4 Ways Making Impact Benefits Your Mental Health

Protecting our mental health is more important than ever before, as our communities continue to face hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. So, what if I told you that you can improve your mental wellness while also making impact on members of your own community? Here’s how giving back to others can benefit your mental health, happiness and overall well-being.

1. Achieve Better and Deeper Sleep — Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, unable to fall asleep because of racing thoughts about how you can do more for yourself and loved ones? Most adults need eight to nine hours of sleep to function at their very best, and making impact on others can help you find that deep, satisfying sleep. In short, making impact actually releases a boost of feel-good endorphins in our brains, often associated with the emotion of fulfillment. If you’re not sure how to get started with Making Impact, check out my recent blog post on 4 actions you can take right now to make your community a better place.
2. Increase Self-Esteem — Having confidence in yourself and the decisions you make is important throughout your lifelong journey. When you go the extra mile to make impact on others, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers actually recognize the good deeds as if you were the receiver rather than the giver, resulting in a boost to mood and esteem. Furthermore, when we feel best about ourselves, we are able to give more to those in need — resulting in a positive cycle of self-care and making impact.
3. Combat Mental Health Conditions — Anxiety, depression and many more mental health conditions are rising in communities all across the United States and beyond, seemingly linked to an increase in stressors around us. Dedicating time to give back can decrease stress levels, lower blood pressure, promote brain functions such as memory and even help to combat the chances of triggering a mental health condition.
4. Promote Social Connection — Social interaction with others is very important in maintaining a strong, healthy mentality. Most human-to-human or human-to-animal connections are built on strong foundations that reinforce our belonging in our communities. When making impact, we are able to meet lots of like-minded changers and expand our circle of human and animal connection, directly benefiting our mental health. When we feel more connected to others, the brain can release oxytocin, a hormone that naturally lowers stress levels, reduces stress responses and increases psychological stability.

Keeping a strong mentality is a top priority for me, and I’ve realized that giving back helps to ensure that my brain stays healthy and balanced. It’s true: By doing for others, you do even more for your own life’s fulfillment — and it’s scientifically proven. Learn more about the science behind giving, then join me in the movement of making impact by becoming a changer dedicated to bettering your community through everyday acts of kindness.