Why Giving Is Good for Your Health

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health

 

Helping others can boost your heart and mind

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As the holiday swing into full affect, so will some of our emotional well being as it relates to giving and receiving gifts among family and friends.

 

Many people feel better when they can give material gifts during the holiday season and may feel that giving helps the person that is on the receiving end of gifting more than it does themselves.  It is very important during this time of the year for people to realize that the act of giving does make a big difference, but the best gift that you can give to others may be your time.  Time given to offering time to offering your time and support to family and friends, volunteering for organization can be a great way to reduce stress during the holidays.

 

The holiday season is a great time of people to understand how the act of offering your time can be beneficial to you.  Have you ever had a warm and fuzzy feeling when you were able to help someone who was really in need, and it had nothing to do with receiving a gift in exchange.  The feeling of gratification you get from helping others is good for you.

 

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), there are health benefits from giving.  As referenced by Susan Albers, PsyD., there is a science behind the “good vibe” you get from helping others that is both physical and mental.

 

A smile isn’t the only reaction that comes from gift-giving.  There’s also a chemical response that takes place in your body in response to doing something nice for someone.

 

A you help someone or give a gift, your brain secretes “feel good” chemicals such as:

• Serotonin (which regulates your mood).

• Dopamine (which gives you a sense of pleasure).

• Oxytocin (which creates a sense of connection with others).

 

“When we do things for other people, it makes us feel much more engaged and joyful,” says Dr. Albers. “That’s good for our health and our happiness.” 

 

Physical and mental health benefits associated with giving or serving can include:

 

Lower blood pressure

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Generosity truly is good for your heart, says Dr. Albers. Researchers found that giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker. (The effect, by the way, is similar to the positive results brought by a healthy diet and exercise.)

 

 

A longer lifespan

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The secret to living longer may be giving more of yourself. Studies show that people who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don’t.

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Less stress

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Want to melt away stress? The best solution may be to help someone else. Gift-giving or volunteering can reduce your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that can make you feel overwhelmed or anxious.

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A ‘helper’s high’

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Giving can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a “helper’s high” that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression.

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How to give on a budget

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Let’s start with this fact: It’s not about money. “Some of the best gifts don’t cost anything,” notes Dr. Albers. “In fact, acts of service often reflect the most thought and care and can be more meaningful than anything you purchase.”

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“Act of service” gifts include anything that helps someone out and makes their life just a bit easier. Examples include:

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• Walking a neighbor’s dog.

• Doing a housemate’s chores.

• Offering free babysitting for a family friend. (Give the person a coupon to redeem when the service is needed).

• Helping a tech-challenged relative set up a computer or TV.

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Think about tapping into your creative talents for meaningful gifts, too. Maybe that means drawing a portrait for someone or putting together a journal or album highlighting special memories.

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Another bonus of a homemade gift? They’re usually budget-friendly, a big plus given the stress that can come with personal finances.

“Using your natural skills can lead to gifts that are heartfelt, memorable and much more meaningful than anything you find in a store,” says Dr. Albers. “It’ll make the recipient feel very special.”

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And odds are you’ll feel pretty good, too.

 

Plan now to have a stress-free holiday, and if you don’t have anything to give don’t feel bad the is not price you can put on the service you provide to others when they really need help.