The Science of Good Deeds: Doing Good Creates a Better Version of Yourself

Have you ever experienced a sense of joy and fulfillment after doing something kind for someone else? Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, donating to a good cause, or just lending a helping hand to a neighbor. Doing good can make us feel good both inside and out. In fact, research shows that doing good can have a powerful impact on our emotional and physical well-being, as well as our overall happiness and life satisfaction.

So, how exactly does doing good make us feel better and get better? Below you’ll read the science behind the feel-good effect of doing good, and share tips on how to make doing good a regular part of your life.

The Science of Kindness: How doing good makes you feel better

Have you ever heard of the “helper’s high”? It’s a term coined by psychologists to describe the rush of positive emotions people feel after doing something kind for others. This feeling is often accompanied by the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, which can lead to a feeling of euphoria and well-being.

But it’s not just about the immediate pleasure of helping others. Research has also shown that doing something good on a regular basis can have a lasting effect on our emotional and physical health. For example:

Lower levels of stress and anxiety: A study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology found that people who regularly perform acts of kindness have lower levels of stress and anxiety, and generally experience fewer negative emotions.

Improved mood and life satisfaction: Another study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that people who regularly do acts of kindness report higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction and overall well-being.

Better physical health: According to a review of 40 studies on the health benefits of volunteering, people who volunteer have lower rates of depression and mortality, and possibly even a lower risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

So, why does doing good have such a powerful impact on our well-being? One theory is that kindness helps strengthen our social bonds and build a sense of community, which is crucial to our mental and physical health. It can also give us a sense of purpose, helping us focus on something outside ourselves.

Tips for making doing good a part of your life

Ready to start experiencing the feel-good effect of kindness to yourself? Here are some tips to make doing good a regular part of your life:

Start small: You don’t have to spend hours volunteering to make a difference. Small acts of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone or complimenting a co-worker, can still have a positive impact on both you and those around you.

Find causes you’re passionate about: Whether it’s helping animals, supporting education, or fighting for social justice, find causes that align with your values and interests. This will make it easier to stay motivated and committed to your acts of kindness.

Make it a habit: Like any other habit, doing good takes practice. Set a goal to do one act of kindness a day, and gradually increase the frequency as it becomes more natural.

Get involved in your community: Volunteering or participating in community events can be a great way to meet new people and build meaningful connections, while also making a difference in your local environment.

Don’t expect anything in return: Remember that the purpose of doing good is to make a positive impact, not to receive recognition or rewards. Focusing on the act of giving itself can help you feel more fulfilled and satisfied.

Practice self-care: While doing good can have many benefits, it is important to take care of your own needs as well. Make sure you prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation and spending time with loved ones.

Keep a gratitude journal: Thinking about the positive things in your life can help cultivate a sense of gratitude, which in turn can increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Consider keeping a daily journal in which you write down things you are grateful for or acts of kindness you have done.

How doing good makes us wiser and smarter

It’s not just our feelings that benefit from doing good. It makes us wiser and even smarter. 

Doing good increases emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to our ability to recognize and manage our emotions and those of others. Research has shown that acts of kindness can improve our emotional intelligence by increasing our ability to empathize with others and understand their perspective. This can lead to better communication and more meaningful relationships.

Doing good improves creativity

Engaging in acts of kindness can also boost our creativity. When we step outside ourselves and think about the needs of others, we are forced to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to help them. This can translate to other areas of our lives, such as work or personal projects.

Doing good makes us wiser

Wisdom is often associated with age and experience, but research has shown that doing acts of kindness can also increase our wisdom. That’s because kindness requires us to think beyond our immediate needs and consider the long-term effect of our actions. This perspective can help us make better decisions and navigate complex situations with greater clarity and insight.

Doing good improves our cognitive functions

As mentioned earlier, doing good deeds can improve our cognitive abilities. Studies have found that when we do good, our brains release chemicals that improve our executive functions, such as attention, memory and problem-solving abilities. This can help us perform better at tasks that require cognitive skills, such as work or school.

