Do you ever feel bored or unhappy? Well, from the studies done by psychologists, it has been found that helping others can make a person really happy. In this article, I will share with you some helpful advice about how to make yourself happier by helping others.
As a starting point, we have to remember that self-interest is a very natural and healthy attitude in life. We all have our own lives to lead and things that we wish for ourselves. However, there's no reason why these things should exclude other people around us. Sooner or later we will all die - why not die having left something good behind? Even if somebody isn't naturally inclined towards altruism or charity work, there are still ways of doing good deeds. Remember, your deeds will not go unnoticed.
You may not believe in God, but I think you have felt the presence of Karma. Karma means the result you get in return for your actions. It can be both good and bad. I believe in God and karma. My religion said that I will get the result of karma in both this life and the afterlife.
The question is how to do good deeds. Doing something good for others or helping others always doesn't have to be about money. You or the person who was kind enough to volunteer for an organization that helps others every day of their life?
Volunteering does not mean coming just once, it means doing this on a regular basis. Try giving some part of your free time for charity work. The more often you do it, the closer you are getting towards achieving "nirvana". There are many ways to help others. I have collected several ideas for doing good deeds. Let's go through them briefly:
Donating Blood
Donating blood isn't just about saving lives - it can also give you a sense of purpose during recovery and let you know that someone out there needs you, even when the rest of the world seems hopeless. Once in every 12 weeks donating plasma will make up for lost iron too! Before starting to donate blood, check if you are fit enough for donating blood. Donating plasma can help people suffering from diabetes with their blood sugar
Donating Old Clothes
Even if you are not in a place where you can donate money, you can always make someone happy by giving your old clothes away. They might be useful for someone else.
After taking a shower you don't wear clothes that are too dirty or worn out to wear again, but not too dirty or worn out to recycle. Gather all of your old clothes in one place and make sure the clothes will be suitable for somebody else to use.
Volunteering
Doing some work for an organization is another way of helping others. Go online and search volunteer organizations and find an opportunity near you! There are many different opportunities available that only require a few hours per week. Your schedule might be busy, but that shouldn't keep you from helping others just because it requires some time every week!
Feed People Who are Hungry
Make food baskets for people who are struggling with hunger this holiday season. There are many organizations that provide food to the poor, but if you're looking for an alternative they still might need your help! Find out where you can purchase food in bulk and don't worry about spending too much money. You can purchase fruits and vegetables at very low prices this time of year.
Or if you have cooked too much you can always give the extra amount to the poor or homeless.
Help Street Animals
Support your local animal shelter by donating money, volunteering, or fostering an animal.
Organizations like Street Dog Care, Carnduff Animal Rescue, and the Animal Humane Society all do good things for street animals. Animal shelters are always in need of money that goes towards food and veterinary care.
There are also organizations that provide educational services to teach children about how to properly take care. Or you can help or feed the helpless dog/cat in the street for once. They and God, both will remember your good deed.
Give a generous tip to a kid who is working
People who are working hard deserves to be treated better. You can always make someones day by tipping them generously. You can always make someones day by tipping them generously. It can be a waiter or a delivery boy, your mailman or the security guard. They are earning a minimum wage and your tip can put a smile on their face.
Help The Senior Citizen
Help out your elderly neighbours with chores they need to be done around the house. And also offer to take their dog for a walk, check in on them when they're not feeling well, etc.
You can help any senior citizen, like an old lady who is having trouble crossing the road, or in a grocery road. It is up to you, you will know when they need help. Ask politely if they need help, if they say yes, then help them. Else not, don't insist much.
Fundraisers
Organize a fundraiser for an organization you care about or one that will help people in your community. Or look around at people who need a huge amount of money for their medical fees. Carefully plan out your fundraiser and how to raise money for that particular organization. Together we can do the impossible, remember that.
Help Your Family
Become more involved in your kids' school by volunteering, attending parent-teacher conferences, and helping with his/her extracurricular activities. Involve yourself in your parents' lives by taking a more active role and asking them about their likes/dislikes. You can also help out with the housework, cooking, or just spending time with them, either way, you're helping them because they need you for company. Show love to both the family member who is closest to your heart.
Provide Mental Support
There are always people who need company and mental support. If your friend is going through a rough time, help her to pass the time, staying beside them. Sit down and talk to other people who are lonely. Lend an ear whenever someone needs it. Be the shoulder they can lean on when they need help in saying goodbye to their loved one by helping them write eulogies or just simply giving them company during outpatient services.
Wrap Up
Hapiness is a choice and you can seek happiness your own way. The joy you get by helping others is beyond description. The smile you see when you help someone is priceless. You all know very well how you can make people happy and can make their lives better. I have just gathered and described some ways briefly.
In the end, it is you, who will try. Try your own way. You can start with any of these. Let me know which of these you usually do, and which is most comforting. Let me know if you have anything to add to this list. Till then, take care, stay safe, and let's help each other out.