The Benefits of Giving

One of the most important lessons I learned growing up is the importance of giving some of what you have to others. Every year around the holidays, my father would give me $100 to donate to a local charity. I remember the way I felt going into an animal shelter or soup kitchen and handing the check over to a tired volunteer. I can still vividly recall the smiles that would spread across their faces, and the sense of peace I had leaving, knowing my effort would make a small difference in the lives of others.

These moments taught me that one person can indeed change the world, and I knew from that point on that I would never stop trying. So if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a moment to remember your blessings, and consider giving some of what you have to those in need; the benefits are both numerous and long-lasting.

Improving Mood

One of the major ways that giving impacts your mood is by fostering gratitude in your life. Barbara Fredrickson, “a pioneering happiness researcher, suggests that cultivating gratitude in everyday life is one of the keys to increasing personal happiness.” In her book Positivity, she writes that “When you express your gratitude in words or actions, you not only boost your own positivity but other people’s as well.” So it’s no wonder that you feel better after volunteering or giving back to your local community.

Improving Health

Giving has also been proven to increase overall quality of life, even among the sick and the elderly. In fact, volunteering may help aging relatives remain healthier for longer. “A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were non-volunteers.” And if longevity isn’t a good reason to volunteer, I don’t know what is! Make volunteering a family event, and spread the joy to aging grandparents who may otherwise become isolated in old age.

Social Connections

Giving has also been proven to foster social connections that are beneficial to all parties involved. Whether you are serving food at a local soup kitchen or visiting the elderly at a local care community, “These exchanges promote a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our ties to others—and research has shown that having positive social interactions is central to good mental and physical health.” In particular, elderly isolation can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and volunteering can help relieve some of this by fostering social connections that can help your loved ones feel more socially connected.

If you’re interested in volunteering in your local community, sites such as https://www.volunteermatch.org/ and http://www.createthegood.org/ can help you find opportunities that match your interests, availability and expertise. And it’s not just about donating money. Many organizations would be grateful for just a few hours of your time.

So get out there and help others. In the process, you’ll be helping yourself, too.