In a world where people continually seek to “get” happiness, we need to realize that we have been sold a lie. He is truly happier to give than to receive.
Generosity is commonly defined as the habit of “giving without expecting anything in return”. It can consist of offering time, goods or talents to help someone in need”. While generosity is often associated with an act of altruism, many studies reveal that generosity not only helps those who benefit from it, but also brings many benefits to those who practice it.
Let’s review some of the notable benefits of generosity.
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Generosity cultivates happiness.
A study conducted by the Greater Good Science Center on generosity explains how generosity is significantly associated with happiness, reduced stress and quality of life. Researchers have found that even small acts of generosity trigger something in our brains that eventually gives us positive emotional experiences. A Forbes magazine article supports this conclusion by citing a study on generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. The study found that people who volunteer an average of 5.8 hours per month are happier than those who only volunteer 0.6 hours per month.
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Generosity improves our overall health and well-being.
Numerous studies have shown that generosity, in any form, is beneficial for the overall health of young and old. According to these studies, generosity lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of dementia and heart disease, and decreases anxiety and depression.
Dr. Stephen G. Post, founding director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, sums up all this thinking by saying, “Volunteering allows people to find themselves in the present and distract the mind from stress and personal problems. Many studies show that one of the best ways to deal with life’s difficulties is not to focus on yourself, but to seize the opportunity to engage in simple acts of kindness. »
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Generosity improves our relationships.
According to Jason Marsh and Jill Suttie of the Greater Good Science Center, generosity helps improve our relationships and helps us interact better with each other, whether it’s with family members, friends and co-workers.
In a study to determine whether generosity in marriage was associated with marriage quality, researchers found that spouses whose partners are generous express high levels of marital satisfaction.
Forbes magazine said a culture of giving in the workplace – a tangible atmosphere of teaching and mutual support – produces engaged employees and creates high-performing teams. For example, “Young team members bring research and ideas to the senior manager, and the senior manager provides hands-on instruction and coaching to the younger members. This constructive back-and-forth leads to a high level of engagement, in part because every member of the team feels valued. Each gives to support the whole, and each receives from the others”.
When we give to others, not only do they feel closer to us, but we also feel closer to them. Generosity and kindness encourage us to view others in a more positive light and foster a sense of community, a sense of interconnectedness.
Being the recipient of generosity generates positive feelings that can provide us with momentary happiness, but being the benefactor provides us with lifelong benefits that contribute to our overall happiness and well-being.
