Why Helping Others Also Helps Yourself
How giving actually makes us feel good
Have you ever watched a gift exchange take place and noticed that the joyful expression of the giver matches or even exceeds that of the receiver’s? This is how the science of giving works. The giver experiences enhanced dopamine levels in the brain that result in a feeling of pleasure, among other health benefits.
The mesolimbic dopamine pathway is where our brain registers pleasure and reward. This is the area of the brain that lights up when we experience the joy of giving. This effect on the brain has been referred to as “giver's glow” and it happens when your brain’s chemistry is triggered in that mesolimbic pathway. When we give, our brains reward us with a feeling of satisfaction. Giving to others is said to have several other health benefits as well, some of which include lower blood pressure and stress levels, decreased anxiety and depression, and heightened self-esteem.
Your generosity doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet, as Anne Frank said, “No one has ever become poor by giving”. Sometimes the giving of time can have an even greater effect on you and others. Volunteering can cause the same reaction in your brain as watching someone open a beautifully wrapped present given by you. Either way, that mesolimbic pathway will be lit up and you will experience joy from others’ joy.
Giving, it seems, has a kind of boomerang effect. When you help others you also help yourself. Just as Booker T. Washington stated, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others”. This time of year is known as the season of giving; but giving doesn’t have to just be one season, it can become a healthy habit that lasts all year.
To help inspire your giving, we are sharing a couple of local charities to consider. Happy giving!
The Villages is Indiana’s largest not-for-profit child and family services agency providing foster, adoption, and community services that help to strengthen families.
The Julian Center is an organization that supports and empowers victims of domestic or sexual violence and other life crises by creating a safe, respectful community.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana works to distribute food to hungry Hoosiers through food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
Laura Tuzzio is a student, wife, mother and writer. She enjoys music, traveling and spending time with her family.
