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What charity does to your brain | Your Brain on Money | Big Think

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When I first started my giving journey, I dove into some great books about giving that fueled my passion and understanding about giving. Some of these books are for kids, some for adults. Nic and I read the children's book together, which helped me plant the giving idea. The adult books helped me find ideas, understand the benefits and read others people's stories about giving. I was inspired and found these seven books to be a great foundation to giving every day.

Children's Books About Giving

1. The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein

2. The Giving Book - Ellen Sabin

3. One Hen - How One Small Load Made a Difference - Katey Smith Milway

The CitizenKid Collection from Kids Can Press have a series of picture books that speak to cultural and environmental diversity that can inspire giving ideas within your family.

More Giving Books To Inspire Your Daily Giving - For Adults

1. Why Good Things Happen to Good People - Stephen Post

2. Little Princes - Connor Grennan

3. What Makes a Hero - Elizabeth Svoboda

4. How to Be An Everyday Philanthropist - Nicole Bouchard Boles

We love reading and learning about others research and understanding of giving. We also love that reading possesses similar benefits to giving. Reading lowers stress, increases empathy, decreases depression and helps you sleep better. Combining reading and giving, powerful stuff! Our children's books suggestions are a great way to introduce giving to your children in a fun and creative way. Nic and his brothers loved these books. After we had read them a few times, we gave them to friends as one of our daily gives.

Give these books a shot and share your favorite giving books with us. If you have come across a wonderful book about giving, share the title and author in our comments section. The more we can inspire each other, the happier our world will be!

Be inspired by our members daily giving actions. This list of daily gives are gives completed by our international community of 365give Challenge members.

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7 Books About Giving That Will Inspire You To Give Every Day

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When I first started my giving journey, I dove into some great books about giving that fueled my passion and understanding about giving. Some of these books are for kids, some for adults. Nic and I read the children's book together, which helped me plant the giving idea.

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25 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

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The key to true generosity: Rachael Chong at TEDxSMU 2013

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8 Simple Ways to Give and Why Giving Is Good for You

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Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Giving fee

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What Giving as a Lifestyle Can Do for Your Health, Happiness, More

We've all heard it's more blessed to give than to receive. Probably like you, I take that on faith. But it's fun to see how research agrees that special benefits come from giving, not just receiving.

Giving has been an important part of Christmas ever since the Three Wise Men presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But sometimes it seems like receiving is the main point of the holiday, doesn't it?

I get it. I like receiving gifts as much as the next person. But if you want to give yourself a real gift, try generosity toward others.

5 Research-Backed Benefits

Like expressing gratitude, there's a lot of research demonstrating that generosity enhances our quality of life. Here are 5 ways generosity gives back to us:

1. Generosity makes us healthy. Chronic high blood pressure kills millions every year. But one study found generosity actually reduced blood pressure as much as medicine and exercise.
And it's not just blood pressure. Generosity also lowers the risk of dementia, reduces anxiety and depression, improves chronic pain management, and more. "If you were somehow able to package this into a compound, you'd be a billionaire overnight," said Stephen G. Post of Stony Brook University School of Medicine.

2. Generosity makes us happy. Giving our time and money to others gives us an emotional boost. Why? According to researcher Christian Smith it's because feeling good is a product of doing good. It's built into our neurochemistry.
Giving triggers feel-good chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. And it's true across cultural and economic lines, too, according to a Harvard Business School study. It's just part of being human.

3. Generosity lowers our stress. We don't think of Scrooge as a mellow guy, do we? Here's why. It turns out being stingy can actually raise our stress levels.

After hooking people up to heart monitors, researchers found that when they felt they were giving too little in a transaction it actually drove up their stress. Being generous, on the other hand, kept stress down. It's like the Golden Rule in action.

4. Generosity improves our relationships. In a study of generosity and its effect in marriage, researchers found that the recipient of generosity expressed high levels of marital satisfaction, but so did the giver.

"[P]articipants' reports of behaving in a generous fashion toward their spouse were linked to their own reports of marital quality," said the researchers. "The extension of generosity toward the spouse was positively related to their own reports of marital satisfaction. . . ."

5. Generosity extends our lives. All this adds up to longer life-expectancy. In fact, one study of 2,000 people in Marin, California, found volunteering dramatically reduced mortality rates.

"Subjects who volunteered for two or more causes had a 63 percent lower rate of mortality than people who didn't volunteer during the study period," said one report.

Make It a Habit

None of these studies are directly about Christmas, of course. But there's an important connection in my mind. How so? Thinking about God can actually lead us to be more generous.

Two related studies demonstrate this-not to mention years of personal experience. And Christmas is a natural time of year to turn our minds in this direction.

