Help Smart!

I can not deny that helping others is a noble act, I have done it for so many years for so many people, but it's crucial to balance it with self-care to avoid negative impacts on your well-being. I got sick (cancer) and I know one of the reasons was from working a lot to help my family and clients on matters that were not part of the company duties. I almost died, and I still have difficulties putting myself first, I feel guilty, I feel selfish, but that is a topic for another time, let's focus on identifying if you know how to help in a healthy way. 

1.Self-Care and Well-Being:

Physical Health: If helping others is causing you to neglect your health, leading to illness or chronic fatigue, it's important to re-evaluate your commitments. Ensure you are getting enough rest, nutrition, and exercise.

Mental Health: Helping others can be emotionally taxing. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, consider seeking support for yourself. Taking breaks and setting boundaries can help maintain your mental health.

2. Financial Stability:

Debt: If assisting others is putting you into debt or worsening your financial situation, it is important to set limits. You can't help others effectively if you are financially unstable.

Sustainable Giving: Aim to help in ways that are sustainable for you. This might mean offering time, skills, or support rather than financial aid if money is tight.

3. Balance and Boundaries:

Time Management: Ensure you are not sacrificing too much of your time, which might affect your job, relationships, or personal life. Allocate specific times for helping others and stick to these boundaries.

Prioritization: Assess the urgency and impact of the help you provide. Focus on high-impact activities where your help makes a significant difference and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

4. Types of Help:

Indirect Help: Sometimes, indirect help (such as connecting someone with resources or information) can be just as valuable as direct assistance (like giving money or physical aid).

Empowering Others: Aim to empower people to help themselves. Teaching skills, providing resources, or offering guidance can create a lasting impact and reduce dependency.

5. Signs to Re-evaluate Helping Others:    

Physical Exhaustion: Persistent fatigue, frequent illness, or neglect of personal health.    

Emotional Burnout: Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or resentful about helping.    

Financial Strain: Increasing debt, inability to meet personal financial needs, sacrificing essential expenses or even making extra hours to be able to help others.    

Time Strain: Lack of time for personal interests or self-care activities.

6. When to Help Others:    

When You Are Stable: Ensure you have a stable foundation in terms of health, finances, and emotional well-being.    

When It's Effective: Help when you can make a meaningful and positive impact.    

When It's Needed: Assist in emergencies or situations where your help can prevent significant harm.    

When It's Mutual: Engage in reciprocal helping relationships where both parties benefit and support each other.

Helping others should not come at the expense of your own well-being. It's essential to find a balance that allows you to be supportive without jeopardizing your health, finances, or happiness. Setting boundaries and being mindful of your limits can enable you to continue helping others in a sustainable way.

With Love: Gabi :)