More than likely, we’ve all experienced it. Whether putting a few quarters in the bell-ringer’s kettle during the holidays, contributing canned goods to a local food pantry, or sending a check to support a favorite cause, we’re filled with a sense of satisfaction when we make an extra effort to help. As it turns out, it’s more than a feeling — studies show that giving is beneficial to our health. A survey of more than 30,000 American households revealed that people who gave money to charity were 43 percent more likely than non-givers to say they were “very happy” about their lives. Likewise, volunteers were 42 percent more likely to be very happy than non-volunteers. According to Arthur Brooks, author of, "Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism,” the act of giving directly affects our brain chemistry. People who give experience feelings of exhilaration and a burst of energy similar to that experienced after intense exercise, followed by a period of calmness and serenity referred to as a “helper’s high.” |