4 Ways Giving Makes You a Happier Person

You have probably heard that “It is better to give than to receive.” This idea implies that giving to others actually makes our lives better. Is it really true? And what is it about giving that can have such a profound impact on your mood?

Put simply, it makes you happy to make others happy. When you have the means to give and in so doing help fulfill another’s need, it is an awesome feeling, one everyone should have the chance to experience.

1. Giving Can Make You Healthier

That’s right. Science has definitively proven that giving makes you healthier. According to the book Why Good Things Happen to Good People by Stephen Post, giving to others has increased the health of people with certain types of chronic illnesses.

Charitable giving can have health benefits for people in all age groups. One study found that volunteering for two or more organizations makes elderly people 44% less likely to pass away over a five-year period.

Whether you give of your time or your money, your health is sure to benefit. And since being healthier generally translates to being happier, you will likely find that giving back helps you feel great in more ways than one.

2. It Can Give Your Life Purpose

Do you ever feel down about how your life is going and feel like you aren’t contributing enough? You can find direction and purpose in helping others. When you give of your resources to worthy causes, you are directly helping others who otherwise couldn’t help themselves. You will leave a lasting impact on the world around you, leaving it better than how you found it.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

If you are unable to physically do much to help others, giving your financial resources can be a way for you to make a difference and give your life new meaning.

3. It Promotes Social Connection

Another way giving makes you happier is by increasing your social network. By giving of your resources to a charity or place of worship, you become part of that community. You are more likely to attend a fundraiser or volunteer at an event, which will put you in contact with a whole new group of people every time.

When you join with others to meet a need, it promotes cooperation and trust, which bonds individuals. By giving of your time and money, you can increase your social circle and make new friends, which will have a significant impact on your overall happiness.

4. Generosity Has No Income Requirements

Money problems can create stress and steal away our happiness. But whether you consider yourself financially rich or poor, giving back from what you do have can be a quick mood booster.

In the study, each person was asked about their income level and how much they gave away. They were also asked how happy they were at the present time. The research revealed that regardless of income, individuals who gave to others reported being happier than those who primarily spent their resources on themselves.

Even if you don’t have fountains of wealth to share, giving away even a small amount can increase your happiness level.

Boost Your Happiness with Online Giving

Since giving boosts happiness, you will want to complete your donation as quickly as possible. You want to give as soon as you feel moved to give, and you do not want a lot of hurdles in your path. Thankfully, online giving methods like the Givelify app make it faster and easier for you to complete your donation, and move on to enjoying the benefits of giving.

After you download the free Givelify app to your smartphone, you can give to charities and places of worship in just three taps. It is a truly beautiful, effortless experience that can take you from a desire to give to a successful donation in seconds.

The next time you feel down, consider making a charitable donation using online giving. Your mood will be lifted in no time.