Generosity: A Powerful Key to Health and Happiness

Science has proven that when we choose to be generous, we feel happier. For example, in one study, participants were given $20 and were given the choice to spend it on themselves or to spend it on someone else.  Guess who was happier? But the benefits of generosity don’t end there. 

When we choose to be generous, we become healthier. 

We experience reduced stress. 

We have improved relationships with others. 

And we live longer. 

The absence of generosity – or having a somewhat “stingy” demeanor – has been shown to have the opposite effect on all counts.

There Are Many Ways to Practice Generosity

We can choose to be generous in many different ways.

Some of us can engage in philanthropy, or through donations to causes we deem worthy.

Others may choose to seek out volunteer activities, by serving in a hospital, nursing home, animal shelter, campaign, election, or school.

Those who can’t spare any money can simply choose to live an altruistic life.

Alternatively, How to Be Generous for Free includes a bunch of ideas about how to be generous without spending any money at all.

What Does It Mean to be Generous?

According to Webster’s, altruism consists of the “belief or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others”.  I think I’d insert the word “sincere” in there somewhere, too.

And something tells me that living a truly altruistic life usually leads to philanthropy, volunteering, or all of the above!

So, there’s really something for everyone.

And there’s no reason why we can’t all choose to be generous, in one way or another.

And making the choice to do so turns out to be very critical.

Choosing to Practice Generosity is Key

Some organizations have “volunteer” events, where employees are expected to participate.

Some schools pressure parents into mandatory “volunteer” hours.

Other commitments can result in pressure to 1) do something you don’t want to do, 2) do something at a time that is inconvenient for you, or 3) buy something that you neither need nor want!

Unfortunately, these situations do not generate the benefit of other activities where we choose to be generous.

Our brains and bodies know the difference!

So, when we do something that we were “voluntold” to do, we don’t get the health or other benefits attached to a genuine act of generosity.

Just say no when an activity doesn’t feel right, fit right, or make your heart sing.

If you don’t believe in the cause they represent, don’t give money to folks pandering outside the Wal-Mart.

Don’t buy Girl Scout Cookies if you’re trying to watch your calories! (Just give them a donation instead, if you are so moved).

And don’t buy the wallpaper, greeting cards, pizza, coupon books, or whatever – Just Say No!

But do SOMETHING.

Why Generosity Is Good for Us: Do Something Generous Today

Give from your heart, whether it be time, money, prayers, positive energy, a home cooked meal for a friend coping with a sick spouse, a donation of babysitting for a young couple who need a night out, raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, or an hour of tutoring to a struggling student.

Or bring your gently used clothes that don’t fit the body you live in every day to a donation box or to local charity.

And remember that how you choose to be generous doesn’t have to have anything to do with money.

We can give attention, patience, support, and unconditional love to each other every day, at no cost, and without it taking any additional time.

Something as simple as a kindly smile can “qualify” as an act of generosity – a selfless act that benefits others.

When we choose to be generous, we feel better, and those around us do as well.

This week let’s find a new and creative way to demonstrate the spirit of generosity among us, and enjoy the benefits to each other and to ourselves, too.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant and coach. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate leadership, including leading and mentoring current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.