Giving makes us feel great
Helping others is such a heart-warming way to boost our own wellbeing: what could be better than feeling good because you’ve made someone else happy?
When we show kindness, generosity or good will to others, it meets a very basic human need: relatedness. As humans, we all like to feel part of something, and helping other people (whether that’s friends, family, a local community, or people we may have never even met) can create some seriously strong connections.
The act of giving actually activates our brain’s reward centres, which releases our feel-good friends: endorphins. But that’s not all.
Research shows that giving can also:
Boost our happiness levels
Improve our emotional wellbeing
Bolster our sense of self-worth
Increase life satisfaction
Help us to feel more hopeful
Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Provide a sense of meaning and purpose
Improve our mood
Reduce stress levels
Make us feel more competent
Extend our life expectancy
Studies have even shown that regardless of income or socio-economic status, people who donate money to charity each month, or who regularly buy gifts for others, are happier than those who don’t.
How to give, without burning out
It’s important that when you’re helping others, you don’t feel burdened or under pressure; that’s no good for anyone. It’s also worth remembering that giving isn’t just about money or material goods.
Carrying out a random act of kindness, making a thoughtful gesture, volunteering your time or talents, or even offering someone a smile and some encouraging words can make all the difference in someone else’s world – and leave you feeling pretty good in your own skin.
There are always opportunities out there for doing a little good in the world. Whether you plan it out or simply help a neighbour in a moment of need, you’ll not only be spreading happiness, but boosting your own, too. And because people tend to pay good deeds forward, your act of helping others could inspire a whole round of good deeds that spread cheer wherever they go.
Now that really is something to feel great about.