If we want the full positive effect of generosity, we have to make it a lifestyle.Michael Hyatt

But we can't leave it there. If we want the full positive effect of generosity, we have to make it a regular, ongoing part of our lives.

Generosity "has to be a practice," said Smith. "The empirical evidence was very clear. Nothing we tested where you just do it one time has an effect. But all the things that you have to sustain over time have that effect."

Post said being truly generous even once did have an impact, but "it is best to do so with some regularity."

The habit of generosity is the key. It's a lifestyle, and there's no better time of year than Christmas to begin giving that gift to others-and to ourselves.

Do you consider yourself a generous person? What could you do in the coming days and weeks to develop a habit of generosity?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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5 Research-Backed Benefits of Making Generosity a Habit

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We've all heard it's more blessed to give than to receive. Probably like you, I take that on faith. But it's fun to see how research agrees that special benefits come from giving, not just receiving. Giving has been an important part of Christmas ever since the Three Wise Men presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

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The Benefits of Generosity

The Dalai Lama famously said, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." The same is certainly true for generosity! Generosity - the quality of being kind and understanding, the willingness to give others things that have value - is often defined as an act of selflessness; however, are now showing that generosity is actually (selfishly) in your best interest. Practicing generosity is a mental health principle, and it could be the very key to a happy and healthy life.

Year after year, more and more studies are highlighting the benefits of generosity on both our physical and mental health. Not only does generosity , support one's , enhance one's , and naturally, it is also shown to increase one's lifespan .

If a longer, less stressful and more meaningful life is not enough to inspire you to rev up your practice of generosity, consider that generosity also promotes a social connection and improves relationships . According to Jason Marsh and Jill Suttie of the Greater Good Science Center , "When we give to others, we don't only make them feel closer to us; we also feel closer to them." This is because being generous and kind encourages us to perceive others in a more positive light and fosters a sense of community, a feeling of interconnectedness.

Being generous also makes us feel better about ourselves . Generosity is both a natural confidence builder and a natural repellant of self-hatred. By focusing on what we are giving rather than on what we are receiving, we create a more outward orientation toward the world, which shifts our focus away from ourselves. While maintaining a healthy level of self-awareness and sensitivity to oneself is important, too often we narrow in on ourselves with a negative lens. We spend too much time listening to the "" in our heads, which scrutinizes our every move and nags at us with negative thoughts towards ourselves and others. These negative thoughts undermine our confidence and can lead to. Being generous distracts us from the critical inner voice's barrage of nasty thoughts and creates a strong argument against it as well. When we see someone else benefiting from our kind actions, for instance, it is hard for the inner voice to argue that we are worthless.
Four Steps to Fully Practicing Generosity Give something that is sensitive to the other person.
Generosity is most effective when the gift you offer is sensitive. Think about what the other person wants or needs. It's not always about material things; it's about being giving of yourself. Sometimes just being present and available to a loved one who is having a hard time is the greatest gift you could possibly give.
Accept appreciation.
It is important to be open to the people who express appreciation toward you. Generosity is a two-way street, allowing someone to express their gratitude is an important aspect of generosity and part of what makes you feel closer to them. As in the Department of Psychology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered, "The emotion of gratitude uniquely functions to build a high-quality relationship between a grateful person and the target of his or her gratitude, that is, the person who performed a kind action." So it is important to not brush off a "thank you" with comments like "Oh, it was nothing."
Accept the generosity of others.
Some people have a much easier time being giving than receiving. However, it is important to let others do things for you. I call this the generosity of acceptance. Being pseudo-independent or self-denying robs your loved ones of the opportunity to feel the joy of giving. Accepting the generosity of others may make you uncomfortable if you felt unlovable or unworthy in your early life. Generosity is often an act of love, and, though it may seem counterintuitive, many people respond negatively to being loved .
Show appreciation.
Remember that gratitude is an important part of the equation. Show your appreciation for the generosity that is directed toward you, even if you feel shy or uncomfortable. Resist the temptation to say things like "This is too much," or "You shouldn't have." Instead just say "Thank you!" Or, better yet, let the person know what their generosity meant to you.

Generosity is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Each day life presents us with hundreds of opportunities to be generous; by making a lifestyle out of generosity, we can do ourselves and others a world of good.

About the Author

Tags: friendship, generosity, self-esteem, self-improvement, self-worth

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The Dalai Lama famously said, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." The same is certainly true for generosity! Generosity - the quality of being kind and understanding, the willingness to give others things that have value - is often defined as an act of selflessness; however, are now showing that generosity is actually (selfishly) in your best interest.

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Why Generosity is Good for YOU!

Generosity is no longer the selfless act we've long thought it to be. Studies now suggest that one of the biggest benefactors of generosity is the person who is dishing it out.

