Why Real Altruism Could Be the Key to Your Health

Why Real Altruism Could Be the Key to Your Health

We often think of altruism—helping others—as something noble but optional. It’s a “good thing to do” if we have time or energy. But what if I told you that practicing real altruism could not only transform the lives of those around you but also deeply impact your own health?

The truth is, many of the physical and emotional issues people face today—stress, anxiety, even chronic disease—are rooted in a self-centered way of living. And the remedy? Real, sacrificial care for others.

The Power of Real Altruism

The Anglican Marks of Mission remind us of two important ways to live out our faith through service:

1. “To respond to human need by loving service.”

2. “To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and pursue peace and reconciliation.”

The first is often easier to embrace—it can be as simple as donating to a cause or volunteering for an afternoon. But the second? That requires something deeper. Real altruism isn’t about photo opportunities or quick feel-good moments. It’s about commitment, sacrifice, and working to make a lasting difference in someone else’s life.

The Science of Helping Others

Studies show that helping others has profound health benefits:

• Reduced Stress: Research from Psychological Science found that people who engaged in daily acts of kindness experienced lower levels of stress and anxiety.

• Improved Physical Health: A study in Health Psychology revealed that older adults who volunteered regularly had lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.

• Mental Clarity: Giving back releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which can combat depression and improve overall mood.

When you focus on others, you shift your perspective, which can help break the cycle of stress and self-absorption that often fuels poor health.

Jesus on Altruism

Jesus Himself exemplified real altruism. In John 15:13, He said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” His ministry was a continuous act of sacrificial love, from healing the sick to comforting the outcast.

If we want to follow Christ’s example, we must go beyond surface-level service. We must be willing to step into the messiness of real life, offering not just our resources but our time, energy, and compassion.

How to Practice Real Altruism

1. Look Beyond the Obvious

Instead of doing something that feels good in the moment, ask yourself:

• “What does this person or community truly need?”

• “Am I willing to commit to walking alongside them for the long haul?”

2. Challenge Injustice

Responding to individual needs is vital, but so is addressing the systems that perpetuate suffering. Isaiah 1:17 calls us to “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

3. Engage Without Expectation

True altruism doesn’t expect anything in return—not praise, not recognition, not even gratitude. It’s about giving because it’s the right thing to do, as Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

4. Make It a Lifestyle

Rather than treating altruism as an occasional project, weave it into your daily life. This could mean mentoring someone at work, standing up for someone in need, or simply listening more attentively to those around you.

A Path to Healing

Many of the stresses and diseases we face today stem from living lives disconnected from others. Real altruism reestablishes that connection. It opens your heart to the needs of the world and fills the void that selfish living leaves behind.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or even physically unwell, try this: Find a way to serve someone else, not for recognition but out of love. As you give, you may find that the healing you were searching for begins to take root in your own life.

In the words of Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Start refreshing others today—and watch how it transforms you.