We all know that giving helps others. You can make a big difference in this world of ours by offering time and support to friends and family, volunteering for organizations or donating to charities.
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But did you know that the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from helping others is actually good for you, too?
That’s not just some “good vibe” theory, either. There’s science behind it. Research shows that giving can boost your physical and mental health in numerous ways. Let’s find out more with psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD.
Health benefits of giving
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 … well, just doing something nice.
As 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
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
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.
Less stress
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.
A ‘helper’s high’
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.
How to give on a budget
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.”
“Act of service” gifts include anything that helps someone out and makes their life just a bit easier. Examples include:
- Walking a neighbor’s dog.
- Doing a housemate’s chores.
- Offering free babysitting for a family friend.
- Helping a tech-challenged relative set up a computer or TV.
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.
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.”
And odds are you’ll feel pretty good, too.
FAQs
Health benefits of giving
Why is giving good for health? ›
And generosity impacts our health and well-being in so many positive ways. It boosts mood, self-esteem, and our immune system. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. The associated feel-good chemicals can help reduce aches and pains and help us sleep better, too.
What are the benefits of donating? ›
Make a difference
- Gives us a sense of belonging. Life can be difficult sometimes, but remembering we're all in this together can help us feel more connected to those around us. ...
- Set an example for others. ...
- Giving is in our nature. ...
- It makes us feel good. ...
- Enjoy an extra bit of tax relief. ...
- Donate today.
Reduced stress and anxiety
Studies have shown that when individuals give to charitable causes, they experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can have a positive impact on their mental health. Charitable giving can help individuals put their own problems and concerns into perspective.
Why is giving so important? ›
Furthermore, if you give to others, you are more likely to be rewarded, and receive something in return, either from the same person or someone else. Such exchanges represent the base for other positive emotions and values, such as trust, cooperation, intimacy, and life satisfaction.
What are three benefits of giving? ›
Researchers consistently find that these activities can lead to greater self-esteem, life satisfaction and sense of purpose. Younger adults may not benefit as much as older adults because they are more likely to volunteer out of obligation. (For example, they may feel they have to help out at their children's school.)
How can giving to others help one's health? ›
Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness. There are so many ways to help others as part of our everyday lives. Good deeds needn't take much time or cost any money.
What does giving do to your heart? ›
Additionally, giving can lower your blood pressure, protecting your heart and providing similar results as those of a healthy diet and exercise. One study found that on days people volunteered their time, they had lower levels of cortisol, resulting in reduced stress.
Why is giving better than receiving? ›
Sense of Fulfillment: Giving to others, whether through acts of kindness, charity, or support, can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. It allows individuals to make a positive impact on someone else's life, fostering a feeling of purpose and making them feel valued.
Why do you feel good after donating? ›
According to the Cleveland Clinic's health blog, helping people and giving things to others can increase your “feel good” chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. The scientific explanation behind that is that “we are wired to be generous,” Anderson said.
As 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).
What is the value of giving? ›
It makes you realize that you can make a difference in the world. Helping others, they'll tell you, just feels good. It's not “just” money. But the value of giving can be a difficult lesson to teach, especially when children are bombarded with messages about the joy of receiving.
What are the secret benefits of giving? ›
The point I'm trying to make is that when you become a giver, you put yourself in the position to become a receiver. Giving grows us and blesses us in unexpected ways. Don't wait for an opportunity to give to fall into your lap, make it a priority in your life and you will begin to feel the prosperity!
What is the power of giving? ›
And so the true power in giving is the power of God to fulfill His promises to those who give. That's where the power is, and that is: the promise to make rich those who give; rich in the ability to give joyfully, rich in the blessings that follow generous giving.
What are the blessings of giving? ›
Yes, the blessings we receive from giving are many. It fills us with joy when we see that we have brought a smile to someone else. It develops our love towards others when we sacrifice for their good. It may bring peace and reconciliation to a broken relationship.
Why are givers happier? ›
When we give a gift, we focus our attention on the needs and wants of others, shifting our perspective from self-centeredness to generosity. This selfless act of putting someone else's happiness before our own allows us to experience a sense of fulfillment that arises from making a positive impact on someone's life.
Why does giving feel so good? ›
Your Brain Likes When You Give
Scientists believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing a positive feeling known as the “helper's high.” “The response is triggered by brain chemistry in the mesolimbic pathway, which recognizes rewarding stimuli,” said Stephen G.
What is the power and benefits of giving? ›
Benefits of Giving
It brings order to your life and finances. It demonstrates that God has first place in your life. It stretches your faith. It reminds you that you are not in control, but God is.