Like a healthy diet, exercise, and good genes, generosity may increase your life span. A 2003 research study at the University of Michigan reveals that the positive effects of generosity include improving one's mental and physical health and promoting longevity. In another Michigan study, which traced 2,700 people over 10 years, researchers found that men who did regular volunteer work had death rates 2.5 times lower than men who didn't. Generosity can help reduce stress, support one's physical health and enhance one's sense of purpose.

So what is it about generosity that makes it so vital to a happy and healthy life? First, it's important to note that the form of generosity that most benefits us isn't measured in a dollar amount or a physical gain. What matters is the sensitivity we offer another person. The more directly we see our personal efforts impact someone else, the more we gain from the experience of giving.

The second direct benefit we gain from giving is that generosity inherently shifts our focus off of ourselves. While it's important to maintain a healthy level of self-awareness and sensitivity to oneself, often the focus we put on ourselves is filtered through a negative lens. Many of our thoughts about ourselves are tinged with criticism, stress, doubt, uncertainty and obsession, none of which do any good for our level of confidence and success.

People often mistakenly assume that being self-centered means being egotistical or vain. However, being self-centered can mean spending too much time listening to a "critical inner voice" inside our heads that critiques our every move and tells us we are failing in one or another area of our lives. Generosity distracts us from the scathing insults of this inner voice while creating quite a strong argument against it. It is difficult to prove we are worthless when we are watching someone else benefit from our actions.

Generosity is a natural confidence builder and a natural repellent of self-hatred. Not only does it make use feel better about ourselves, but it actively combats feelings of isolation and depression. People who battle depression have been shown to benefit from volunteering, as it gives them a sense of value and purpose while placing them in a social environment.

For example, a friend of mine was devastated by a break-up between him and his girlfriend of many years. The break up left him lacking in a sense of security, mutual friends, and a daily sense of self. His plummet into depression made him lethargic and demoralized. Setting his pain aside, he decided to spend some time volunteering at a senior center.

Within a short time, the few hours a week he spent reading aloud to people living in the senior center helped him to recognize his value. Not only that, he began to rebuild his social network as he made friends with staff members and fellow volunteers. Little by little and piece by piece, he was able to get his whole life together and regain his sense of happiness and fulfillment. The social networks that are forged through living a generous life are vast, rich and often have a deeper meaning to us.

In being generous, the sensitivity that we feel toward another person allows us to be more sensitive to ourselves and to give ourselves more value. A study of children found that when kids were offered praise without doing anything to warrant it, their self-esteem was unaffected. Conversely, when kids were praised for actual acts, such as generosity, their self-esteem was enhanced. The same principle holds true for all of us. Being built up with compliments has little effect on our self-worth, whereas the gratification of being generous enhances our sense of self. Furthermore, when we are in a giving state, we are more relaxed, attuned, and living in the moment. This state of being is contagious; people who are generous often create a snowball effect in others who in turn want to pay it forward.

Though consciously we may fail to see a downside to living an altruistic life, and we readily applaud acts of generosity in others, many of us fail to embrace generosity's fundamental second step: allowing others to be generous to us. Those of us who have been taught to give without asking for anything in return feel ashamed or embarrassed at being given a hand. However, accepting generosity toward us is an important part of allowing ourselves to experience the many benefits of leading a giving life. It's truly the give and take that brings us our greatest sense of joy.

As the holiday seasons commences, most of us inevitably begin to speed up and kick into action, throwing ourselves into end-of-the-year activities and planning our resolutions to improve ourselves in the upcoming year. Yet, what we tend to overlook is that by actually slowing down, focusing outward and noticing what other people need, we are often doing ourselves a real service by engaging in the one activity that will dramatically improve the quality of our lives.

About the Author

Tags: Conquer your Critical Inner Voice, generosity, self development

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Generosity is no longer the selfless act we've long thought it to be. Studies now suggest that one of the biggest benefactors of generosity is the person who is dishing it out. Like a healthy diet, exercise, and good genes, generosity may increase your life span.

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Did you know being generous can be good for your mental health?

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People often associate generosity with societal good. But being generous can also help your mental and physical well-being. Here's how.

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It might sound obvious, but these insights reveal an undeniable correlation between selflessness and life satisfaction.

Whatever being generous means to you, keep doing it, because a survey by The Ascent reveals a positive correlation between generosity and happiness. To find out how acts of selflessness affect a person's overall sense of happiness and life satisfaction, The Ascent, an online financial product review site, asked more than 1,000 U.S. adults to do two separate things. First, participants answered questions about how satisfied they were with different aspects of their life, such as friendships, family life, social life, finances, and their career. Second, each respondent was tasked with filling out the Adapted Self-Report Altruism Scale, on which they rank how likely they are, on a scale of zero (never) to four (very often), to carry out 14 different altruistic behaviors (think: donating clothing to charity or giving directions to a stranger). Those who scored above the 75th percentile were labeled the high-generosity group, and those who scored below the 25th percentile, the low-generosity group.

