Welcome to the fourth blog in this series where we are taking a deep dive into the 5 ways of wellbeing: 5 methodical steps that have been researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation to foster good mental wellbeing.
Today’s mental wellbeing pick-me-up comes in the form of giving. Many people will recognise that warm fussy feeling that giving creates. This may be enough to inspire you into consciously slotting regular ‘giving’ into life, but if a little science would help, well here we go.
That warm fuzzy feeling that giving gives us is not just an emotion. It’s an actual chemical reaction in our body. While the brain is rather complicated the neurochemical drivers can be quite simple. Dopamine, oxytocin and seratonin make up the happiness trifecta, a trio of neurochemicals that drive happiness and will boost the mood as well as having positive physical effects. These effects can be felt in just a few short seconds.
- Serotonin is a feel-good chemical which calms you down and makes you happy. Serotonin is connected to sleep, digestion, memory, learning, and appetite.
- Oxytocin, the ‘the cuddle hormone’ is a compassion and bonding hormone. It sends positive self-affirming signals to our brain. It can lower our blood pressure, reduce our social fears and increase our trust and empathy. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain!
- Dopamine is connected to arousal and motivation and gives us that uplifted feeling.
Researchers from the National Institute of health also found that subjects who gave to various charities stimulated the reward centre (mesolimbic pathway) in the brain, releasing endorphins and creating what is known as ‘the helpers high’. Endorphins are also the brains natural painkiller.
Even more amazing is that these hormones are active in both the GIVER and the RECEIVER , so it’s a win-win situation. Still not convinced?
Lets look at the measurable effects giving will have on us.
- Giving reduces stress. According to a study by Integrative Psychological and Behavioural Science, perpetually kind people have 23% less Cortisol, the stress hormone, and even age slower than the average population.
- Giving reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. In another study, a group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals.
- Giving reduces blood pressure. Secretion of serotonin causes the release of nitric oxide which dilates the blood vessels.
- Giving may help you live longer! In one study, at the University of California, Berkeley, elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than non-volunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health, and negative health habits like smoking. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.
- Increases happiness. A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic, in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations, were happiest overall.
With all those benefits, we should be giving all day long. Right?
If you are convinced but lacking in ideas, or time, check out these options and do add your own ideas to the comments below.
A few minutes to spare?
- Thank someone for something they have done for you, via text, email, letter, phone-call or even better share your thanks publicly.
- Write a review for a company that has given a great service.
- Donate some money to a good cause. Think about what means a lot to you. The environment? Animal welfare? child education? It will not take long to find a cause that is close to your heart.
- Share something hopeful and positive on social media, or with your friends.
- Check on a neighbour with a note or knock on the door and ask if they need help.
- Compliment someone on a job well done, or even just how fabulous they look. This takes seconds.
An hour to spare?
- Give your voice to a cause you believe in by writing to your MP. You can find out how here, or contact your local councillor here.
- Support local and small businesses such as butchers and free lancers by buying from them.
- Why not donate to a food bank or to a charity shop or even donate some of your own blood.
A while to spare?
- Have a look on your local council website, and on local Facebook for local aid groups who can connect you with people in need. People may need food or medicines to be delivered, pets walked, gardens tended, or just appreciate having someone to talk to.
- Volunteer for the NHS, or another organisation that you care about.
- Use a skill to help others, such as sewing scrubs, masks or surgical hats. Use your experience to mentor someone who is just starting out or join an organisation such as STEM and become an ambassador.
- Plan a fundraising activity, set up a JustGiving account, and start raising money for a good cause.
Kindness and giving are subjects that will be coming up again in future blogs. It’s so easy to give, so heavily backed by science and has the benefit of helping both the giver and the receiver. It could be one of the most effective, and easiest mental wellbeing tools out there, over-looked simply due to its sheer simplicity.
Keep you eyes peeled for the last blog in this series and the fifth and final of our ways to wellbeing: being active
Vet Balance 