Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Today’s tip in 31 Days to Better Energy may seem like a strange one, but bear with me. Your task for today is all about small acts of altruism.

How does altruism improve your energy?

So far in the 31 Days we’ve covered a number of different methods of improving your energy levels. From small diet changes, quick and easy exercise, through to strategies to improve sleep and making time for rest and relaxation. These are all small, 15 minute tasks aimed at improving your energy and vitality.

Today’s task is about doing something for somebody else: a small act of kindness. We tend to scurry about, caught up in our own world and it’s easy to forget the people around us. Often the only time we pay attention to others is when they cause us annoyance. We notice the person that pushes ahead of us in the queue, the driver that cuts us up in traffic and the individual that takes the empty seat on the bus. These small events in our lives can cause dissatisfaction and irritation – both emotions that are energy drainers.

The more stressed, angry, frustrated and hostile you feel, the less energy you will have. In contrast, acts of altruism can put a spring in your step. A number of studies (for example here and here) have looked at the benefits of volunteer work, with one in the Journal of Health & Social Behaviour finding volunteer work boosted:

• happiness
• life satisfaction
• self-esteem
• sense of control over life
• physical health
• mood

Improving all or any of these, also boosts your energy levels, sense of wellbeing and general heatlh.

Today’s task

Today’s task therefore is to do something for someone else. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture, but small acts of altruism can make you feel good. The list of possibilities is endless and will depend on what you’re doing and where you find yourself today.

• open the door for someone
• give directions to somebody that looks lost
• offer to help someone with their shopping
• take a pot of soup round to a neighbour
• call a friend who’s been having a difficult time
• join a volunteer body
• pay somebody else’s toll on the freeway
• smile at someone

I know this could be dismissed as idealistic and goody-two-shoes-ish. Why should you help someone else? However, altruism does help the other person but it also makes you feel good. You will feel better today, if you do something for someone else.

I’d love to know your reaction to this post. Plus, if you do something for someone else, let me know and tell me how it felt.

August is 31 Days to Better Energy month here at Limes & Lycopene. If you’d like to know more or view the full range of tasks so far, then take a look at the introductory post.

26 August, 2007