Why do we feel good when we give?
Various studies that have looked into the benefits of giving showed that when animals care for offspring, there is an increase in activity in two major parts of the brain: the ventral striatum and the septal area. It turns out that when humans give, the same areas of the brain are stimulated.
One study found these very brain regions were abnormally active when a subject gave money to charity, or to a close family member or friend. In fact, there was more activity in the ventral striatum and the septal area in these situations than when the subject won money for themselves.
Furthermore, when the subjects gave, it triggered the brain to release oxytocin, which has the effect of boosting mood and counteracts the effects of cortisol (the stress hormone). Put all this together and we find that our brain really is providing us with positive feelings when we provide support, all of which improves our wellbeing.
If we give regularly, we can enjoy even more benefits, including:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing self-esteem
- Decreasing negative emotions like depression
- Lowering stress levels
- Giving us greater happiness and satisfaction
- Building gratitude
Giving is infectious
Giving enables higher-quality interactions. It promotes a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our bonds with others. How? Well, because giving is infectious, in more ways than you think.
When we’re in the act of giving, it’s usually during a highly social activity that brings a smile to your face. It turns out, that when you smile the whole world really does smile with you, because you trigger mirror neurons in those who witness you smiling. This, in turn, actually activates those feel-good hormones mentioned earlier.
Meanwhile, when you give, the recipient of your generosity is more likely to give something in return — or even give to someone else. You are also likely to give again, because it turns out oxytocin is addictive. This is why giving just once can create an incredible positive feedback loop.
Can you volunteer your way to health?
Extending our giving further than our friends or families, through volunteering has proven health benefits. The Corporation for National Community Service in the U.S. has found that people who volunteer have shown to have better psychological and mental health with increased longevity. They even claim the health benefits of volunteering can be greater than taking up exercise or attending religious services.
When we give to a charity, we find similar effects on the body. Oxytocin is released, which decreases blood pressure and social fears, while it increases bonding experiences and empathy. The benefits don’t stop there, though. When oxytocin is boosted, so are serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is connected to good sleep, digestion, memory, learning and appetite, while dopamine is connected to motivation.
Believe it or not, promoting you volunteering efforts can even promote your career. Research from LinkedIn has found employers respond more often to candidates who include the causes and charities they support in the Volunteer & Causes section of their profile. Furthermore, prospective employers may get insight into your personality and your commitment to social causes. At the end of the day, businesses want to hire the right person for the role and the candidate’s personality and ethos very much comes into play when making their hiring decisions.
How can you give?
While volunteering is an ideal way to give, there are other ways you can receive the wellbeing boost giving provides you by:
- Spending money on others
- Spending time with others
- Performing acts of kindness
- Complimenting someone
- Making someone laugh
- Telling someone about how you feel
So, why not give one of them a go and see how you feel? You could make someone else feel good in the process too!