The results don't lie, people who were more likely to be generous were also much more likely to report being happy in life. Seventy-four percent of high-generosity respondents were "satisfied" with their life overall, compared to 60 percent of low-generosity individuals. High-generosity people were more than twice as likely to say they were "very satisfied." People who scored extremely high on the altruism scale were also more satisfied in every relevant life category: friendships, family life, social life, romantic life, career, and finances.

High-generosity respondents were almost three times as likely to be "very happy" every day. It appears that they're not just happier, but happier more often. This overarching sense of happiness in high-generosity individuals may be a positive side effect of their higher likelihood to find life more meaningful. These highly selfless people were nearly three times as likely to describe their life as "very meaningful." The generous group were also more than 20 percent more likely to be optimistic about their future, be proud of themselves, and find enjoyment in their jobs.

So is it any surprise they're more likely to have more close friends as well? Those identified as high generosity reported an average of 3.2 close friends, compared to the 2.6 of the less generous crowd. And we're not just talking about friends, but friends who'd visit them at the hospital, help them move, drive them to and from the airport, and loan them money in a pinch. This proves the adage that you have to give a little to get a little-the more generous you are to loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers, the more likely those selfless deeds will be reciprocated sometime down the line.

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Highly Generous People Are More Than Twice as Happy in Life, a Survey Says

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It might sound obvious, but these insights reveal an undeniable correlation between selflessness and life satisfaction. Whatever being generous means to you, keep doing it, because a survey by The Ascent reveals a positive correlation between generosity and happiness.

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Generosity and Giving: The Secret Ingredient to Happiness and Longevity

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A new study suggests that different types of generosity have different effects on the brain, and that one form, in particular, may reduce stress and anxiety.

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New research shows that helping others can reduce activity in the amygdala, a small, almond-shaped brain structure (shown here).

It is known that people enjoy being generous.

The "warm glow" effect describes the pleasant sensation we get from helping others, and the theory around it suggests that the main reason behind all acts of generosity is just the fact that they make us feel good.

More recent research has delved deeper into how generosity affects different aspects of our well-being.

One such study showed that generosity does make us happier, and it confirmed this by highlighting the brain regions involved.

Does it matter who we help? Does it make a difference whether we choose to give money to those close to us or whether we give to charity? Can these different forms of generosity improve our health?

A new study - conducted by Tristen K. Inagaki, Ph.D., and Lauren P. Ross, both at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania - called the first form of support "targeted" and the latter "untargeted."

Inagaki and Ross set out to investigate the effects that giving these two forms of support had on the brain, and they published their findings in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine.

Inagaki and Ross performed two experiments. In the first one, they gave 45 participants a task and told them that they could win a monetary reward either for a person close to them who was in need, for a charity, or for themselves.

After each form of support-giving, the researchers scanned the participants' brains using functional MRI (fMRI). In the scanner, the volunteers performed an "emotional faces task," in which they had to rate emotions based on people's facial expressions.

As expected, both forms of support triggered increased activity in the brain's ventral striatum, which is an area that was previously linked to altruism, and the so-called septal area. Both of these brain regions are associated with parental care in mammals.
Importantly, however, targeted support was also associated with diminished brain activity in the amygdala. This is the almond-shaped brain structure that processes emotions. Under stressful circumstances, it sends "a distress signal to the hypothalamus," telling the brain to enter fight-or-flight mode.
Increased activation of the amygdala has been observed in anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Giving untargeted support did not correlate in any way with activity in the amygdala.

In the second experiment, 382 study participants self-reported on their prosocial, support-giving behaviors. Similarly to the first experiment, the scientists invited the participants to perform an emotional rating task inside the fMRI scanner.

Again, people who said that they were in the habit of giving more targeted support displayed reduced brain activity in the amygdala, while untargeted support had no effect.

The results suggest that offering targeted support may provide a unique health benefit by reducing anxiety and stress.

"Humans thrive off social connections and benefit when they act in the service of others' well-being," write the authors.
However, the effect of targeted giving on the septal area together with the amygdala "suggests a neural pathway by which giving support ultimately influence health that is specific to targeted forms of support-giving, such as giving to specific people we know are in need."
Inagaki and Ross conclude:

"Giving targeted support to an identifiable individual in need is uniquely associated with reduced amygdala activity thereby contributing to understanding of how and when giving support may lead to health."

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How does generosity benefit health? Brain study sheds light

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A new study suggests that different types of generosity have different effects on the brain, and that one form, in particular, may reduce stress and anxiety. It is known that people enjoy being generous.

