We all know giving helps others, whether we volunteer, offer emotional support to those around us or donate to charities. But did you know that the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from helping others is actually good for you?
Studies show that giving can actually boost your physical and mental health. This is good news considering many people are suffering from emotional complications associated with the ongoing pandemic.
Researchers say that people who donate to local charities have greater self-esteem, less depression and lower stress levels than those who don’t. Giving can create a “warm glow,” activating regions in the brain associated with pleasure, connection with other people and trust. There is evidence that, during gift-giving behaviors, humans secrete “feel good” chemicals in our brains, such as serotonin (a mood-mediating chemical), dopamine (a feel-good chemical) and oxytocin (a compassion and bonding chemical).
Shalom Counselling Centre would like to be your local charity of choice, but more importantly choose any local charity you’d like to give to and identify opportunities to give back in our community. Your mental and physical health will thank you – and so will the people you help.