How To Reduce Your Workplace Stress

“No man becomes rich unless he enriches others.” – Andrew Carnegie

Did you know that scientific evidence shows that helping others is actually beneficial for your own mental health and well-being?

Yes, giving can actually reduce stress as well as improve your mood, self-esteem and happiness.

In fact, according to the article, The Science of Good Deeds, giving to others could actually help you live a longer, healthier life.

The article says that when we engage in good deeds, we reduce our own stress. There’s evidence in brain studies of a “compassion-altruism axis”. That means scientist have identified specific regions of the brain that are very active when we give to others. One study also identified high levels of oxytocin in people who are very generous toward others. When you’re altruistic and touching people in a positive way by lending a helping hand, by volunteering or helping someone in need, your oxytocin level goes up and that relieves your own stress.

Would you like to have less stress in your personal and professional life?

If you answered in the affirmative, then the key is to give more to others.

In his book, The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All, author Azim Jamal says, “Giving creates a symbiotic relationship; it benefits both parties. The recipients benefit from your gift and you benefit by virtue of the fact that you gave. Sometimes you see the immediate benefits of those you help. Other times, the ultimate benefits of your actions may occur many years in the future. The benefits to you to may be visible and immediate or they may be intangible or delayed. The more we give, the more excitement, energy, and pleasure we derive from our lives.”

What’s the one thing we all have that we can give to others?

In a word: ourselves.

The one thing that people often value more than money is your time and attention.

Just think.

Can anything take the place of your family’s affection? Does anything compare to the time spent with your children or grandchildren

Even we value the time spent with a loved one, mentor, or friend.

Think back and recall the people in your life who have had the greatest impact on your life. Was it:

• A teacher?
• A parent?
• A coach?
• A friend?

That person helped shape the person you are today. They made you feel special and loved because of the time they invested in you. Who can you now give that gift to? Who can you give to and encourage? Might it be a co-worker or friend?

As you strive to advance in your career, don’t forget about the gift of generosity. When you invest time in another person, with no ulterior motive, you will be the kind of person that others want to be around. When others want to be around you, you will quickly develop solid relationships. Those relationships can lead to career opportunities and those opportunities can lead to your advancement.

Every day find a reason to give to others. It can be as simple as a word of encouragement, a sincere compliment, or simply giving of your time. Give to others and good things will be given to you.

Meiko Patton is part of the GovLoop Featured Blogger program, where we feature blog posts by government voices from all across the country (and world!). To see more Featured Blogger posts, click here.