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Helping others can boost your heart and mind

We all know that giving helps others. You can make a big difference in this world of ours by offering time and support to friends and family, volunteering for organizations or donating to charities.

But did you know that the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from helping others is actually good for you, too?

That's not just some "good vibe" theory, either. There's science behind it. Research shows that giving can boost your physical and mental health in numerous ways. Let's find out more with psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD.

Health benefits of giving

A smile isn't the only reaction that comes from gift-giving. There's also a chemical response that takes place in your body in response to ... well, just doing something nice.

As you help someone or give a gift, your brain secretes "feel good" chemicals such as:

Serotonin (which regulates your mood).

Dopamine (which gives you a sense of pleasure).

Oxytocin (which creates a sense of connection with others).

"When we do things for other people, it makes us feel much more engaged and joyful," says Dr. Albers. "That's good for our health and our happiness."

Physical and mental health benefits associated with giving or serving can include:

Lower blood pressure

Generosity truly is good for your heart, says Dr. Albers. Researchers found that giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker. (The effect, by the way, is similar to the positive results brought by a healthy diet and exercise.)

A longer lifespan

The secret to living longer may be giving more of yourself. Studies show that people who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don't.

Less stress

Want to melt away stress? The best solution may be to help someone else. Gift-giving or volunteering can reduce your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that can make you feel overwhelmed or anxious.

A 'helper's high'

Giving can stimulate your brain's mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a "helper's high" that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression.

How to give on a budget

Let's start with this fact: It's not about money. "Some of the best gifts don't cost anything," notes Dr. Albers. "In fact, acts of service often reflect the most thought and care and can be more meaningful than anything you purchase."

"Act of service" gifts include anything that helps someone out and makes their life just a bit easier. Examples include:

Walking a neighbor's dog.

Doing a housemate's chores.

Offering free babysitting for a family friend.

Helping a tech-challenged relative set up a computer or TV.

Think about tapping into your creative talents for meaningful gifts, too. Maybe that means drawing a portrait for someone or putting together a journal or album highlighting special memories.

Another bonus of a homemade gift? They're usually budget-friendly, a big plus given the stress that can come with personal finances.

"Using your natural skills can lead to gifts that are heartfelt, memorable and much more meaningful than anything you find in a store," says Dr. Albers. "It'll make the recipient feel very special."

And odds are you'll feel pretty good, too.

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Giving to others can be a gift to yourself, too. Research shows that generosity can boost your health and happiness and even help you live longer.

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How Generosity Affects the Brain - Exploring your mind

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In general, being generous makes you feel good. Recent research has taken a closer look at how generosity affects the brain and your health.

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In a culture that's often defined as "me, me, me," we're also intent to "give, give, give." Crowdfunding campaigns like GoFundMe and Kickstarter generate about $17 billion annually in North America alone - 33.7 percent more than last year. The top 100 largest U.S. charities received $49 billion in gifts in 2018.

And we're not just giving financially. Americans, 63 million of them, volunteer approximately 8 billion hours of time to non-profit organizations annually. So why do we so willingly share our time, talent, and treasure?

For many, it's just the right thing to do. And according to research, giving back has a positive impact on both our physical and mental health.

The Helper's High

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. The link between giving, improved health and longevity may be the decrease in stress, which is often linked to health issues. In one Johns Hopkins study, researchers found that people who provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than those who didn't.

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 analyzed the MRIs of people who gave to charity. Researchers were able to see how giving stimulated the mesolimbic pathway, known as the reward center of the brain.

Others see the health benefits of diverting our attention from ourselves to others. With stress and depression often linked to inner strife, putting others first through volunteerism or making a financial donation can shift our focus outside of ourselves. This can give you new insight and perspective into your situation and lessen the negative mental impact.

Giving Back Provides Larger Purpose

Contributing time or hard-earned money automatically links us to a person, a cause, or the greater good in general. This connects us to a larger purpose and creates meaning and investment that is integral to mental health. A recent study found that having a purpose in life had measurable cognitive benefits for participants from their 30s all the way into their 80s.The same is true for teens. Those with a greater sense of purpose had a more positive self-image and better transitioned into adulthood.

Giving back can also create a community of like-minded, altruistic people. Whether it's curing cancer or helping alleviate world hunger, getting behind a meaningful cause can lessen certain mental health risks while also reducing loneliness and isolation.

"Being kind and generous leads you to perceive others more positively and more charitably...this fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in your social community," research psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky wrote in her book, The How of Happiness.

Giving Back Builds Gratitude

Even when we give our own money or time, the giver - not just the recipient - can feel a renewed sense of gratitude. Seeing others benefit from our actions instills a sense of thankfulness for the gifts we have to offer, which research shows is linked to happiness, health, and social bonds. The directors of the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness focused on teaching college students to "count their blessings." They later found those students exercised more, were more optimistic, and had a better outlook about their lives overall.

