We have all heard the saying “Happiness is in the giving, not in the receiving”. Studies have shown that not only do givers feel happier, they live longer, healthier lives! Researchers have looked into what they call the “helper’s high” - the warm fuzzy feeling one gets from helping others – and how it affects one emotionally and physically.  Since this is the time of year when people are thinking about gratitude and giving back to others, Dr. Joy Lunan wanted to share this information on how that giving spirit can benefit you.

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

Many people volunteer whether it’s serving at a soup kitchen, picking up road-side litter, helping seniors get to the grocery store or helping a next door neighbor with a project. These people are motivated by an unselfish desire to help other people with no repayment to themselves. There are so many rewards one receives from having that giving spirit. 

Endorphin Boost- The good feeling one gets from doing something nice for someone else acts on our bodies in a way similar to that of exercise. It releases a flood of endorphines that make one feel good. This hormone rush is the “helper high” that givers say they feel.

Feelings of Satisfaction- When you are able to help another person it adds meaning to ones own life. This is especially true in older individuals. Those who volunteer in their communities tend to have less depression, lower blood pressure, feel connected to others and feel they have a purpose in life.

Deeper Feeling of Gratitude-  When you give of yourself with your time, energy, talents or assets if affects you in the way you see how it can truly affect someone else’s life. Many times this makes people see all the things they have in their own lives for which they can be grafteful. Research shows that grateful people are truly happier people.

You Forgot your own Troubles- Helping someone else with their needs can help one to escape their own thoughts for a while. A mental vacation from your day to day worries while helping someone else with theirs is a pretty good deal. 

Improves your Health-  Studies have been done to see how helping others affects our bodies. Acts of kindness lower stress levels. Lower stress levels are good for us for so many reasons. It reduces cardiovascular disease and enhances our body’s immune system with the production of antibodies. Therefore, when a person has a pattern of giving in their life, it impacts their lifespan in a very postive way. 

There are many opportunities in everyone’s community to give. Check with your local food banks, nursing homes, hospitals or community groups. Help people you work with or those in your neighborhood. The rewards you receive will by far outweigh any sacrifice you make!

Do you have a favorite way of giving? What is it that you “receive?” The office of Dr. Joy Lunan in Middlebury, CT would love to hear your story.    203-598-7920    www.middlebury.com