The Power of Giving: How Acts of Kindness Impact Mental Well-Being

“For it is in giving that we truly receive”- Francis Assisi

How beautiful these words sound, rather the weightage of it touches the heart. You have probably heard the familiar adage, “It is better to give than to receive.” It would not be easy to find someone who would say otherwise.

What exactly is giving?

It is an act where an individual or a person decides to give something to someone without any expectations. It doesn’t mean that one has to have plenty to give or to share, it is the intent or the motive to share that makes giving unique.

Usually giving is practiced at any point when the giver feels like it, but there are some specific times when almost everyone comes into a mood of giving.

We have even observed that, during billing in a supermarket or a store, the cashier tends to ask if a rupee can be used as charity. We oblige most of the time with no questions asked.

We must have come across heartwarming stories of good Samaritans themselves being poor helping others in need without worrying about what’s left for them.

What is some psychological impact by giving others?

There are several studies conducted on giving, which show that it has a positive psychological impact on people.

Humans are social animals, so it is no surprise that we are wired to help one another. In our complex modern society, there are many ways to give and the good news is that we now understand that both the giver and receiver benefit from the relationship. Neuroscience has demonstrated that giving is a powerful pathway for creating more personal joy and improving overall health.

The human brain always has been fascinating. One such interesting thing about the brain is the secretion of the neurochemicals of happiness, which are Dopamine, Serotonin, and Oxytocin. These act as a tremendous mood lifter or a mood changer.  

Along with the mood this Serotonin is connected to sleep, digestion, memory, learning, and appetite. Dopamine is connected to motivation and arousal. Oxytocin “the cuddle hormone” is among the most ancient of our neurochemicals and has a powerful effect on the brain and the body. When oxytocin begins to flow, blood pressure decreases and the foundation for sexual arousal is built. Bonding increases, social fears are reduced and trust and empathy are enhanced. Oxytocin is also an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain and enhances wound healing.

So if giving allows us to secrete all the chemicals at once, we owe it to ourselves to give as often as possible!

Helping others triggers impacts on our brain in many positive ways:

Empathy: There are structures in the brain that are dedicated to helping you see things from the perspectives of others, so these mental processes get some great exercise when you put yourself in the shoes of another person and try to give them what they need.

Mirror Neurons: Helping others is often a highly social activity, which creates a beautiful cycle of smiling. When you smile the whole world smiles with you because you are triggering their mirror neurons. Both the giver and the receiver can directly positively impact the other's brain.

The Happiness Trifecta: Helping others triggers a release of oxytocin, which has the effect of boosting your mood and counteracts the effects of cortisol (the dreaded stress hormone). Interestingly, the higher your levels of oxytocin, the more you want to help others. When oxytocin is boosted, so are serotonin and dopamine!

What are the various forms of giving that can be practiced?

How can you help others? Is there a cause you support? A friend that needs help? A stranger who needs a random act of kindness? You should fill every day with small acts of giving, as this is an effective way to bring happiness to yourself and others. Even just smiling at someone is an act of giving and will brighten both of your days. You can give one away multiple times a day at no cost, and in the process boost your mood and your health.

Conclusion

So, the next time you decide to give don’t wait until you have in plenty. Just understand that when you give, you just give. After all, having those doses of feel-great hormones is worth giving. So why wait for the “happiness”, let’s help you Transform Happily!

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” –Maya Angelou