How helping others can protect your wellbeing
Doing a great job can feel amazing, but it can also wear you down. If you don’t have adequate boundaries in place, even meaningful work can start to drain your energy.
So, what helps us stay motivated, energised, and fulfilled?
According to research, two powerful buffers against burnout are prosocial motivation (helping others) and creativity.
Prosocial motivation is about doing something because it benefits someone else. It could be mentoring a colleague, checking in on a friend, or going the extra mile for your team.
When your focus shifts from ‘how am I performing’ to ‘who am I helping?’, it creates a powerful mindset shift. It boosts your sense of purpose, strengthens connection, and reminds you why your work matters.
Helping others is also good for your brain. It activates reward centres, reduces stress, and fosters resilience — all protective factors against burnout.
Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s something you can draw on any time you try a new approach, solve a tricky problem, or think outside the box.
Creative thinking keeps things interesting. It invites curiosity instead of pressure, which is key for avoiding burnout in high-takes or repetitive environments.
It also taps into autonomy. When your brain feels free to try new ideas, you’re more likely to stay engaged and energised.
You don’t need a total reset. Just a few small shifts can help your work and life feel more meaningful.
Start with who, not what. Think about who you’re helping, not just the tasks on your list.
Make one generous move. Offer a compliment or send a kind message. Tiny acts of support create a ripple effect.
Shake up your routine. Try a new approach, tool, or perspective. Even a small change can refresh your focus.
Protect your energy. Helping others doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
Spot the sparks. Notice moments of process, insight, or connection, even if they seem small. They matter more than you think.
This article was informed by research about the relationship between impact and happiness by Joaquín Azagra-Caro et al., 2024.