Giving promotes cooperation and social connection. These exchanges promote a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our ties to others—and research has shown that having positive social interactions is central to good mental and physical health. Giving evokes gratitude. And research has found that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds.
A recent study led by Nathaniel Lambert at Florida State University found that expressing gratitude to a close friend or romantic partner strengthens our sense of connection to that person. Barbara Fredrickson, a pioneering happiness researcher, suggests that cultivating gratitude in everyday life is one of the keys to increasing personal happiness.
Giving is contagious. We also spur a ripple effect of generosity through our community. A study by James Fowler of the University of California, San Diego, and Nicholas Christakis of Harvard, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science , shows that when one person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave generously later, toward different people. In fact, the researchers found that altruism could spread by three degrees—from person to person to person to person.
Giving has also been linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone also released during sex and breast feeding that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria, and connection to others.
So whether you buy gifts, volunteer your time, or donate money to charity this holiday season, your giving is much more than just a year-end chore. It may help you build stronger social connections and even jumpstart a cascade of generosity through your community. Jill Suttie, Psy. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to Greater Good.
This is a thoughtful entry. In fact, giving is so good for us that I can think of several other benefits right off the bat: Giving can actually alleviate minor mental illness. When we focus on others, we learn more about ourselves. That same idea is being used to help people suffering from depression and other disorders.
These studies are just the tip of the iceberg. Generosity comes with so many advantages —not only to those on the receiving end, but to those doing the giving too. You can think of it like a circle. If we give, we benefit others, which circles back around and benefits us. So feel good about working that extra giving into your Christmas budget. Offer words of encouragement to someone who seems to be having a hard time around the holidays.
Bake some extra cookies to give away. Bring hope to your family and friends with meaningful gifts from our online store. Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books including 12 national bestsellers published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners.
Guided Plans. Trusted Pros. Does giving make people happier? A review of the research shows positive neurological effects associated with giving. Facebook 0 Tweet 0. You may also like. Putting an end to postpartum depression. Subscribe Today Stay up-to-date on the latest heath care topics. In the news.
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