The Science of Giving: 8 Health Benefits of Philanthropy and How it Can Improve Your Wellbeing

As you hold the beacon to illuminate the path of others, your own life lights up too. This is not just a philanthropic quote but a scientifically verified fact. Experts are suggesting that volunteering should be routinely recommended as a healthy lifestyle choice. From lowering blood pressure to alleviating depression, in this blog, I would be sharing 8 scientific health benefits of giving. 

What do I mean by ‘giving’?

An act of giving can be anything from gifting a pen to your parents to signing a cheque for a charity. It does not even have to be materialistic. Even volunteering your time and worth to someone, counts as an act of giving.

Teaching young kids on your off days for free, feeding and caring for street animals, volunteering to help a cause, and stepping up in the time of natural calamities are all little acts that make big impacts. Even chatting with an old man or woman, who is lonely, is an act of giving.

The only thing to keep in mind is that it has to come from your own will and not by force. Doing something because someone wants you to do it, won’t bring the same happiness or joy that you will feel when you do things from your own heart. Also, giving to causes that you connect with will bring more benefits than randomly signing a cheque to someone you don’t associate with! 

Also Read: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Forgiveness

Scientific health benefits of giving

In recent years, several studies have cropped up to highlight the health benefits of giving. Evidence suggests that volunteering may help your health by enriching your

• Longevity
• Wellbeing
• Life satisfaction
• Physical activity levels
• Mental illness recovery

It is further proven to improve your blood pressure and heart health!

Also, Read – Clapping: Ayurvedic doctor narrates the surprising health benefits of this simple act.

Happiness brings good health

According to a study by the National Institute of Health, giving activates certain regions of the brain that are associated with pleasure and happiness. Giving causes humans to release ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. This creates a warm glow effect, which is the same as the reaction associated with sex and food.

A 2008 study found that giving to someone else brought more happiness than spending it on themselves. Similar results were recorded when people performed five acts of kindness each week for six weeks. I have penned another blog sharing scientific studies that proved the association between happiness and good health. Happy people enjoy better health. They have better stress mechanisms, lead a more active life, their immune system is stronger and they lead a healthier life.

Giving away your Blood Pressure

A study in the International Journal of Psychophysiology revealed that people who gave social support to friends and family had lower blood pressure. Associating with social causes helps in building a strong social network which is further helpful in regulating your blood pressure. 

In a 2006 study, researchers found that people who provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t. They suggested a direct physiological benefit to those who give of themselves.

Researchers also found that giving to the community helps in having a greater sense of purpose, and better self-esteem lowers depression and controls your levels of stress. All of these parameters are good for maintaining your blood pressure levels!

Give to Live long

Researchers found that a regular practice of giving may help in boosting longevity by decreasing stress and depression. A study concluded that people who volunteered in giving back had a 24% lower mortality risk than those who don’t. Another study concluded that giving to others can result in a reduced risk of early death.

This can be explained by the Japanese concept of Ikigai.  People who have a purpose, lead an active life even after retirement, and engage in social goodwill to live a better, fuller, and longer life. 

Another study found by elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than non-volunteers. This is because they had a sense of purpose, felt important, and enjoyed better social life!

Give to achieve better mental health

Research shows that people who engage in the act of giving experience greater happiness and less distress. People who volunteered regularly, at least once a month, were more satisfied and grateful. 

Scientific evidence shows that the human brain secretes a ‘feel good’ hormone when engaging in philanthropy. These hormones help battle negative thoughts, and depression and aid in finding a sense of inner peace. Another study quoted that people who engaged in acts of giving had a better response to coping with grief. 

Give to get connected 

People who regularly engage in giving back to society are more likely to have a better social network. Several studies suggested that giving back to society promotes a sense of trust and cooperation. 

Research also revealed that having positive social interactions is vital to good mental and physical health. Also being kind to others helps you to see the good in others and perceive the world in a positive light. This is very helpful for your mental health.

Give to feel grateful 

Giving back to society evokes a feeling of gratitude for everything you have. Research reveals that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds. A feeling of gratitude not only encourages one to see things in a positive light but also rewires the brain to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Give for your heart’s sake

A study found that people who volunteered to give to others had the lowest rates of heart disease. Another study found that adults who spent up to 200 hours per month helping others were less likely to have a heart attack. This is perhaps because an act of giving is associated with lowered stress levels and better choices of lifestyle.

Give to give away your addiction

Helping others or giving something back to society has a different kind of high. It can help in finding a better meaning and purpose in life. This is very important to the recovery process of addicts. 

Giving has been shown to have numerous benefits:

1. Increases happiness and life satisfaction
2. Reduces stress and depression
3. Strengthens social connections and relationships
4. Improves physical health
5. Boosts self-esteem and self-confidence
6. Enhances a sense of purpose and meaning in life
7. Promotes trust, cooperation, and reciprocity
8. Fosters a culture of generosity and gratitude
9. Inspires others to give and spread kindness
10. Contributes to the well-being of the community and society as a whole.

Studies have also shown that giving to others, especially to those in need, activates the brain’s pleasure centers, releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. Additionally, giving to charity has been linked to improved financial well-being, as it can lead to reduced stress and improved overall financial habits.

Final Takeaway

When you give you don’t just bless the taker, you bless your own body too! Giving has several scientific health benefits which are very crucial in today’s date. From lowering stress to combating blood pressure to battling depression; volunteering is the most searched preventive mechanism for 21st-century diseases. Further research should be done to unveil the other benefits of volunteering and it shall be promoted as a part of a healthy lifestyle!