How Helping Others Can Transform Your Life and Relationships

Recently one of my relatives became quite unwell, so I flew down to Melbourne (Australia) to assist with her care, including attending medical appointments, organising a new team of medical health professionals to help care for her, and ensuring that the wider family is kept informed – as well as ensuring my relative is comfortable with the new professionals, and feels she is in good hands.  There has been a stack of communication between a lot of people, and I tried to ensure that everyone felt heard, and their opinions valued, and that communication flowed well between everyone involved.

I was reflecting how grateful I was that all the family and other professionals were rallying around my relative, and how at the end of the day everyone wanted what was best for my relative.  And it wasn't always easy - yes, it was challenging; yes, at times it was emotionally difficult; and yes, not everyone gets along, and a fair amount of diplomacy was required.  But at the end of the day, everyone gathered around, did their best, and wanted what was best for my relative.  I was thinking how the wider family was communicating more than usual, and how we were all helping each other - and our relative - and how grateful I was.  Supporting each other through this process helped us all connect better, as well.

Today’s blog is inspired by the gratitude I feel in being able to help.  There are lots of people in the world that could benefit from our help.  And we, in turn, can feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and gratitude in helping others.  Spreading the love and kindness inspires kindness in others as well.

I’m sure we’ve all helped other people during our lifetime, offering a helping hand now and then.  However, I’m also sure that most of us have also felt the urge, or seen the need to help, but for whatever reason, never got around to doing it.  It happens – we’re too busy, or we have something else planned, or we didn’t have transport, or we figure someone else will help.  Or perhaps we were so absorbed in what we were doing, that we didn’t really see the need at the time – perhaps it was only later that we recognized the need.  And perhaps we then felt a bit guilty, wishing we had helped when it was needed.  Unfortunately, it happens – we’ve all been there.  (If you're holding onto feelings of guilt (which are not helpful or useful), I'm creating a course to assist with letting go.   'Soulful Serenity - Making Space for your Best Life' will be making its debut as soon as I have a chance to record everything.)

I'd like to discuss how helping other people can benefit you as well as them.  Helping others can be an opportunity, rather than a burden.  Helping and supporting other people can change our perspective, allowing us to feel gratitude, and find new creative solutions.  Perhaps helping others is an opportunity to deepen your relationships, to connect more deeply, and/or more honestly.  Or realize how great you really have it, and everything you have that you have been taking for granted (shelter, food, love).  Giving to others (help, money, time, conversation) is also a great chance to feel better about yourself – especially if you’ve been feeling down. 

It can take the focus off yourself, and your own problems – and perhaps with greater perspective, you realize that your problems may not be so bad after all.  Or perhaps you can find another way through – for example, you might be able to babysit in exchange for a friend helping you fix your heater, or help you start your own vegetable garden.  Or you might help someone with a resume, and they give you some fresh vegetables in return.  At the same time, it is another opportunity to connect with the people around you.

Helping others, whether it’s friends, family, or even neighbors, is one of the most meaningful things we can do.  When we help other people, we not only make their lives easier, but we also bring many benefits into our own lives – it can strengthen our relationships, give us a deeper sense of fulfillment, and contribute to a happier, healthier community.

Some of the benefits of helping others are outlined below, along with some simple and creative ways to offer support to the people in your life.

1. Strengthen Friendships and Family Ties
Helping someone is one of the quickest ways to bring you closer to them.  When we go out of our way to assist a friend, family member, or even a neighbor, it shows we care, and are willing to be there when it counts.  This builds trust, and the bond becomes stronger.  It also sets the stage for mutual support – when we give, we often receive help in return, when we need it most.

2. Feel More Connected to Your Community
When you lend a hand to neighbors, whether it’s sharing home-grown vegetables or checking in on them, you contribute to a sense of community.  Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, fostering a more caring and connected neighborhood.  It’s amazing how even a friendly chat over some fresh tomatoes can make both you and your neighbor feel more grounded, and supported.

3. Boost Your Own Happiness and Wellbeing
There's something amazing about the way helping others makes us feel.  When we take the time to brighten someone’s day, it often lifts our own mood too.  Studies have shown that helping others releases endorphins – the body’s feel-good hormones.  Whether it’s bringing someone a cooked meal, helping someone run errands, or just being there as a listening ear, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.  It’s a win-win for everyone involved! Knowing that you've made someone’s life a little easier is a powerful feeling.

