Rita Aggarwal

Health and Me

The Altruism Paradox: Helping Others is the Ultimate Act of Self-Care

An old idea deserves a second look: caring for others may be one of the most powerful ways to care for ourselves.

In traditional Indian homes, we were taught to care for and share with those around us: neighbours, the staff who worked for us, and the wider community we lived in. This was never thought of as charity. It was an everyday part of life, and it carried great value. The community was almost an extension of oneself and one's family.

The idea that the world is one family is not alien to India. The ancient Sanskrit concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam captures it. Over time, as modern life moved faster, this belief slowly faded and self-care took priority. Today, self-care has become almost a global movement, full of advice on exercise, mindfulness, nutrition and stress reduction. Caring and sharing changed form and became "helping others". That was a welcome shift, because it still nudged us beyond our own wellbeing to do good for someone else.

Remarkably, modern science is now bringing us full circle. A growing body of research confirms what philosophers, spiritual traditions and humanitarian organisations have long understood: when we serve others, we nourish ourselves.

The claim that helping others is the ultimate act of self-care may sound paradoxical. 

Psychologists call it the "altruistic paradox". Altruism, the selfless concern for the welfare of others, appears at first glance to mean giving away our time, energy and resources. Yet people who volunteer, care, mentor, teach or serve their communities often receive a great deal in return. The rewards are not material. They are better mental, emotional, social and even physical health.

Studies in public health and psychology consistently link volunteering with greater happiness, stronger social connections, a stronger sense of purpose, lower levels of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/seasonal-depression-is-more-than-just-sadness-how-winter-can-affect-pleasure-and-motivation-article-156369258" data-type="tilCustomLink">depression</a> and higher life satisfaction. Some longitudinal studies even suggest that regular volunteering is associated with better physical functioning and lower mortality.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/heatwaves-noise-air-pollution-can-harm-mental-health-too-new-global-commission-warns-article-156402773" data-type="tilCustomLink">Heatwaves, Noise &amp; Air Pollution Can Harm Mental Health Too: New Global Commission Warns</a>

Part of the answer lies in biology. Acts of kindness stimulate the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, including dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. This effect is often called the "helper's high".

Helping others also reduces loneliness and builds a sense of belonging, one of our deepest human needs. People who engage in meaningful service tend to report greater optimism, a clearer sense of purpose and more resilience in difficult times.

The benefits are especially significant in later life. Older adults who volunteer regularly report better emotional wellbeing, stronger social ties and less isolation. Retirement can leave a gap in identity and purpose, and service can fill that space with meaning and connection. Altruistic motivation itself seems to amplify these effects.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/i-never-recovered-from-that-crash-us-physicist-recalls-her-years-long-battle-with-long-covid-article-156393692" data-type="tilCustomLink">'I Never Recovered From That Crash': US Physicist Recalls Her Years-Long Battle With Long COVID</a>

Long before science confirmed these findings, humanitarian organisations built their philosophy around this truth. One of the finest examples are volunteer organisations like Rotary International, whose principal motto, "Service Above Self", has inspired generations of volunteers across the world. The motto expresses a simple belief: personal fulfilment and social progress are deeply connected.

Through projects that deliver safe drinking water, promote education, fight disease, build peace, protect the environment and support emotional health, Rotary members enrich societies every day. Behind these efforts are countless hours of selfless work that nurture human bonds, empathy and optimism.

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Many of us are struggling with isolation, anxiety and constant tension. Active service is a powerful remedy. Whether we are tutoring a child, comforting an elderly neighbour, supporting someone's mental wellbeing, planting trees or guiding young people, these acts are much more than simple help. They are investments in shared and personal vitality.

Real self-care needs both inward reflection and outward engagement. Lifting those around us also lifts our own spirit. Dedicating ourselves to others gives us meaning, deepens our social ties and anchors us in a larger human family.

