The holiday season is often a time of giving, whether it’s volunteering, donating to charity, or simply helping out a neighbor in need. But how can we truly give to others in the best way possible? The answer lies in filling up your own cup first.

When you prioritize self-care and wellness, you’re able to offer more to others from a place of abundance, rather than burnout. It’s like the advice we often hear on airplanes: put on your own oxygen mask first. By taking care of yourself, you ensure you have the energy, health, and peace of mind to give generously without depleting yourself.

Direct Primary Care is a great way to practice self care.

The Health Benefits of Giving

• Boosts Happiness
  “Giving” triggers the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which boost your mood and overall life satisfaction. Studies show that people who regularly help others report greater happiness and life contentment.
• Reduces Stress
  Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and shift your focus away from your own worries. Research shows that volunteering and acts of kindness can reduce anxiety and improve your mental well-being.
• Improves Physical Health
  “Giving” helps us to live longer. Regular acts of kindness are linked to lower mortality rates, likely due to reduced stress and stronger social connections.

Giving isn’t just good for others, it’s good for you too. When you offer your time, energy, or resources to others, your brain releases serotonin and dopamine, which increase happiness and life satisfaction. Studies show that people who help others regularly experience greater emotional well-being and even lower stress levels.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Volunteering or giving back has been linked to lower blood pressure and better physical health, especially as we age. In fact, helping others regularly can even increase your longevity, with research showing a lower risk of mortality among those who volunteer and offer emotional support to others.

Take the first step toward better health and peace of mind with Roots Health DPC.

Fill Your Cup First: Prioritize Self-Care

By taking care of your body, mind, and spirit, you’ll be better equipped to handle the stresses of the season and give generously to others. Focus on filling your own cup so you can give from a place of abundance.