In the December issue of Oprah Magazine, in an article titled: “You give, You Get” the writers (Stephen Post and Jill Neimark) review the many benefits of giving.
They make six compelling points, based on recent scientific evidence, as to why many forms of givingwill boost our immune system, reduce our risks for heart attacks, help us combat depression and anxiety, avoid the dreaded flu, as well as reduce stress and raise our overall level of well being.
Apparently, according to this research, giving, reaching out to others, or even just contemplating acts of generosity, reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and triggers the brain’s pleasure centers (in several studies the brain released endorphins).
It seems puzzling at first.
Many of us grew up in a capitalist system, where the individual’s success is highly valued based on theories like “trickle down economics.” This theory bundles together economic success with happiness and emphasizes that everyone must fend for themself and the overflow of “goods” that will naturally occur will trickle down to benefit indirectly those in need.
Yet, more and more studies now show that “fending for oneself” may cause more isolation, misery and depression while on the other hand, engaging in 5 acts of kindness a week, elevates personal well being in lasting ways. ( Born To be Good by Dacher Keltner)
In one of the studies that Dr. Keltner quotes in his book, students received $20 and were told to do with it whatever made them the happiest. You may have already guessed that those who bought something for someone else reported and were independently measured as being significantly happier than those who bought a desired item for themselves.
So how can families with young children use this important information and boost their children’s happiness as well as reap all of the different health benefits?
The timing is perfect! After all, this is the season of giving.
There are many ways to give and not all of them need to be commercially driven. Parents can explore with their children creative ways of making others happy during this holiday season and beyond.
The good news, as we have just learned, is that not only they will make the receivers happy, but they themselves will grow in happiness!
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