Ancient spiritual traditions and contemporary science arrive at the same insight: supporting others does not distract us from our own fulfilment. It is the most reliable foundation for it.

In an age of division, the quiet grace of helping someone else is a profound source of restoration, for our communities and for ourselves.

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An old idea deserves a second look: caring for others may be one of the most powerful ways to care for ourselves.In traditional Indian homes, we were taught to care for and share with those around us: neighbours, the staff who worked for us, and the wider community we lived in. This was never thought of as charity. It was an everyday part of life, and it carried great value. The community was almost an extension of oneself and one's family.The idea that the world is one family is not alien to India. The ancient Sanskrit concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam captures it. Over time, as modern life moved faster, this belief slowly faded and self-care took priority. Today, self-care has become almost a global movement, full of advice on exercise, mindfulness, nutrition and stress reduction. Caring and sharing changed form and became "helping others". That was a welcome shift, because it still nudged us beyond our own wellbeing to do good for someone else.Science Meets Ancient WisdomRemarkably, modern science is now bringing us full circle. A growing body of research confirms what philosophers, spiritual traditions and humanitarian organisations have long understood: when we serve others, we nourish ourselves.The claim that helping others is the ultimate act of self-care may sound paradoxical. Psychologists call it the "altruistic paradox". Altruism, the selfless concern for the welfare of others, appears at first glance to mean giving away our time, energy and resources. Yet people who volunteer, care, mentor, teach or serve their communities often receive a great deal in return. The rewards are not material. They are better mental, emotional, social and even physical health.Studies in public health and psychology consistently link volunteering with greater happiness, stronger social connections, a stronger sense of purpose, lower levels of depression and higher life satisfaction. Some longitudinal studies even suggest that regular volunteering is associated with better physical functioning and lower mortality.Also read: Heatwaves, Noise & Air Pollution Can Harm Mental Health Too: New Global Commission WarnsWhy Does It Work?Part of the answer lies in biology. Acts of kindness stimulate the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, including dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. This effect is often called the "helper's high".Helping others also reduces loneliness and builds a sense of belonging, one of our deepest human needs. People who engage in meaningful service tend to report greater optimism, a clearer sense of purpose and more resilience in difficult times.The benefits are especially significant in later life. Older adults who volunteer regularly report better emotional wellbeing, stronger social ties and less isolation. Retirement can leave a gap in identity and purpose, and service can fill that space with meaning and connection. Altruistic motivation itself seems to amplify these effects.Also read: 'I Never Recovered From That Crash': US Physicist Recalls Her Years-Long Battle With Long COVIDService Above SelfLong before science confirmed these findings, humanitarian organisations built their philosophy around this truth. One of the finest examples are volunteer organisations like Rotary International, whose principal motto, "Service Above Self", has inspired generations of volunteers across the world. The motto expresses a simple belief: personal fulfilment and social progress are deeply connected.Through projects that deliver safe drinking water, promote education, fight disease, build peace, protect the environment and support emotional health, Rotary members enrich societies every day. Behind these efforts are countless hours of selfless work that nurture human bonds, empathy and optimism. A Remedy for Modern Times            Many of us are struggling with isolation, anxiety and constant tension. Active service is a powerful remedy. Whether we are tutoring a child, comforting an elderly neighbour, supporting someone's mental wellbeing, planting trees or guiding young people, these acts are much more than simple help. They are investments in shared and personal vitality.Real self-care needs both inward reflection and outward engagement. Lifting those around us also lifts our own spirit. Dedicating ourselves to others gives us meaning, deepens our social ties and anchors us in a larger human family.Ancient spiritual traditions and contemporary science arrive at the same insight: supporting others does not distract us from our own fulfilment. It is the most reliable foundation for it.In an age of division, the quiet grace of helping someone else is a profound source of restoration, for our communities and for ourselves.

the altruism paradox: helping others is the ultimate act of self-care

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The Altruism Paradox: Helping Others is the Ultimate Act of Self-Care

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