How Doing Good Can Do You Good

Whether it’s an act of service or giving a meal to a needy person, did you know that doing good can actually do you good in so many ways? To clarify, Dr. Najem Al-Falahe, Consultant Psychiatrist and Neurophysiologist—based in London’s Harley Street Medical district, tells us how the process works.

The Benefits of Volunteering Brain activity

According to Dr. Al-Falahe, during the neurobiology of volunteering, our brain cells release dopamine during the act of service/helping which is the feel-good transmitter in the brain. “Also, serotonin, the ‘happy molecule’ is released to lift our mood during the act of helping,” he says, and the result is that volunteering can help you feel good and happier.

Develop a new life perspective

Volunteering, adds Dr. Al-Falahe gives the opportunity to connect to your community and develop a better understanding of other people’s perspectives and lifestyles. It can also open the doors to meeting new friends to develop your social skills.

Tips to Help You Practice More Acts of Kindness

Live mindfully. Be aware of what is going on around you all the time and notice the little things.

Practice small acts of kindness and you will wake up to the wonders of nature around us—to be able to acknowledge the driver who stopped to allow you to cross the road. Or to say hello to a beggar—who you can’t help financially, but by doing so are acknowledging him as a person.

The enjoyment of life is in the little things done with great love and kindness to ourselves as well as to others.