Engaging in good deeds is always a good feeling. Be it simple acts, like opening the door for a stranger and giving up your seat on the bus, or more grand gestures, like donating to charity, they always make us feel important and happy. But why does the act of giving make us so happy? Granted that it makes us feel good about having contributed to society somehow, is that all there is to it?
Studies on neuroscience and behaviour indicate a much deeper and more scientific reason for feeling happy about donating to charity. As per science, here are some reasons why donating to charity makes us feel good:
1. Change in brain activity
Donating to a cause that one can sympathise with leads to changes in brain activities. According to a study conducted in 2008, donating activates regions of the brain associated with “pleasure, social connection, and trust.” This makes us feel much happier than when we do something for ourselves or buy something for personal enjoyment. Such actions also lead to increased levels of endorphins, which translates to being called “helpers high” and is directly associated with a feel-good sensation after helping others.
2. Increases life span
Engaging in acts of charity has also been found to increase the life of the donors. This is not limited to donating to charities but also includes small actions such as providing emotional support to loved ones or helping others can also contribute to the same. In this regard, since making donations to charities is a much greater form of assistance, it enables you to achieve the same in an even greater and more meaningful manner.
3. Helps develop deeper connections
Living in society is all about social connections. And donating to charity can help strengthen your relations with those around you, probably encouraging them to donate to charities as well. In this way, it facilitates a much happier and healthier form of life, making you feel good for much longer than simple acts of humanity or generosity would do.
4. Evokes feelings of gratitude
Gratitude is another component that is essential for achieving lifelong happiness and holistic wellbeing. Donating to charity puts you on the receiving end of gratitude, enhancing your self-esteem, confidence, and mental health. In this manner, it facilitates a stronger connection with others, as presented above. Such deeper connections also lead to improved feelings for those receiving the gratitude and those expressing it, making both feel much happier from such interactions.
So, there you have it! Donating to charities is not only good for contributing to society, but such acts indeed make you feel good. By strengthening your relations with others, enhancing your overall and holistic wellbeing and instilling feelings of gratitude among all, donating to charities just may be the key to achieving lifelong happiness. Now that you know the secret, choose your favourite charity and donate to them regularly. Not only will it benefit them, but it will also help you become happier in the long term and make you feel much more satisfied with your life.
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