4. Gain a Deeper Sense of Purpose
When we regularly help others, we tap into a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.  Life becomes more about connection, kindness, and compassion.  This sense of purpose can bring great satisfaction and fulfillment, allowing us to live more intentional, heart-centered lives.

5. Discover New Skills and Insights
Helping others isn’t just about what you give – it’s also an opportunity to learn.  By sharing your expertise, or stepping into new experiences, like volunteering at a retirement village, you may develop new skills, meet interesting people, and gain insights that enrich your own life. 

There are countless ways to show up for others, and they don’t have to be grand gestures. There are some simple, yet meaningful, actions that can show love and appreciation, especially in the right circumstances.  Offering something that someone values (eg. a listening ear) can also be a way to increase connection.

• Bring food - Whether it’s a home-cooked meal or groceries, delivering food to someone who’s struggling can be incredibly helpful. Maybe they’re overwhelmed with a new baby, going through a tough time, or just too busy.  It could even be an elderly neighbor who finds it hard to shop for themselves.  Food is a thoughtful and practical way to show you care.

• Offer to babysit - If you know a couple who could use a break, offering to babysit their kids for a few hours can give them much-needed time to rest, reconnect, or have a date night. This small gesture can go a long way in reducing stress for busy parents.

• Run errands or take someone shopping - If a friend or family member is too busy, ill, or unable to get out, offering to run errands for them can take a huge load off their shoulders. You could also take them shopping if they need a hand.

• Share home-grown vegetables - Do you have a garden?  Sharing extra fruits or veggies with neighbors is a simple way to spread kindness.  Plus, it opens up opportunities for conversation, and connection with those around you.

• Offer emotional support - Sometimes, people just need someone to listen. Offering to be there when a friend or family member needs to talk, vent, or express their worries is incredibly valuable. Or maybe it’s sitting with them during a difficult time, being a sounding board, or offering a kind word or a smile.  Just knowing someone cares can make all the difference.

• Volunteer in your community - Consider offering your time to a local charity, or a retirement village.  Many elderly people appreciate visits and conversations, and your presence could brighten their day.  Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community, while meeting new people, and expanding your horizons.

• Offer your skills and expertise - Maybe you’re good at fixing things, organizing, or giving advice. If a friend or family member is struggling with something you’re knowledgeable about, offer your expertise.  It could be as simple as helping them set up a new gadget, offering career advice, or helping them tackle a project.

• Alert people about potential scams, especially those who are vulnerable.  I've had a few friends, colleagues, and family members been caught up in scams, and it's so heart-wrenching.  Anything you can do to alert them around what to look out for can help.  I've created a free download (How to Avoid Scams – Simple Tips to Stay Safe) that you can use to discuss this with loved ones.

Helping others isn’t always about grand gestures.  Sometimes, a small act of kindness – like a kind word, a smile, or an offer to help – can change someone’s day.  Don’t underestimate the power of just being there for your loved ones.  You never know when a small gesture from you will be exactly what they need.

One of the key aspects of helping others is awareness.  Are you tuned in to when your friends or family might need support?  Sometimes people are reluctant to ask for help – they might not want to burden others, or they may feel embarrassed.  That’s why offering help before they ask can be a game-changer.  Whether it’s bringing them groceries when they’ve had a tough week, or simply checking in on them, being proactive shows that you’re truly there for them.

Helping others is a powerful way to build closer bonds, feel better about yourself, and live a more fulfilling life.  Whether it’s sharing a smile, cooking a meal, offering your expertise, or simply being there to listen, small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on everyone involved.  Plus, the joy and satisfaction you gain from giving back can be deeply rewarding.

So, the next time you see a friend, family member, or neighbor in need, don’t hesitate to offer your help.  

Living a Life Filled With Meaning and Purpose

If you’re interested in living a life filled with meaning and purpose, helping others is a great place to start. Our free course, The Values Code: Unlocking Your Best Self, is designed to help you discover your core values, and how to live in alignment with them.  When we help others, we’re often tapping into values like compassion, kindness, and generosity.

By understanding and living your values, you can become more intentional in how you show up for those around you.

