Mysteries of the Mind Monthly Newsletter

March 2015

March’s “Mysteries of the Mind” Newsletter

"To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own"
- Abraham Lincoln

"There is not a man of us who does not at times need a helping hand to be stretched out to him, and then shame upon him who will not stretch out the helping hand to his brother"
- Theodore Roosevelt

Helper High's are addictive! The research keeps coming in.

We all know giving helps others, whether we volunteer for organizations, offer emotional support to those around us or donate to charities. But studies show that giving is also good for the giver - boosting physical and mental health.

Studies find these health benefits associated with giving:

Lower blood pressure
Increased self-esteem
Less depression
Lower stress levels
Longer life
Greater happiness

According to a 2006 study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, people who gave social support to others had lower blood pressure than people who didn't. Supportive interaction with others also helped people recover from coronary-related events.

The same study also found that people who gave their time to help others through community and organizational involvement had greater self-esteem, less depression and lower stress levels than those who didn't.

Living longer

According to a 1999 University of California, Berkeley, study, people who were 55 and older who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than those who didn't volunteer - even accounting for many other factors including age, exercise, general health and negative habits like smoking.

Feeling happier

Biologically, giving can create a "warm glow," activating regions in the brain associated with pleasure, connection with other people and trust.

In a 2006 study, researchers from the National Institutes of Health studied the functional MRIs of subjects who gave to various charities. They found that giving stimulates the mesolimbic pathway, which is the reward center in the brain, releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the "helper's high." And like other highs, this one is addictive, too.

I try to donate at least 6 shows each year for good causes. So far this year I have found an occasion every month!

January 10th for theater renovations at Weber State University

February 28th headlined a show to raise money for the El Segundo, California Music Program

March 19th emceed an Inclusion Center event for advocacy and anti bullying programs

Inclusion Center Event

April 17th presenting a show to help build a Math resource library at a grade school
Tickets are still available

Click to view flyer

However, I know that I have only been able to donate my time to these efforts through the kindness of my friends who read these newsletters and help create opportunities for me to lecture and perform all over the world.

Thank you for making a difference in my life and helping me to help others.

Happy Passover, Happy Easter, and happy springtime!

For more, check out my new videos

Your friend,
-Paul Draper
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
801-541-2976

Websites:
wwww.PaulWDraper.com
www.MentalMysteries.com
www.AnthropologyOffice.com
www.helpinghospitalsheal.com