FOUR HEALTH BENEFITS OF GIVING BACK
On the International Day of Charity, make a difference in your community while giving your own wellbeing a boost.
Many of us have a strong desire to give back to our community. Giving back provides opportunities to make a difference, create social bonds and contribute to causes important to us.
Sunday, September 5, is International Day of Charity, a day to honor Mother Teresa’s tireless work to help overcome poverty and suffering. We hope this gives you the chance to think about doing something that day, later this month, or in the month ahead!
We all know that giving to charity benefits the recipients, but did you know giving to charity is also good for your health?
Giving:
- Makes you feel happy. Your brain’s pleasure circuits release endorphins and oxytocin which gives you a sense of euphoria and inner peace. It also reduces depression and anxiety.
- Reduces stress and blood pressure (BP). Stress causes many health issues and lowering you BP promotes longer life and better health.
- Promotes social connection. Studies show that when you give to others, your generosity is often continued down the line to someone else — strengthening our ties to each other.
- Is contagious. When one person gives, it inspires others to do the same. ​
There are many fun ways to give back now or any time through the end of October:
- Donate your time.
- Do something nice for a neighbor or a random act of kindness for a stranger.
- Help a child in need.
- Volunteer at a senior center.
- Participate in Give for Good Louisville on September 17.
- Get involved in GE Appliances Employee Giving Campaign (EGC) launching
Monday, October 4. This campaign allows employees to make personal gifts to qualifying nonprofit organizations through one-time gifts or recurring payroll deductions. - Participate in one of the GE Appliances Fall Projects on Friday, Oct. 8, and in the 2021 Kentuckiana Pride Parade later that day.
Stay tuned to GEA Today and Yammer for more information for the 2021 Metro United Way EGC and volunteer project locations/details.
Sources:
United Nations. (2021). International day of charity. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/observances/charity-day
https://www.conehealth.com/services/behavioral-health/4-health-benefits-of-giving-to-others-/