Giving to others is a powerful act and it has a boomerang effect.
When we give, brain scans reveal that the brain’s reward center lights up and that the feel-good hormones of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine are released. Psychologist’s call this a helper’s high. What also happens is that levels of the stress hormone cortisol are lowered, which is absolutely beneficial to our health.
No matter what your reason is for giving--- even when you feel obligated to do so, giving will lift your mood and it helps you feel great! Giving is not just about giving to charity (which is definitely important) or giving that unique and special gift (which I admit I do like), it is about giving yourself--- your time, focus, and presence.
Research proves that givers really are happier people in the long run. Just giving a few dollars to someone in need will give you a boost that has wonderful health affects.
