How to Have a Good Life with this Simple Practice Every Day

The pursuit of happiness is a timeless goal that has been sought after by people for centuries. While the definition of happiness may vary from person to person, studies have shown that giving can play a key role in increasing one’s overall sense of well-being and help you create a good life for yourself.

Giving doesn’t have to involve grand gestures or large sums of money; even small acts of kindness can make a significant impact on both the giver and the recipient. And usually someone witnesses the act of giving which means for every “give”, there is 3 times the happiness being created – it’s a win-win-win!

It’s simple to add the practice of giving into your everyday activities – it takes a bit of time, and a bit of thought, but the rewards to your mental health and the happiness of others are exponential.

Here’s how giving can help you lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life:

Giving Boosts Happiness and Wellbeing

Giving has been linked to increased levels of happiness and wellbeing. When we give to others, it creates a positive cycle of emotions that can lead to a greater sense of wellbeing. In fact, studies have shown that people who give to others are more likely to experience positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and gratitude. This is because giving activates the reward centres in the brain, releasing endorphins and creating a sense of pleasure and happiness. We call it your DOSE of happiness – Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins all increase when we give. Basically, being generous makes you happy.

Additionally, giving can help to reduce stress and anxiety. When we focus on others, we are less likely to dwell on our own problems and worries. This can lead to a greater sense of perspective and a reduction in stress levels. By giving to others, we can create a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives, which can help to counteract feelings of loneliness and isolation.

According to a study by Cone Health. Giving boosts your mental health as well as your physical health by reducing stress and increasing self-esteem.

Giving has the following 4 Heath Benefits:

• Lower blood pressure
• Lower stress levels
• Less anxiety and depression
• Increased self-esteem

Giving Strengthens Relationships

Another benefit of giving is that it can strengthen relationships with others. When we give to those around us, it creates a sense of connection and community. This is because giving fosters feelings of trust, reciprocity, and gratitude. When we give to others, they are more likely to feel valued and appreciated, which can lead to deeper and more meaningful relationships.

Giving can also help to create a sense of purpose and belonging in our lives. By giving to others, we become a part of something larger than ourselves. This can help to create a sense of connection and purpose that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

Ways to Incorporate Giving Into Your Life

Incorporate giving into your daily routine

Start by adding simple, spontaneous acts of kindness. This can include things like paying for someone’s coffee in line behind you, leaving a positive note for a coworker, holding the door for someone, or simply smiling and saying hello to a stranger. These small gestures can have a big impact on both the giver and the recipient, creating a positive ripple effect in the world.

Practice active listening

To foster and grow your relationships start this practice today. It’s as s simple as giving someone your full attention when they are speaking, without interrupting or distracting yourself. This can help to create a deeper sense of connection and understanding between you and the other person. We all get swept up in the business of life and sometimes we forget to focus on listening.

Practice Gratitude

It only takes a minute and is as close as your phone. We can do this by expressing our appreciation for the people in our life. This can be as simple as sending a text message or writing a thank you note. By expressing your gratitude, you can create a stronger sense of connection and appreciation in your relationships.

Giving is a simple yet powerful practice that can have a significant impact on our happiness and wellbeing. By incorporating giving into our daily routines, we can create a positive cycle of emotions in our life. This leads to a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and connection in our lives. Whether it’s performing spontaneous acts of giving or expressing gratitude to those around us, there are countless ways to give back and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

So why not try incorporating giving into your daily routine today? You might just be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.

Visit 365give.ca for more ideas on how giving makes you happy or check out other blog posts like these: