5 Ways Giving and Well-being go Hand-in-Hand

Anyone who has given their money, time, skills or services for the sake of helping others (without expecting or even wanting anything in return) knows that this kind of giving feels good, if not amazing!  Undoubtedly, most of us “givers” would agree that helping others is one of the most fulfilling experiences we can have.  In fact, a multitude of studies are readily available on this very subject, and they’ve all pointed to a similar conclusion; giving promotes well-being!

“Well-being: A good or satisfactory condition of existence; a state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity; welfare.” – Dictionary.com

We need to feel that we’re healthy, happy and prosperous more often than we’re not in order to feel like we’re really living.  Well, what if we were to tell you that charitable giving has been correlated with one’s health, happiness AND prosperity???

Here are just some of the reasons, backed by research, why giving really is living:

1. Giving instills a sense of purpose

Whether we give money, time, or advice, the end result is that we feel USEFUL to others, thus giving our life added meaning or purpose; a reason beyond ourselves to get up and moving each morning.

2. Giving increases life satisfaction

When we reflect back on our day, our year, our life, how we feel about ourselves has much more to do with what we did and how that impacted others than what we received from our efforts.

3. Giving helps us feel more connected with others

Even for our introverted givers out there (yes, you’re awesome too!), donating money, items or your quirky computer skills toward a charitable cause provides you with that intrinsic human need to feel connected with others, even if it’s from a distance!

4. Giving promotes an active lifestyle

Giving by way of volunteering gets us out into different environments, meeting new people, learning new skills, while keeping us physically and mentally active.

5. Giving is correlated with living a longer and healthier life

It’s true!  Medical research made available by the Cleveland Clinic reveals that those who donate and volunteer have lower stress levels, healthier blood pressure, increased self-esteem and overall happiness, less instances of depression, and longer lifespans!

What better reasons are there to give?  Consider the wise words of Paul McCartney, “In the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.”…  Or in this case, the love you get is equal to the love (generosity) you GIVE.

Happy Giving and Happy Holidays from all of us at GiveGab!