"When you express your gratitude in words or actions, you not only boost your own positivity but [other people's] as well," Barbara Fredrickson wrote in her book Positivity. "And in the process, you reinforce their kindness and strengthen your bond to one another."

Feeling and expressing gratitude can apply to the past, when you're thankful for a previous blessing; or the present, when you don't take what you have for granted; or the future, when you're hopeful and optimistic. No matter how we experience gratitude, giving thanks can make us happier and even lessens the risk of depression.

In a long-term twenty-year study published in the Oxford Journal, researchers found that environment-based volunteers reported fewer depressive symptoms. Other studies have shown a link between generosity and lower rates of depression.

Know that recognizing the needs of others and answering that need with donations, time, and encouragement has a far-reaching impact on others - and yourself.

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What Giving Back Does For Your Mental Health | Talkspace

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In a culture that's often defined as "me, me, me," we're also intent to "give, give, give." Crowdfunding campaigns like GoFundMe and Kickstarter generate about $17 billion annually in North America alone - 33.7 percent more than last year. The top 100 largest U.S. charities received $49 billion in gifts in 2018.

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This guide is written to demonstrate the positive effect that helping others can have on your own mental health, including some suggestions that will inspire you.

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Giving of yourself -- whether it be your time, energy or money -- isn't just a boon to those you're helping. A wealth of research shows that generosity can also have benefits for the giver, ranging from a better outlook at your job, to more years of life. Check out these science-backed reasons to make generosity a regular part of your day.

It will keep stress in check.
Being stingy -- and ashamed of said stinginess -- is linked with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, according to a study from social psychologist Liz Dunn. Scientific American reported on the findings of the study, which examined cortisol levels in response to giving away money, and choosing to keep more money for yourself. The more money people chose to keep in the experiment, the greater shame they felt -- and the higher their cortisol levels were. While some stress is good, chronically high levels of stress have been linked to a number of health ills.

Happiness at work depends on it.

Helping others while on the job could boost your happiness at work, according to research out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The study, published in the journal American Review of Public Administration, showed that being altruistic not only improves well-being at work, but also makes people feel more committed to their work and less likely to quit. "More and more research illustrates the power of altruism," study researcher Donald Moynihan, a professor in the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the university, said in a statement. "Our findings make a simple but profound point about altruism: Helping others makes us happier. Altruism is not a form of martyrdom, but operates for many as part of a healthy psychological reward system."

It's beneficial to the greater good.
Generosity trumps selfishness when it comes to success in the long run, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. University of Pennsylvania researchers found that in a strategic game involving multiple people, being generous -- where there is cooperation and everyone benefits from working together -- led to more success than being selfish -- where one person dominates the other, forcing them to receive a lower payoff. "You might think being generous would be a stupid thing to do, and it is if there are only two players in the game," study researcher Alexander Stewart explained in a statement. "But, if there are many players and they all play generously, they all benefit from each other's generosity."

You'll enjoy more years of life.

Researchers from the University of Buffalo found a link between giving and unselfishness and having a lower risk of early death. Published in the American Journal of Public Health, the findings show that helping others -- whether it be by helping to run errands, watching their children or giving them a lift somewhere -- is linked with a decreased mortality risk. "Our conclusion is that helping others reduced mortality specifically by buffering the association between stress and mortality," study researcher Michael J. Poulin, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at the University at Buffalo, told PsychCentral.

It keeps the cycle of "good" going.
Thinking about the times you've given of yourself makes you feel selfless and want to help others, compared with thinking of the times you've been on the receiving end of things, according to a 2012 Psychological Science study. In other words, thinking about times you've helped others will then make you want to help others again -- and what can be better than that?

Your marriage will be stronger.

Generosity is one of the key factors for a happy marriage, according to a 2011 report from the National Marriage Project. Elizabeth Marquardt, the associate editor of the report, told HuffPost Weddings that people " are happier in their marriages when they make a regular effort to serve their spouse in small ways -- from making them a cup of coffee, to giving them a back rub after a long day, to going out of their way to be affectionate or forgiving."

It promotes mental health.
Earlier this year, a huge review of 40 studies on the effect of volunteering on general health and happiness was published in the journal BMC Public Health. The results? Volunteering not only improves well-being and life satisfaction, but it's also linked with decreased depression and a lower risk of dying early. "Since people reporting stronger social relationships have a reduced risk of mortality, the social aspects of volunteering may contribute to the observed survival differences," the researchers wrote in the review. "Taken together, this review suggests that bio-social and cultural factors may influence both a willingness to engage in volunteering, as well as the benefits that might accrue."

healthy living third metric generosity

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7 Science-Backed Reasons Why It's Good To Give

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Giving of yourself -- whether it be your time, energy or money -- isn't just a boon to those you're helping. A wealth of research shows that generosity can also have benefits for the giver, ranging from a better outlook at your job, to more years of life.