Helping others doesn’t just benefit them – it helps you live in alignment with who you truly are.  It deepens your sense of fulfillment and strengthens your relationships, allowing you to live a life that feels authentic and meaningful.  So, if you’re ready to take a step toward living your best life, start by offering a hand to those in need.  And if you want more guidance on how to live with purpose, our free Values course can help you on that journey.

Living with a Positive Mindset

Helping others can bring so much joy and meaning to your life, but it’s just as important to nurture your own mindset along the way.  If fear, self-doubt, or negative thoughts ever hold you back from fully showing up for yourself and others, the Positive Mindset Mastery to Live Your Best Life bundle can help.  You'll get ebooks to give you the information you need, as well as tools like a 28-page journal, a workbook, a meditation, and affirmations (and more) to support you in living your Best Life.  

Or perhaps you'd like to first uncover your main mindset block (out of four different common blocks) with our free Quiz - What's Your Main Mindset Block Quiz?  

Deepening Friendships

If you'd like to connect more with people, so they feel seen, heard, and validated, our free Active Listening 7-Day Challenge can help! When people will feel heard, they tend to turn to you, and talk with you more, deepening your connection.

And if you wanted to even more connection, our Friendship Journal is fantastic at helping you go within, to determine exactly what you want from your friends.  And in addition to the 50 journal prompts, it also has a bonus of 30 messages to help you reach out.  All you need to deepen those special connections that help support and fulfil you.

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1. Why is helping others so important?
Helping others brings people closer, builds trust, and creates a sense of purpose.  It lifts your mood, eases stress, and reminds you that you’re part of something bigger.  Kindness supports emotional wellbeing for both you and the person you’re helping.

2. How can I tell if someone needs help?
Look for signs like overwhelm, stress, tiredness, or changes in their usual behaviour.  Many people won’t ask for help, even when they need it.  A simple ‘How are you going?’ or ‘Is there anything I can take off your plate?’ can open the door.

3. What are some easy ways to help friends or family?
You can bring cooked meals or groceries, offer to babysit, run errands, take them shopping, share home-grown veggies, or simply sit and listen.  Even a smile or kind word can brighten someone’s day.

4. How does helping others improve my own wellbeing?
Acts of kindness boost happiness, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and create a deeper sense of meaning.  Helping others reminds you of your values, and builds confidence in who you are.

5. Do I have to spend money to help someone?
No, you don’t.  Many of the most powerful acts are free — active listening, checking in, sending a message, offering your time, giving a lift, or sharing something from your garden.  (Our free Active Listening 7-Day Challenge can help if you need a boost in this area.)

6. What if I want to help but don’t know what to offer?
Start small.  Ask what they need, or offer one simple option: ‘Would it help if I grabbed some groceries?’ or ‘I can watch the kids for an hour if you like.’ People appreciate genuine, thoughtful offers.

7. Can helping others fit into a busy life?
Yes.  Little moments matter — dropping off a meal, calling on the drive home, watering a neighbor’s plants, or being a sounding board for five minutes.  Kindness doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.

8. Is volunteering a good option?
Absolutely.  Volunteering at places like retirement villages, community groups, or local events helps you connect with your community while supporting people who really need it.

9. How do my personal values connect to helping others?
Your values shape how you show up in the world.  When you act in ways that match your values — like compassion, kindness, or service — you feel more aligned, confident, and grounded.  If you’d like help discovering your core values, our free course The Values Code: Unlocking Your Best Self can guide you.

10. What if I feel shy or unsure about offering help?
That’s normal.  Start with small, gentle gestures.  A check-in message, a smile, or a warm offer is enough.  Your kindness can mean more than you realise.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/between-cultures/201805/in-helping-others-you-help-yourself

https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits

https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/helping-others.html#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Helping%20Others%20There%20are%20many,symptoms%20of%20depression%20(Schwartz%20&%20Sendor%2C%201999).

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/kindness/kindness-matters-guide#:~:text=It%20creates%20a%20sense%20of,and%20connect%20with%20our%20communities.

This blog post is for general inspiration and encouragement only.  It is not intended as professional advice or a substitute for personal, medical, mental health, or legal guidance. Always check in with others respectfully before offering help, and be mindful of their preferences and boundaries.  Everyone's circumstances are unique — what helps one person may not suit another.  Please use your own judgment, and if you're unsure, it's always okay to ask, or simply offer a kind word or smile.