Elizabeth Narins, Women's Health
Stressed? Sure, you could relax with a bath, a massage, or a yoga session. Better yet: Give your guy a massage or drop a friend off at her yoga class. People who help others are less likely to die after stressful events, according to a study recently published in American Journal of Public Health.
Research has shown that serious stressors--like losing a job or a loved one--can worsen your health and shorten your life. But among the 846 adults in this study, those who did good deeds for others were less likely to die in the five years that followed a major blow. On the other hand, people who didn't do much for others weren't as lucky: Every stressful event they experienced led to a 30 percent greater risk of death.
It's not just karma at work here. When you focus your attention on someone else's wellbeing, it actually reduces your own stress levels. As a result, that curbs the negative impact that stress can have on health, says lead study author Michael Poulin, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at the University at Buffalo.
And you don't need to save the world, spend a ton, or go too far out of your way to reap the benefits. Just do something that's local (read: convenient), enjoyable, and complementary to your skill set, says Bill Coplin, Ph.D., author of How You Can Help: An Easy Guide to Doing Good Deeds in Your Everyday Life. Start with these four strategies to do unto others as you'd want done unto you:
Be the designated driver. Get behind the wheel on ladies night out, and you'll save everyone cash on cab fares. Even better: You'll save yourself from high-calorie cocktails and any risk of a next-day hangover.
Pack a coworker's lunch. Love to cook? Double your most delicious dinner recipe, and bring the leftovers to share with an officemate. She'll be grateful for a break from typical takeout.
Split supersized groceries. At value stores like Costco or BJs, you can get way more for your money--but do you have anywhere to store 36 rolls of toilet paper? Instead of overstuffing your pantry, offer to split the bill and bounty with a neighbor. Chances are, her kids will eat the two extra pounds of grapes that you typically let ferment in your fridge.
Turn your hobbies into help. Want to practice your amateur photography skills, or use your social media prowess for greater good? Create a profile at Catchafire.org, a site that links professionals to nonprofit organizations that need a hand with myriad odd jobs and projects.
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