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Being Generous Really Does Make You Happier

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Even thinking about being generous can trigger happiness-related brain changes and increase your odds of following through.

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When we think of generosity, we typically think of how our actions affect others-but what about the effects of generosity on our own minds and bodies? Studies have shown that acts of giving are linked to increased mental health and wellness for all involved.

When you take initiative to volunteer, donate money, or otherwise support a worthwhile cause, it makes you feel good. You know that your actions have contributed to the betterment of an individual's life and wellbeing, and you experience euphoria knowing that you have done well in the world.

This is because acts of altruism-no matter how small or large-activate the brain's mesolimbic pathway and contribute to feelings of gratification and fulfillment. The brain releases happiness chemicals like dopamine throughout the body, aiding your sense of inner peace, tranquility, and sense of purpose. "Even just the thought of giving money to a specific charity has this effect on the brain," one study shows.

Physical benefits don't disappoint, either. Those who perform acts of generosity are proven to have lower blood pressure, less anxiety and depression, and lower risks of dementia and cardiovascular problems. Some studies also show a correlation between philanthropy and increased lifespan.

Point blank, being generous is not just about making others feel good. It's also about feeling good about yourself. As one researcher writes, "Generosity is both a natural confidence builder and a natural repellant of self-hatred ... when we see someone else benefitting from our kind actions, it is hard for the inner voice to argue that we are worthless."

What are you waiting for? Here are a few ways you can give back and feel great today:

1. Buy a coffee or turnpike toll for the customer behind you.

2. Leave a thank you note for a kind coworker or a hefty tip for your favorite waitperson.

3. Run a race sponsored by a local charity.

4. Volunteer with a local non-profit, homeless shelter, or food bank.

5. Pick up stray litter and throw it away in a designated trash can.

6. Donate gently used clothing to a secondhand store.

7. Shop wisely and support brands who give back.

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The Mental Health Benefits of Giving Back - acac Fitness

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When we think of generosity, we typically think of how our actions affect others-but what about the effects of generosity on our own minds and bodies? Studies have shown that acts of giving are linked to increased mental health and wellness for all involved.

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Generosity is Good for your Mental Health

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How Does Generosity Impact Our Mental Health? // Generosity #2

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The More You Give [Campbell, Marcy, Sanna, Francesca] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The More You Give

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by Stephen Post

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Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving

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Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving [Post, Stephen, Neimark, Jill, Moss Jr., Otis] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.

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Maya Angelou once wrote, "We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike."

Helping students feel empathy for others and respond with generosity is a trait that we as teachers can foster in our classrooms. Through volunteerism, communication strategies and in-class lessons, students can learn what an important role they can play in their communities and as global citizens. Here are some simple, fun classroom projects you can use to get the ball rolling:

1. Have your students keep gratitude journals.

The simple act of writing down those things for which they are grateful can have a profound effect. Robert A. Emmons, PhD, recognized as the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude psychology, explains why: "Writing...allows you to see the meaning of events going on around you and create meaning in your own life." Through acknowledgment and thankfulness for the good in their lives, students who keep gratitude journals will be inspired to share further good with others. It doesn't have to be every day, but consistency matters. Weekly writing of three to five items for which they are grateful can inspire positive change.

2. Collect pennies for peace.

A penny in the United States may have little worth. But in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, just a few pennies can buy a pencil and open the door to literacy. Ask your students to collect pennies from home for (or to donate to) Pennies for Peace to bring hope and educational opportunities to fellow students in Central Asia. Use the free supplemental curriculum with your students as they're collecting pennies. Service learning programs like Pennies for Peace often include excellent, free lesson plans and tools to help students better understand the issue or cause that they are supporting. With understanding comes tolerance and sympathy, and ultimately a deeper learning experience.

3. Host a food or diaper drive.

Collecting items for a food or diaper bank is one of the easiest ways students can serve their community. 13.1 million children in the United States may not have enough food on a daily basis. Your young students may not comprehend legislation to help the needy, but they can surely understand the importance of a full belly and a dry bottom. Research your local food banks or nearby National Diaper Bank Network needs. Some sites may need specific food donations, others may need physical labor, and most locations welcome youth volunteers.

These efforts are a local community counterpoint to your history and social studies curriculum. When your kids help you assemble donations, there's an opportunity to incorporate almost any subject area. I would count and sort cans and boxes with my preschoolers. Older grades worked to divide large cases of food among serveral needy families. I've even watched upper elementary, middle and high school students lead entire food drives on their own.

