Each act of kindness, whether towards yourself, others or the planet is an investment in your own well-being!
Part of sustainable health is to explore the balance and interconnectedness between your body, your mind and your surrounding. It means to do good. To do good for yourself, others and the world around you.
Acts of kindness and compassion are not just about benefiting others; it is a profound investment in your own well-being and happiness.
Research consistently shows that contributing positively to society and the environment has a direct, positive impact on your mental and physical health!
HOW?
When you volunteer or help others, you are not just reducing stress and boosting your resilience, you are also enhancing your own sense of purpose and self-worth. The simple act of kindness triggers your brain’s reward centre, flooding you with feelings of happiness and fulfilment. Moreover, engaging in community activities strengthens your social connections, reducing feelings of loneliness and enriching your emotional life.
Caring for the planet has similar profound effects. Eco-friendly practices contribute to a healthier diet, more physical activity as well as a cleaner environment, which has direct effects on your physical well-being. Contributing to environmental causes also provides a deep sense of accomplishment, adding to overall satisfaction.
So why not nurture your own happiness and vitality while making the world a better place?
Don’t know where to start or need some extra advice or inspiration? Drop me a message and I will get in touch!
Now is YOUR time to do good! What will be your way? I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Let’s make a positive impact together!
‘If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.‘
Dalai Lama
How does it look like for me?
It starts with the small choices we make every day. For me, it means starting my day with self-care routines and a walk in nature. To smile and say hello to the people and animals I encounter. To look for the little pause moments even in a hectic day full of meetings. But it also means choosing to buy vegetables and fruits from local farmers or opting for fair-made products, selecting cosmetics without microplastics, deciding to buy less or second-hand items and walking or cycling whenever possible.
I am also volunteering on ‘green activities’ in my community. One of my favourite projects was the placement of green roofs! Next to looking pretty with their flowering plants, these roofs provide numerous benefits – from water retention and air purification to improved insulation and increased biodiversity by attracting butterflies, bees, and birds. Not to mention, studies have shown that being surrounded by green environments enhances our well-being.
And don’t forget: nobody is perfect. Every action counts, no matter how big or small.
How your physical health, your mental health and your surrounding is interconnected:
1. Increased Happiness: Living in areas with access to green spaces and natural environments is linked to greater life satisfaction and overall happiness. Furthermore, acts of kindness, whether small or large, trigger the brain’s reward center, leading to feelings of happiness and fulfilment.
2. Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature significantly lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Volunteering and contributing to community causes can also lower stress levels and increase overall resilience.
3. Improved Mental Health: Engaging in social activities, such as volunteering or helping others, is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and increased life satisfaction. Interacting with nature has been linked to improved concentration, attention, and memory as well as reduced levels of anxiety.
4. Physical Health Boost: Physical activities like walking, jogging, or hiking are not only helping to reduce your carbon footprint, they also contribute to improved cardiovascular health, reduced obesity, and enhanced overall fitness. Importantly, the health of the planet (like clean air and water) is directly impacting our physical health!
