Healthy Giving is Healthy Living

Ever wonder why it feels good when you give a little bit of something to someone else? Whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, your time or some money, the act of giving has a profound positive effect on both you and the person you are sharing with. So do something good for someone else and you just did something good for yourself! Saints, wise people, and religious leaders have all prescribed good deeds, charitable works and the act of giving unselfishly. Now science has the same prescription as well. In Oprah Winfrey’s Lifeclass Oprah Winfrey’s Lifeclass, 6 ways that giving can make a person healthy are discussed:

1. Simply contemplating generosity or giving was shown to boost protective antibodies in saliva;  
2. Connecting to people through active listening and speaking with self reference was shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks; 
3. Sharing in pain by reaching out to others in a similar circumstance actually reduces your pain;  
4. Most people think that you can catch more colds by hanging out with more people, but the opposite is also true. As long as you practice good cold season courtesy (keeping your hands clean, sneezing in your inner-elbow instead of on someone), studies show that being socially active can help you stay healthier. Volunteering is a great way to give back and be socially active; 
5. Did you know that giving love helps heal wounds faster? In a study, heals took a day longer to heal when couples argued; 
6. A soothing touch is good for you and a friend. A study showed that giving massages also reduces the stress hormone cortisol and alleviates anxiety and depression! 

So in reality, when you’re giving, you’re getting something more in return because your good health is your most valuable asset.

Another important aspect of giving is gratitude. Giving is the ability to share something you have with someone that does not have. Gratitude is the positive recognition of the ability to share or give. When you give, you can feel good, when you appreciate your ability to give, you can feel even better. A recent study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center reported that you can be 25% happier, healthier and more positive in general by simply writing down every night before you sleep 5 things you are grateful for. Being able to read this article, and sleep under a roof, are 2 things already. Try it and see how you feel in 10 weeks!

So in this holiday season and time of giving and gratitude, remember, good things happen to good people. When you’re giving and you’re thankful for being able to give and/or for the gifts you get, you’re getting more in return- a healthy, happy life!

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