Thinking about how to give back this holiday season? Donating and giving to others has long been linked to feelings of increased happiness and fulfillment. It often makes us feel good when we see that we have, to some degree, made an impact on someone else’s life or helped another person in some way. However, recent studies have shown that altruism can also have positive effects on the physical health of volunteers.
A study published in the BMC Public Health journal reports that donating time is connected to a lower level of depression as well as a reduced risk of early death, which is likely attributed to healthier relationships and a decreased stress level.
In another experiment, Scientific American commented on the effect “stinginess” had on the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. People who withheld more money in the experiment when given the option to donate had higher levels of cortisol than those who opted to give to others. Generosity lowers our stress levels because as we are doing well by others, and positive thoughts and feelings towards ourselves increase as well.
This holiday season, boost not only the spirits of others, but also your own wellbeing by choosing to donate your time and energy.