Life is stressful! We can all name a thousand reasons why stress creeps in:
- Load Shedding - eish in the dark!
- The Cricket - eish all out!
- Bills Bills Bills - eish per second!
When we are stressed out its really easy to feel like there is nothing to be thankful for. Perhaps the reason we feel that way is because in reality - we are not being thankful enough!
According to the smart people, doing good to others and giving thanks is good for your mind, body and soul.
Take the Nkosikho Mbele story as an example, there are two important lessons to think about here:
- Be kind to others, even when its inconvenient. Nkosi modelled this perfectly, expecting nothing in return.
- Say thank you! Your parents went on-and-on about this when you were younger and Monet van Deventer found a way to say thanks.
Read: The Nkosikho Mbele story
The Memo Health Assistant team has been inspired to say thanks to YOU! We recently hit 1000 followers on Facebook and we know we owe it all to those of you who share our content and the work we are doing via the app! We look forward to doing more to serve you - Keep a lookout for our Thank You competition (coming soon).
Being kind actually lifts your spirit and warms your heart.
Helping is Healthy!
1. When helping others it make you feels good
When you help other people, the same hormones are released in your brain as when you are happy! - bet you didn't know that! Focusing on someone else is the perfect way to distract yourself from your own problems and do something meaningful.
2. Creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation
We are made for community and social interaction - helping someone in their time of need is a great expression of community and support, which is good for all of us.
3. Keeps things in perspective
Having only one pair of old shoes sucks! - Until you meet somebody with no shoes at all. It's easy to get caught up in our own reality and problems, when we help others in need it's like stepping out of your own situation for a few minutes, we suddenly stop focusing on what we feel like we are missing and can have a more positive outlook on the things causing us stress.
4. It’s contagious! - It helps to make the world a happier place
Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place. An act of kindness can improve confidence, control, happiness and optimism. It can also encourage others to repeat the good deed that they’ve experienced themselves – it contributes to a more positive community.
Some tips for when you want to do good!
Do something you enjoy
If you love to shop, you could take your elderly neighbour or someone who doesn’t get out of the house much with you. If you are a film addict - why not take a friend to the cinema to see a film that you know they would enjoy? And if you are a coke-a-holic then share the love this weekend.
Keep others in mind
Actively notice other people and what may be going on with them. Pay attention to things like their facial expression, or if they seem frustrated.
When you say, "Hello, how are you?" - Concentrate on listening carefully to the response, before moving on to other things.
Don’t overdo it
Make sure you don’t overdo it! Giving too much or giving beyond your means doesn't help anybody. Focus on the little things - there is a lot you can do before spending money.
You could start by calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or giving away something you don't use often - Someone will appreciate it.
We Have to End With A Challenge
It's simple - try and look for as many opportunities to help somebody else as you can find! See if this makes a difference to how you feel.
#ShareTheGood
Tell us a story about something good that somebody has done for you recently - no matter how big or how small and we will write a post about it!
Continue to follow us on all our social media channels and if you're looking for a simple way to manage your health, try the Memo Health Assistant app its free.
Source/Credit: The Mental Health Foundation
