Nelson Mandela Day: A Call to Action for a Better World
Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18th, marks the birthday of the iconic leader Nelson Mandela and is a global call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.
Established by the United Nations in 2009, Mandela Day honours Mandela’s legacy of peace, justice, and human rights. It inspires individuals and communities worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time—one minute for each year Mandela fought for social justice—to make a difference in the lives of others. The objectives are clear: to inspire a global movement for good, where each person has the power to transform the world, the same way Mandela did.
The theme for Mandela Day 2024, “Legacy Lives On: Act, Inspire, Change,” underscores the enduring impact of Mandela’s work and calls on each of us to embody his values through acts of kindness, community service, and philanthropy.
The Light in the Darkness
Imagine a single candle lighting up a dark room. Its glow not only dispels the darkness but also allows others to light their own candles from its flame. This is the essence of giving: one small act of kindness can illuminate a path for many, spreading light and warmth, fostering connections, and enhancing the health and happiness of all.
This day reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a greater cause, creating ripples of positive change in our communities and beyond.
Nelson Mandela once said,
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
On July 18th, let’s embody the spirit of Mandela, reach out to those in need, and participate in acts of kindness and philanthropy. It will benefit both you and those you help.
The Joy of Giving: A Boost to Happiness
Acts of kindness towards others make the giver more content, fulfilled, and satisfied with life, leading to happiness. Research into the brain has shown that giving stimulates happiness chemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with inner peace and enhance generosity, love, and empathy. These hormones create positive feelings that boost well-being.
Furthermore, medical research has revealed that a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood naturally, boosting happiness in both the recipient and the giver.
Strengthening bonds: giving brings us closer
Relationships are crucial for well-being. Human beings are social creatures who thrive on positive relationships and connections with others. We rely on connections such as family, community, and close societal ties to flourish.
Helping and supporting others and giving our time constructively strengthens existing relationships and builds new ones. Building stronger and broader social networks and connections in our lives can increase our feelings of community, happiness, and self-worth, which are pivotal for our physical, emotional, and mental health. Research has shown that social connections can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and improve our immune systems.
So, go out and give to your closest networks and see how it strengthens your bonds and your health.
Finding Purpose Through Generosity
Helping others can give us a sense of purpose and feelings of self-worth, irrespective of the giver’s cultural background, social status, or financial situation. Volunteering moves people into the present and distracts the mind from the stresses and problems of the self.
One of the best ways to deal with the hardships in life is not to just focus on yourself but to take the opportunity to engage in simple acts of kindness. It enhances our sense of purpose long after the giving has taken place. The thrill of taking lasts a day, but the thrill of giving lasts a lifetime. Studies have shown that people who volunteer feel more socially connected, thus warding off loneliness and depression.
The Longevity of Generosity
Volunteering may boost self-esteem and protect people from social isolation, both of which are linked to better health in older adults. A study published in Health Psychology found that people who volunteered regularly had a 44% lower mortality rate over a five-year period than those who did not volunteer. Doing volunteer work may also give older adults perspective on their own life struggles, which can help them better cope with stress.
Alleviating Depression Through Giving
Volunteer work substantially reduces symptoms of depression; both helping others and receiving help are associated with lowered anxiety and depression. Giving has been proven to decrease blood pressure and reduce stress. This reduction promotes longer life and better health. According to a study published in JAMA Paediatrics, adolescents who performed acts of kindness experienced significant increases in their well-being.
The Contagious Nature of Giving
When we give, we don’t only help the recipient but also spur a ripple effect of generosity through our community. When a person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave generously too towards different people. That’s the power of kindness; it stimulates similar positive emotions in other individuals who are observing it. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that generosity can spread by three degrees, meaning that one person’s generosity can inspire generosity in a friend, a friend’s friend, and a friend’s friend.
Gratitude And Giving: A Powerful Connection
Whether you are on the giving or receiving end of a gift, that gift can elicit feelings of gratitude. It can be a way of expressing gratitude or instilling gratitude in the recipient. And research has found that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds. A study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that gratitude was strongly and consistently linked to greater happiness.
South Africans Embrace The Culture of Giving
The culture of giving and helping others is very prevalent in South Africa. According to the South Africa Giving 2019 Report, published by Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa (CAF Southern Africa), South Africans, despite all the hardships and challenges, remain passionate about philanthropic giving, whether it is donating money or volunteering time and skills to make a difference in disadvantaged communities. Among the top five reasons cited for giving are the need to make a difference and how it makes them feel.
Give and Grow
As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, let us dedicate ourselves to giving. Not only will we be honouring Mandela’s legacy, but we will also be nurturing our own well-being and creating a ripple effect of kindness that can transform our communities and our world.
In the words of Nelson Mandela,
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.”
So, on July 18th, let’s give generously, wholeheartedly, and with the knowledge that our small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes, both in ourselves and in those we touch. Let our generosity create a wave of positivity, health, and happiness that reaches far and wide. Let’s seize this moment to act, give, and inspire others, continuing Mandela’s mission of creating a more just and compassionate world.
Members of the SAMDP heeding the call to action and giving back to our communities
As we commemorate Mandela Day this year, as members of the SAMDP, we will heed his call to action and rise to the challenge of giving back to our communities through various initiatives because every act of kindness and generosity counts. Moreover, Mandela himself recognised the interconnectedness of health and social justice. He famously stated,
“Health cannot be a question of income; it is a fundamental human right.”
By participating in Mandela Day initiatives, as healthcare professionals, we have the opportunity to address health disparities, advocate for equitable access to healthcare, and promote social cohesion.
Join us in creating a happier, healthier world—one act of kindness at a time.
Take the first step today and feel the positive impact it brings to your life and the lives of others. “Legacy Lives On: Act, Inspire, Change”
Visit https://www.mandeladay.com/pages/what-can-i-do to see what you can do on this day of giving.
References:
- Konrath, S. H., Fuhrel-Forbis, A., Lou, A., & Brown, S. (2012). Motives for Volunteering Are Associated with Mortality Risk in Older Adults. Health Psychology, 31(1), 87-96.
- Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687-1688.
- Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
- Jenkinson, C. E., Dickens, A. P., Jones, K., Thompson-Coon, J., Taylor, R. S., Rogers, M., … & Richards, S. H. (2013). Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health, 13, 773.
- Poulin, M. J., Brown, S. L., Dillard, A. J., & Smith, D. M. (2013). Giving to others and the association between stress and mortality. American Journal of Public Health, 103(9), 1649-1655.
- Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., Oberle, E., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). Kindness counts: Prompting prosocial behaviour in preadolescents boosts peer acceptance and well-being. PLOS ONE, 7(12), e51380.
- Fowler, J. H., & Christakis, N. A. (2010). Cooperative behaviour cascades in human social networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(12), 5334-5338.
- Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890-905.
- Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa. (2019). South Africa Giving 2019 Report.
