly about exercise, diets, and mindfulness practices but rarely do we include giving back as part of the equation. Studies, like those from Harvard, reinforce that giving to others creates a greater sense of well-being than spending on ourselves.
Imagine the impact if we all committed a small portion of our week to contributing to our communities. The collective wellness gained could redefine societal health, creating waves of positivity and mutual support. This isn’t just about helping others—it’s about creating a life of fulfillment, connection, and holistic living.
Let’s broaden our wellness horizons. Let’s talk about and engage in volunteering not just as an occasional act of charity, but as a critical component of our daily wellness routine. After all, in giving we receive, and in helping others, we find profound healing and joy. This isn't just wellness; it’s living at its fullest.
Holistic Living: The Complete Picture
While morning routines, gratitude journaling, nutritious eating, and restful nights ground us in personal wellness, giving back elevates us to a higher purpose. It’s not an “add-on” to a wellness journey; it’s the bridge between self-care and world care. This is a way to create a life filled with joy, connection, and meaning.
Wellness is most impactful when it balances the needs of our bodies, minds, and hearts. And there’s no better way to nurture your heart than by touching the lives of others.
Listen to the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast to hear inspiring conversations with community changemakers including entrepreneurs, philanthropists, creators, and experts, whose careers or passion projects have made a significant impact on their communities. You'll hear stories, practical advice, and tips you won't find anywhere else.
Get ready to laugh, cry, find true meaning, be shocked at times, and come away feeling energized with the notion that you, too, can make a difference in the world around you.