Doing good improves our memory

Acts of kindness can also improve our learning and retention of information. When we engage in kind behavior, we are more likely to pay attention and remember details about the situation. This can lead to better learning outcomes and better academic or professional performance.

Doing well increases mental flexibility

Mental flexibility refers to our ability to adapt to new situations and think outside the box. Doing acts of kindness can increase our mental flexibility by forcing us to think creatively and come up with new solutions to help others. This can improve our problem-solving skills and help us navigate complex situations with greater ease.

The History of doing good

From the earliest civilizations, people have recognized the importance of doing good to others. The ancient Greeks had the concept of philanthropy, which meant the love of humanity. They believed it was their duty to give back to society and help those in need. The Greeks were not alone in this belief, as other ancient societies also held similar values.

The meaning of doing good in ancient societies

Doing good was a moral duty

In ancient societies, doing good was not just an act of kindness; it was a moral duty. People believed it was their responsibility to help those in need and improve society as a whole. In ancient India, for example, the concept of dharma emphasized the importance of fulfilling one’s duties to society and doing good deeds.

Doing good was a way to gain honor

In many ancient societies, doing good was a way to gain honor and respect. In ancient Rome, for example, wealthy people donated money to build public works such as baths, temples, and libraries. These acts of philanthropy were seen as a way to gain social status and honor.

Doing good was a way to achieve spiritual growth

In some ancient societies, doing good was seen as a way to achieve spiritual growth. In ancient Egypt, for example, the concept of Ma’at emphasized the importance of living a moral life and doing good deeds. The Egyptians believed that doing good deeds would help them in the afterlife.

How doing good has evolved over time

Although the concept of doing good has remained the same over time, how people practice it has changed. With the advent of technology and globalization, it is now easier to help others and make a positive impact on society. Here are some ways in which doing good has evolved over time:

Social media have made it easier to help others

Social media have made it easier to help others and spread awareness about social issues. People can now donate to charities and share information about social causes with a few clicks. Social media has also made it easier for people to connect with like-minded people and work together to make a positive impact on society.

Volunteering has become more popular

Volunteering has become more popular in recent years, with many people volunteering their time and skills to help others. Volunteering can take many forms, from helping at a local food bank to teaching children in developing countries. Volunteering not only helps others but also provides personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose.

Corporate social responsibility has become a priority

Corporate social responsibility (CSR), social entrepreneurship, and Meaningful Profit have become a priority for many businesses in recent years. Companies now recognize that they have a responsibility to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Many companies are taking better care of their employees, now donating to charities, reducing their carbon footprint, and adopting sustainable businesses.

What do religions teach about doing good?

Christianity

Christianity emphasizes the importance of doing good as a reflection of one’s love for God and for others. Christianity’s central message is to love your neighbor as yourself, and this is often interpreted as a call to serve others in need. The Bible teaches that helping the poor and disadvantaged is a crucial aspect of a faithful life.

Some examples of Christian teaching on doing good are:

Matthew 25:35-40, which exhorts Christians to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked and visit the sick and imprisoned.

James 2:14-17, which emphasizes that faith without deeds is dead, and that Christians should demonstrate their faith by good works.

Islam

Islam places a strong emphasis on doing good as a means of achieving salvation and earning the favor of Allah. In Islam, good deeds are seen as a way to purify one’s soul and earn forgiveness of sins. The concept of Sadaqah, or voluntary charity, is a fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith and is considered one of the most virtuous acts a person can perform.

Some examples of Islamic teachings on doing good are:

Zakat, which is the obligation to give a portion of one’s wealth to charity. This is one of the five pillars of Islam and is seen as a means of purifying one’s wealth and earning blessings from Allah.

Hadith, which are sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Many Hadith emphasize the importance of performing good deeds, such as helping one’s neighbor, visiting the sick and feeding the hungry.

Buddhism

Buddhism teaches that doing good is a means to achieve inner peace and enlightenment. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to overcome suffering, and this can be achieved by cultivating good deeds and a compassionate attitude toward others. The concept of Karma, the law of cause and effect, plays an important role in Buddhist teachings on doing good.

