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The Power of Giving

 


  We all know that sharing is caring, but this time is different. Well, we all know giving help others, whether we volunteer for organisations or charities, offer emotional support to those around us. However, did you know that the warm and weird feeling you get from helping others is actually good for you?. Studies show that giving can actually boost your physical and mental health which is absolutely good for us.

  Of course, giving can be a challenge especially when money is tight. After all, your income could just as easily go toward a school savings fund for your children, a holiday needed, or even a new vest. But whether you're interested in the tax benefits or have altruistic motives, you can end up getting back a lot more than you give when you donate valuable items. In fact, the emotional, social, psychological, and financial benefits of charitable giving often outweigh the satisfaction of splurging on yourself. Without further due, let's look deeper at the benefits of giving. 

  Greater happiness. According to studies, when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust. Gift-giving behaviour causes humans to release "happiness" chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin that create a "warm glow" effect. This behaviour also releases endorphins which produce the positive feeling known as the "helper's high".

  Giving can help you live longer. Who doesn't want to live longer? Well, it's good news that according to one study, numbers of elderly people who gave help to friends, relatives and neighbours, or who gave emotional support to their spouses were 44% less likely to die over a five-year period. Another study found that on average 24% have a lower mortality risk in older adults than those who did not volunteer. 

  Social connection. When we give to others and broaden our social circle through giving, it is also more likely we'll receive support from others down the line. These exchanges create a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthen our relationship. Having positive social interactions is essential to good mental and physical health. Moreover, health benefits associated with giving can include increased self-esteem, less depression, and lower stress levels.

  Alright mates that's all for today. If you're nervous about starting with cash donations, try to give away some items around your home that you don't want anymore, such as toys, clothes, or books. Then, when you're in a position to give financially, take that step. It is not only benefiting to others, but also to your own as well. Thank you for your time and always have a nice day 😀.


References:

  1. Giving Tuesday: 5 Health Benefits of Giving - ThinkHealth (2021). Available at: https://thinkhealth.priorityhealth.com/giving-tuesday-health-benefits-of-giving/.
  2. Top 10 Benefits of Charitable Giving and Donations (2022). Available at: https://www.moneycrashers.com/benefits-charitable-giving-donations/.
  3. 5 Ways Giving Is Good for You (2022). Available at: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you.
  4. Why Giving Is Good For Your Health (2020). Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/.
  5. Heid, M. and Danielle Murphy, L. (2021) Why Charitable Giving Is Good for Your Health, EverydayHealth.com. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/why-giving-to-causes-you-care-about-is-good-for-your-health/.


 



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