The Feel-Good Part of Giving  

Anyone can live for himself/herself but living for others is what makes us truly alive. As per the adage, ‘We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give’, it is far better to give than to receive. Giving is what makes us human and celebrates the values of sharing and caring for others.  

Though buying for yourself may give you ephemeral happiness, lending to those in need gives more lasting happiness. Apart from simply feeling good, evidence suggests that the selfless act of giving or helping others has positive effects on your physical as well as mental health. In this article, we brief you on the numerous psychological and physiological benefits of giving. 

Makes you feel good 

Whether we have a little or a lot, the decision to give a share of your fortune gives a sense of peace and joy. The act of generosity releases feel-good neurochemicals like oxytocin and endorphin in our brains and elevates our mood. Also, the fact that you’re helping others is truly empowering and fulfilling. 

Part of something bigger  

When you give back to other people and society, it reminds you of what you are made for. Focusing on the needs of others and helping them grow reveals that you can do more than what you thought possible. You become more energized, find creative solutions to problems and derive strength when exhausted. By contributing to the community at large, you become part of something bigger than yourself. 

Enhance health and well-being 

Givers light up! Yes, this is also known as the helper’s high. More broadly, this is a phenomenon where people feel elevated and contented when they spend money on others. The same is true with our time. Volunteering for an NGO and involvement in social work will do wonders for your health and emotional well-being.  

Helps you live longer 

Helping others is a great way to keep your mind off worries and channel your energy into something positive. Engaging in charity or volunteering for community work helps your stress levels and that’s a big deal since stress is a known contributor to a lot of chronic diseases like hypertension, obesity, heart attack, stroke, depression and more.  Scientifically it is proven that generous people tend to live longer and happier lives than those who don’t. 

Boomerang effect  

Generosity comes with so many advantages—not only to those on the receiving end but to those doing the giving too. The saying ‘Give and you will receive’, is an assertion that whatever good you do or help you give circles back around and benefits us in unknown ways. Trust the laws of the universe that what you put out is what you’ll get back in abundance. 

Certainly, making a difference in others’ lives through selfless giving and small gestures of kindness is good not just for others —but also for you. 

Alvina Clara, Content Writer, emQube

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