The Science of Giving


#PowerOfGiving  #MentalWellbeing2021


“Studies show that any act of altruism — a selfless act for others — is connected to positive physical and mental effects. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this includes lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less incidence of depression, lower stress levels, and even longer life and greater happiness.”


We know that there is plenty of science and research available to us now that supports the neurological connections between our actions, behaviors, emotions and decisions. In fact everything from psychology, to modern western medicine, and new studies of neurology and epigenetics are arising from this research to better treat the whole person, with lasting and profound effects.   The act of giving is a catalyst for cultivating a more resilient mental wellbeing.


Often when I speaking to groups or working with clients, I hear the phrase, “ I am stuck, I just don’t know what to do.” or “I am so overwhelmed, I don’t have clarity on the path forward”.  Even still, the phrase “I feel powerless.”  My research and study, amongst countless others, have shown that when I submit to clients or the public that to gain clarity, to shift the overwhelm, to discover your purpose once again only takes one small act of giving, I will guarantee they will see their own next steps forward. 


Think about what you have to give.  It could be your time, your services, your skills, or even your dollars to something that you care deeply about.  Regardless of where you may be mentally, emotionally or physically, you ALWAYS have an opportunity to give.  And what my seem like something so small, actualizes into insight, clarity and even seeing your own opportunities that you previously could not.  


Your contributions of time or money directly links us to a person, a cause or the greater good.  Which then connects us to a larger purpose, thus creating meaning and investment that is integral to mental health.  A recent study found that having a purpose in life mad measurable cognitive benefits for teens, to people 30’s to their 80’s. 


I have worked with at-risk youth throughout my years, and have volunteered coaching and counseling those trying to exit traumatizing situations. At the root of my work, beyond behavioral skills, modification, therapy, all the things, is getting straight to the core of what Their Unique Purpose is. For that is what every sentient being on this planet possesses. Purpose, and without it we are all adrift at sea.  Through the acts of giving, we can start to get clarity on what our purpose is. What really fills us up, excites us, brings us joy.  


Giving is one of the most powerful shifters for our own selves and our lives.  Think of it as an act of self-love.  Selfishly, by doing good for others, it cultivates emotional, mental and even physical freedoms.  


“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.” — William James


A study from Georgetown University found that people who demonstrated strong altruism actually have a more active (and sometimes larger) right amygdala.”  Remember the amygdala is the part of your brain that controls our feelings and perceives emotions, including fear.  This study shows us that there is a link between altruism and the neurologically-driven capacity to observe fear and empathize with fear in others.  


Here are 5 Key Traits of An Altruistic Person from ThriveWorks:

  1.  You put others first

  2. You think about how your actions will affect others

  3. You feel good after helping someone

  4. You are proactive

  5. You possess and display a health degree of self-confidence


A study from Georgetown University found that people who demonstrated strong altruism actually have a more active (and sometimes larger) right amygdala.”  Remember the amygdala is the part of your brain that controls our feelings and perceives emotions, including fear.  This study shows us that there is a link between altruism and the neurologically-driven capacity to observe fear and empathize with fear in others.  


So thank you fellow human beings for all that you have already done.  Now, GO and GIVE Freely.  Free your mind and your hearts and together we will continue to create more resilient communities.  


Get the ‘Science of Giving’ Infographic by happify 


*Supporting Research:  

https://thriveworks.com/blog/5-characteristics-of-the-truly-altruistic-person/

https://www.talkspace.com/blog/giving-back-mental-health-impact/

https://betterhumans.pub/a-guide-to-the-science-of-giving-ba007d9304ff




(Disclaimer) If you suspect you have a mental illness or you're being treated by a mental health professional, ask about how you can incorporate physical activity into your treatment.

A qualified mental health professional can make suggestions about the best strategies for treating your specific condition.



Health Benefits of Giving:

  • Lower blood pressure.

  • Increased self-esteem.

  • Less depression.

  • Lower stress levels.

  • Longer life.

  • Greater happiness and satisfaction.

 

“Giving activates the parts of the brain related to pleasure, trust, and relationships with others. We secrete important feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin — a rush that’s often referred to as the “helper’s high.” A study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health”

 

For the Next 5 Days GIVE Greater:

  1. Do Something that Brings You Joy

    1. Have fun with this.  

    2. Get outside the box, or pick your go-to funness

  2. Be Altruistic

    1. Impulsive acts of kindness

    2. Random acts of generosity

    3. Spread the Love, be positive, kind and helpful

    4. Serve your community, volunteer, mentor a kid, rebuild from fires, etc.

  3. Receive the Positive Feeling and Enjoy them

    1. We are hard-wired to feel good about doing good

    2. Feel the rush of joy from helping another person

    3. Tap into this new state of BEingness



ENGAGEMENT QUESTION:  How did it feel when you were on the receiving end of unexpected generosity?  How does it feel now that you gave your time, services, skills, money, or heart to others?