Do you ever get that warm, fuzzy feeling when you do something nice for someone?
Giving gifts and spreading love, especially during the holiday season, feels good. Moreover, research has shown that generosity actually impacts our physical and emotional state of health, and it’s not just for those on the receiving end.
Whether you helped an elderly cross the street, donated to an orphanage, or sent someone a birthday card, all these acts of kindness add up, and doing them regularly can help you live a healthy and fulfilled life.
The act of giving gives us a sense of purpose, reduces depression, and even boosts our self-esteem.
These emotional benefits then lead to positive impacts on our physical health, but it does not stop there.
Below are some ways generosity can positively affect our health:
1. Longer life
Prolonged stress can have very adverse effects on the body, but we reduce our stress levels when we do good deeds.
Stress can cause premature aging and increase the risk of certain health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that people who volunteer or support others have lower blood pressure than those who don’t. Generosity facilitates social interactions that promote healthy aging and prevents several health problems.
If you’re fond of giving gifts, it means you hardly get stressed, angry, or frustrated, and that is good for your physical and emotional health.
3. Reduced Anxiety and Depression
Those who regularly give to the people around them or those in need tend to have high self-esteem and reduce their depression and anxiety.
This results from the dopamine and oxytocin released in the brain when we perform an act of generosity.
Don’t wait until birthdays or Christmas to give gifts; reach out to that friend, neighbor, or coworker that needs extra support right now, support local businesses, donate to worthy causes and even donate blood.
Not only will you make a difference in people’s lives, but you’ll also positively impact your life.