4. Ask students to interview someone who has made a difference in their community.

Engage students in a classroom discussion about those movements for social good that are important to them and their families. Then assign each of your students the task of interviewing someone they admire who has been integral in changing their world. Whether it is the crossing guard who keeps them safe, someone in their house of worship who makes a difference, or a family member they admire, your kids will gain insight from one-on-one discussions. Older students can video record their interviews. And the classroom video files can be shared with the class, the school community, and online.

5. Invite students to write complimentary notes to fellow students.

The seemingly small act of giving and receiving heartfelt, original compliments from fellow students can go a long way toward increasing generosity of spirit. To light this happy fire, give each student the names, on slips of paper, of three students. Invite them to write a completely positive and creative compliment for each person, signing their own name. After students have read their word gifts, invite kids to share their favorite compliment, and then open a free-for-all visit session in the classroom so that the your students can personally thank each of their compliment givers.

6. Invite them to design a school for students in need.

To help students understand humanitarian efforts and their role as global citizens, engage them in this "Recipe for a School" lesson from Pennies for Peace's free curriculum for middle school and for high school. Your kids will need to consider all of the "ingredients" necessary for their new school to thrive. What supplies will your school need? How will students get to school? What customs or political realities must be considered before they can build their school? By developing an understanding of the challenges around education in less developed countries, your students will learn to value their own school (and teacher!).

7. Collect toiletries for shelters.

Those hotel mini soaps are much needed by local shelters and other social services. And extras are probably on-hand in your students' homes. Discuss why people may be in need of these basic necessities. Provide a wish list to each student from your identified organization. When we involve our kids in this way, they will come to more keenly understand how those in need may not even have their own toothpaste or shampoo-items they take for granted each day.

8. Teach them how to write a thank-you note.

In this age of quick texts, the sincere thank-you note is becoming a lost art. Talk with your kids about the difference between handwritten thank-you notes for personal occasions and typed or emailed thank you's for professional situations. In addition to being an important writing exercise, this gratitude exercise rewards, and therefore promotes, generosity.

9. Make a culture quilt.

Invite your students to explore their own cultures and make connections to other cultures through the Culture Quilt lesson plan from Pennies for Peace. Through discussion and artwork that exhibits the similarities and differences among cultures, students will develop acceptance and appreciation of cultural diversity. They will begin to see the ways in which we are all alike, no matter our unique culture. Together, all of the students' quilt squares will make up a beautiful mosaic of the different cultures represented in your community.

10. Celebrate National Day of Service through volunteerism.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?" Help your students answer it by working together to research ways that your entire class or they as individuals can volunteer on National Day of Service, held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 16, 2017). Wrap this volunteerism into your lessons about the civil rights leader and discuss why the service day's motto is "Make it a day ON, not a day OFF."

Discover more ways you can involve your students in supporting children in need around the world. Visit Pennies for Peace.org to download their free curriculum designed to teach students how they can have an impact on their world, often in a profound way, one penny at a time.

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10 Ways to Foster Generosity in Your Students - WeAreTeachers

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Maya Angelou once wrote, "We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike." Helping students feel empathy for others and respond with generosity is a trait that we as teachers can foster in our classrooms. Through volunteerism, communication strategies and in-class lessons, students can learn what an important role they can play in their communities and as global citizens.

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At any grade level, before you begin a Wow Project, it is important to introduce the concept of generosity. How you do this, and on what level you discuss generosity, will depend on what is developmentally appropriate for your students. We also know that you probably have great ideas of your own, but just in case you are looking for inspiration on how to help students understand and talk about generosity, below we've shared some possible activities. Feel free to borrow, adapt, and make this perfectly suited for your classroom.

Also, a quick note- we know you are trying to achieve a bizillion things in a day with your students, and that time is limited. We get that you might not spend days on generosity. Sometimes a 10 minute lesson is enough to kick off your project!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like help figuring out how to introduce the concept of generosity and how to weave it into your existing curriculum and grade level standards. A representative from Wow is happy to coordinate with you and integrate this introduction into your curriculum. Just email: eherrick@wow-students.org or lstumph@wow-students.org

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At any grade level, before you begin a Wow Project, it is important to introduce the concept of generosity. How you do this, and on what level you discuss generosity, will depend on what is developmentally appropriate for your students.

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How to be More Generous

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The Paradox of Generosity Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

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The Paradox of Generosity Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

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by Christian Smith, Hilary Davidson

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The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

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The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose [Smith, Christian, Davidson, Hilary] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

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Research in neuroscience has offered evidence that generosity, helping and being kind to others, is intrinsically rewarding. According to a study overseen by Harvard University, those who donated time or money were 42% more likely to be happy when compared to those who didn't give anything.