Generosity comes with a lot of advantages—not only to those on the receiving end but to those who are giving as well.
You can think of it as a circle. If we give, we benefit others, which circles back around and benefits us.
Generosity is a lifestyle that changes hearts and minds as it blesses everyone involved.
Giving is the most fun you can have with money. Something happens to your heart when you give—it will change you for the better.
Generous people are not only the happiest people on the planet, but they also live more fulfilled lives.
Can’t think of a reason to give? Well, we came up with 4 ways that giving can be as much for you as for the person receiving your gift:
1. Generosity is Good for Your Brain
Have you ever seen someone do something nice for someone else?
Next time that happens, pay attention to the person who is doing the giving.
They light up! That reaction is nicknamed "giver’s glow."
When we’re generous our brains release several chemicals that give us a sense of joy and peace.
So, it really is better to give than to receive.
2. Generosity Makes You, and Those Around You, Happier
Generous people are fun to be around, aren’t they?
They aren’t just generous with their checkbooks—they’re also generous with their time, their talents, and their words.
They encourage others and inspire them to be better than before.
They make their friends feel braver, stronger and smarter. And more than that, their generosity is contagious.
Generosity makes us feel good; and when we feel good, we’re better at making those around us feel good too.
3. Generosity Can Help You Live Longer
It might surprise you to find out that generous people live longer than those who aren’t generous.
Research shows that generosity lowers your stress levels. That’s a big deal since stress is a known risk factor for a lot of chronic diseases.
For example, people who volunteer around 4 hours per week are less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who don’t volunteer.
4. Generosity Counters Depression
Since depression affects millions of Americans today, this is an important discovery.
Researchers actually found that people double their chances of success when they help others.
It makes sense, doesn’t it? When we focus on others, we learn more about ourselves.
That same idea is being used to help people suffering from depression and other disorders.
At United Way, we focus on giving back by bettering the education, basic needs, and health of every person in our community.
So it’s like that circle example we used earlier: what goes around comes around.
If we are able to provide the opportunity for better futures to those in need within our community,
then they become contributing citizens who strive to make our community a better place too.
If we want the full positive effect of generosity, we have to make it a regular, ongoing part of our lives.
Generosity is a practice that creates its own momentum. It is in itself, motivating.
Once you start, you’ll find yourself wanting to give again and again. Being truly generous even once does have an impact, but it is best to do so with some regularity.
The more you give, the greater your desire to give becomes. It eventually becomes a habit.
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.
You can start the habit of generosity by deciding to give TODAY by clicking the link below:
https://www.ourunitedway.org/give
Giving your time can be just as important too!
We encourage you to witness your dollars in action by volunteering at one of our 23 Community Partners.
Click here to read about a few spotlight volunteer opportunities we can connect you to this Holiday Season.