Some examples of Buddhist teachings on doing good are:

The Eightfold Path, is a set of guidelines for living a virtuous life. The Eightfold Path includes teachings on right speech, right action, and right livelihood, all of which emphasize the importance of good deeds.

The Four Noble Truths, form the basis of Buddhist philosophy. The First Noble Truth is that suffering exists, and the Second Noble Truth is that suffering is caused by craving and attachment. By performing good deeds and cultivating compassion for others, Buddhists seek to overcome their own cravings and attachments and achieve enlightenment.

Hinduism

Hinduism places a strong emphasis on doing good as a means of spiritual growth and harmony with the universe. 

Some examples of Hindu teachings on doing good are:

Karma, is the law of cause and effect. Hindus believe that a person’s actions in this life affect his future life, and that doing good deeds is essential to achieving a better future existence.

Seva, which is the act of selfless service. Seva is considered one of the most virtuous acts a person can perform and is often done through volunteering or donations to charities.

Judaism

Judaism teaches that doing good is a means of fulfilling God’s will and living a righteous life. The concept of Tikkun Olam, which means “to repair the world,” plays an important role in Jewish teachings on doing good. Tikkun Olam emphasizes the importance of working toward a more just and equitable society.

Some examples of Jewish teachings on doing good include:

Tzedakah, is the obligation to give to those in need. Tzedakah is considered one of the most important mitzvot, or commandments, in Judaism.

The Torah, contains many lessons about doing good, such as helping the poor, visiting the sick and welcoming strangers.

How can religions inspire us to do good?

Religions provide a framework for understanding our place in the world and our relationship with others. By emphasizing the importance of doing good, religions inspire us to look beyond ourselves and consider the needs of others. Here are some ways religions can inspire us to do good:

Meaning: By emphasizing the importance of doing good, religions give meaning and purpose to our lives. When we do good deeds, we feel that we are contributing to something greater than ourselves.

Encouraging empathy and compassion: Religions teach us to be empathetic and compassionate toward others, which can inspire us to perform good deeds. When we see others in need, we are more likely to help them if we feel a sense of empathy and compassion for them.

Promoting community: Religions provide a sense of community and belonging, which can inspire us to work together to do good deeds. When we feel connected to others, we are more likely to want to help them and make a positive difference in their lives.

Providing a moral compass: Religions offer a set of moral guidelines that can inspire us to do good. By following these guidelines, we can feel that we are living a just life and contributing to the greater good.

FAQs

Q: Can doing good really make me feel better?

A: Yes! Research has shown that doing good deeds can have a powerful impact on our emotional and physical well-being, including reduced stress, improved mood and better physical health.

Q: Do I have to volunteer or donate money to make a difference?

A: No, not necessarily. Small acts of kindness, such as a kind word or helping someone with a task, can also have a positive impact on those around you.

Q: What if I don’t have time to volunteer or perform acts of kindness?

A: You don’t have to spend hours volunteering or making grand gestures to make a difference. Small acts of kindness can still have a powerful effect on both you and those around you.

Q: Why is doing good important in today’s society?

A: Doing good is important in today’s society because it can help solve social problems, have a positive impact on society, improve mental health and build a better community.

Q: How can individuals do good in their communities?

A: Individuals can do good in their communities by volunteering, donating to charities, participating in community events and spreading awareness about social issues.

Q: How can businesses do corporate social responsibility?

A: Businesses can be socially responsible by donating to charities, reducing their carbon footprint, adopting sustainable business practices and supporting social causes.

Q: Can you do good without being religious?

A: Absolutely. While religions can provide a framework for doing good, it is not necessary to be religious to do good deeds. Everyone can make a positive difference in the world through acts of kindness, generosity and empathy.

Q: What are some examples of good deeds?

A: Good deeds can take many forms, such as volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor in need, donating to charity, and performing random acts of kindness.

Q: Can doing good improve mental health?

A: Yes, research has shown that doing good deeds can improve mental health by reducing stress, increasing feelings of happiness and well-being, and promoting a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

^{This page contains content generated by an AI algorithm.}