It’s not uncommon to find typically successful people in deeply exhausting ruts.
To the regular hustler who wakes up every day at 7 am and toils until they turn in at 10 pm, this makes no sense. Flourishing businesses or a sailing career, multiple zeroes cooling in the bank accounts, and access to the best of life’s luxuries – what more could you possibly want?
However, to the people who have actually attained this level of acclaimed success, it might not always feel as euphoric as everyone else imagines. “Wellness” is a holistic term that spans beyond optimum physical health. The “money can’t buy happiness” debate is one of the most controversial arguments of the 21st century, and honestly, no one can say if the statement is right or wrong. Sure, money is necessary to fund the good life, but does it really cover every base?
For Florida-based SMP artist, master barber, and educator, Taylor Perry, a daily source of fulfillment is helping less-privileged kids go to school and not appear sloppy.
“I remember what it was like not being able to afford a haircut as a school kid,” says Perry, the founder and CEO of Taylor Perry Studios, a scalp micro pigmentation and barbing salon in Miami. “My friends and I started learning how to cut hair really early. That is how my journey as a barber and eventually an SMP artist began. And that’s why taking care of my community and providing free haircuts and any kind of support I can is incredibly important. And there is no doubt in mind someone else will pay it forward in the next generation.”
Happiness from philanthropy doesn’t have to be a one-way street. Both the beneficiaries and facilitators can all get a measure of life-changing joy from these activities, creating an opportunity for communal wellness and long-term positivity.
Here are a few reasons why giving back to your community is essential for holistic success.
The “Warm Glow” Effect
You know that pure, inexplicable feeling of joy you get when you do something nice for someone else and they are genuinely happy? That burst of inner warmth that leaves you feeling light all day? It’s a biochemical reaction called the “warm glow” effect. Researchers at the National Institute of Health reported in a 2006 study that altruism triggers the sensors in the brain responsible for endorphin production. This might explain why people tend to have longer-lasting episodes of “tingly joy” when they do things for other people as opposed to themselves.
“I always try to help up-and-coming artists and technicians find their place in the industry and this brings me a lot of joy,” says Perry, whose brand has been noted as a top SMP products supplier in the industry. “Breaking through, building your name, developing a clientele, using quality products, the list goes on. There is so much that goes into being a quality technician in today’s climate. I know what the true value there is in having someone who has been through what you’re going through guiding you genuinely.”
Fairer Health and a Brighter Life
This isn’t a claim that generosity can wipe out illnesses, but several studies have linked habitual acts of kindness and charity to better health over the decades. This might be more applicable to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and mood disorders. Therapists recommend volunteering and charity works for longer streams of intrinsic happiness.
According to a ground-breaking study conducted at the University of California, with all factors being equal, people who volunteer with at least two organizations are 44% percent less likely to die over a five-year period. Most times, volunteering or giving back involves physical activity and pure-hearted social interaction – great components for all-round wellness. Happy hormones provide us with the health benefits of natural pain and stress relief. This also promotes the production of other health-boosting hormones.
New relationships and life-long bonds
A lot of the people you’ll meet while giving back can eventually become part of your support systems as you join theirs. Generosity strikes up pure connections, genuine relationships, and bonds that stand the test of time. People need people, regardless of financial status or social standing. Moreover, life is generally better when your relationships are built on good energy and memories of unforgettable kindness.
Giving back to your community – final thoughts
Happiness is a health-boosting powerful emotion. You should feel better, lighter, and a lot more fulfilled knowing that you’ve made someone else’s life a little easier. Sometimes, it’s all you need to make that lifestyle upgrade you’ve been thinking about.
