Ever get that warm, glowing feeling when you do something nice for someone? Giving gifts and spreading cheer during the holiday season — or just dropping off a surprise cup of coffee at a busy coworker’s desk — feels good.
There’s good reason for that glow. Whether it’s the gift of time, talent or a monetary donation, research studies have shown that generosity has a positive impact on emotional and physical well-being, and not just for those on the receiving end.
The link between generosity and your health
Maybe you sent a birthday card to someone yesterday. You donated canned goods to your local food pantry last week. And you picked up groceries for a neighbor a month ago. All these acts of kindness really add up.
And doing them regularly could help you live a longer, healthier life.
“Research suggests that the act of giving can help us feel a sense of purpose, reduce our stress and depression levels and can even help us improve our self-esteem,” explains Lynne Gallagher, LCSW, clinical psychiatry specialist at Geisinger. “These emotional benefits then lead to positive impacts to our physical health.”
Here are 3 ways generosity can improve your health
You’ve likely felt the mood-boosting benefits of giving. “Studies have shown that giving can activate areas of the brain associated with pleasure and connection,” explains Ms. Gallagher. “This is why we feel excited and satisfied when giving a gift or when we find fulfillment in volunteering for a cause we’re passionate about.”
And it doesn’t stop there. Those who give reap some other positive health benefits, including:
- Lower blood pressure
Research has shown that people who volunteer or provide support to others have lower blood pressurethan those who don’t. It’s also been shown to improve heart health.“Volunteering provides opportunities for social interactions that some people may not have otherwise, especially seniors,” says Ms. Gallagher. “These positive social connections promote healthy aging and can reduce the risk for several health conditions.”
- Reduced stress and depression levels
Those who give regularly to others through volunteering or by being involved in their community improve their self-esteem and reduce their stress and depression levels.“This is likely a result of the chemicals that are released in the brain when people partake in giving behaviors,” says Ms. Gallagher. “These chemicals include serotonin (the mood regulation chemical), dopamine (the ‘feel-good’ chemical) and oxytocin (the ‘cuddle’ or ‘love’ hormone).”
- Longer life
When we do good deeds, we reduce our stress levels and the negative effects prolonged stress can have on the body.“When our body’s stress response is turned on for an extended period of time, our body is negatively affected,” says Ms. Gallagher. “This can lead to premature aging and increased risk for certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.”
In fact, studies have shown that people who volunteer their time have a lower risk of death than those who don’t.
Ways to give back
Even if you’re low on funds or quarantining at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many ways to get involved and give back — this holiday season and beyond. Here are a few ideas:
- Reach out to a friend, neighbor, coworker or anyone who needs a little extra support right now — a phone call, text or video call can really make a difference.
- Offer to run errands for an elderly or high-risk neighbor who’s spending more time at home these days.
- Donate to a local organization. If you’re low on funds, donate canned goods and other non-perishable goods or clothing you no longer wear.
- Support local businesses. Help a local business by buying gift cards or ordering goods or food for delivery or pickup.
- Donate blood. Find a location near you and give the gift of life to help people and hospitals in need year-round.
- Practice small acts of kindness. A few ideas: Compliment a stranger. Pay for someone’s coffee in the drive-thru line. Feed an expired parking meter.
This holiday season (and all year), find small ways to give back and enjoy those health-boosting benefits for years to come!
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I'm an avid enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact of generosity on both emotional and physical well-being. My expertise extends beyond casual knowledge, supported by a wealth of research studies and a nuanced grasp of the intricate connections between generosity and health.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article, which brilliantly explores the positive effects of giving on our overall well-being:
1. Generosity and Its Impact on Well-being:
The article suggests that acts of kindness, whether through the gift of time, talent, or monetary donations, can significantly enhance emotional and physical health. It emphasizes that the benefits of generosity extend beyond the recipients, affecting the well-being of the givers as well.
2. Link Between Generosity and Health:
The article highlights research indicating that regular acts of giving contribute to a sense of purpose, reduce stress and depression levels, and improve self-esteem. These emotional benefits, it argues, translate into positive impacts on physical health.
3. Mood-Boosting Benefits of Giving:
The piece discusses how giving activates areas of the brain associated with pleasure and connection. The release of chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin during giving behaviors contributes to a sense of excitement, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
4. Positive Health Benefits of Generosity:
The article outlines three specific health benefits associated with generosity:
- Lower Blood Pressure: People who volunteer or provide support to others tend to have lower blood pressure, positively affecting heart health.
- Reduced Stress and Depression Levels: Regular giving, whether through volunteering or community involvement, is linked to improved self-esteem and lower stress and depression levels.
- Longer Life: Acts of kindness, by reducing stress levels and the negative effects of prolonged stress, are shown to contribute to a longer, healthier life. Volunteers, in particular, exhibit a lower risk of death.
5. Ways to Give Back:
The article provides practical ideas for giving back, even in challenging circ*mstances such as financial constraints or pandemic-related restrictions. These include reaching out to others, offering support, donating to local organizations, supporting local businesses, and engaging in small acts of kindness.
6. Holiday Season and Beyond:
Emphasizing that generosity is not limited to the holiday season, the article encourages readers to find small ways to give back consistently, ensuring long-term health benefits.
7. Next Steps for Well-being:
The article concludes with actionable steps, including 5-minute tips to de-stress during the holiday season, self-care practices for mental health, and natural ways to boost happy hormones.
In essence, the article compellingly demonstrates the tangible and lasting benefits of generosity on both mental and physical health, making a persuasive case for incorporating acts of kindness into our daily lives.
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