One of the wonders of being alive today is brain research. Many ideas that we have intuitively believed to be true are now being documented with hard scientific facts. It is well known that receiving social support is associated with reduced stress and vulnerability. However a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine in 2016 documents via neuroimaging that another way of reducing stress shows up in three parts of the brain.
GIVING SUPPORT
We spend lots of time and energy figuring out how to manage and reduce the stress of modern life. To name a few (some better than others):
- Meditation and mindfulness practice
- Exercise
- Recreation
- Alcohol and drugs
- Vacation
- Chilling out
- Television and movies
But this study has implications for all of us are incredible:
If you want to reduce stress for yourself, then give someone else support!
LEND A HELPING HAND!
This information is especially important for individuals who are ending a big project, locating to a new place, changing or retiring from a career. With a little more time available, you have the opportunity to do something wonderful for yourself—by doing something wonderful for someone else. Think about it: How can you add an act of supporting someone else into your busy schedule? And write it into the category of: SELF CARE!