Give to CharityThe Power of Giving

Charitable giving can lead to increased wellness. Research has shown that by helping others we can tap into a wealth of health! When we give we feel happier. Happiness has been proven to be a basis for a healthier lifestyle, and a healthier lifestyle leads to a more charitable attitude. The wonderful news is you don’t have to always give monetarily – any kind of ongoing charity does the trick!

To Give is Better Than to Receive

As it turns out researchers have found that giving, in any way, to another person is better for your health than simply receiving. Thankfully, you don’t have to be wealthy to give in a charitable way. Simply giving your time, old clothes, sharing a meal with someone in need, or even sharing words of encouragement can help you feel happier. In 2008, a researcher at the Harvard Business School discovered that people who gave money to others reported a higher sense of happiness than those who received it. The University of California’s professor of psychology, Sonja Lyubomirsky, found a similar result when she asked people to perform five acts of kindness every week for six weeks. The National Institute of Health found that those who give to charities have an area of the brain that lights up like a Christmas tree in areas associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust. Another study found that elderly individuals who volunteer for two or more organizations are 44% less likely to die within a five-year period than non-volunteers!

What Makes The Difference?

Physical health and longevity are obviously connected with charitable acts. One reason for this is believed to be because giving reduces stress. Stress is associated with a variety of health issues and a lower lifespan. By simply providing social support to another person we can lower our blood pressure!

“Being kind and generous leads you to perceive others more positively and more charitably, fosters a heightened sense of interdependence, and cooperation in your social community.”- Lyubomirsky, (Greater Good, 2010).

Whether you give to a charitable organization, an individual, volunteer your time, or simply provide support for a friend in need, you can always find ways to improve your wellness. By helping others you are relieving stress in their lives and your gift can mean so much more than the simple act. Find a way to give back this year, and you may find that your charitable act gives back to you also.

Applications & Resources for Giving

  • Read more studies at Greater Good: Science of a Meaningful Life
  • Find more benefits and costs of self-interested charitable behavior from Harvard
  • Check out Marymount University to find out how to maximize your happiness

 

iGOZEN is a philosophy and a way of life. We want to set an example on how to live a clean and organic lifestyle. What better way is there to raise the next generation than to be an example for them to follow? We hope you enjoy the posts and articles and encourage you to check out what iGOZEN has to offer.