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Human Impact Theory “How To Feel Better and Change the World In Just One Day”

Human Impact Theory “How To Feel Better and Change the World In Just One Day”

Don’t we all want the answer to this question – how to feel better? And wouldn’t’ it be great if we could make a positive impact in the world at the same time? We have the answer to this and it all starts on December 2 – Giving Tuesday 2024. You may be asking what “feeling better” and Giving Tuesday have in common, and we have the answer on this episode of The Human Impact Theory Podcast!  Join us as we answer the question how just one act of generosity each day can transform your life and contribute to a happier, healthier society.

Why Giving Makes You Feel Better

Ever wondered why you feel so uplifted after helping someone? This feel-good sensation, known as The Helper’s High, is a well-documented psychological phenomenon characterized by a burst of endorphins in the brain. Studies, such as those conducted by our guest Dr. Stephen Post, demonstrate that this euphoric state not only enhances immediate mood but also contributes to long-term happiness. Regularly experiencing the helper high from just one small daily give can significantly improve emotional health, making you feel better consistently.

Watch Dr. Post’s Tedx Talk It’s Good to be Good:

Love in Action: Activating the Heart’s Frequency

True generosity is love in action. When we give—whether it’s a smile, a moment of our time, or material resources—we activate the energy and frequency of our hearts. The Heart Math Institute has conducted over 400 experiments documenting the activation of the heart and the measure energy that comes from unconditional love and compassion. We also activate oxytocin in our bodies – the same neurotransmitter that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy from a smile or cuddling a baby. Philosophers and spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama have long discussed the profound impact of a compassionate heart on both personal and global scales. This activation not only helps us feel better but also strengthens community bonds and promotes a culture of empathy and understanding.

The Power of Every Give

The impact of daily, small acts of giving is profound. Research shows that these frequent acts of generosity are more beneficial to our well-being than occasional, larger donations. This is because each small act keeps the “Helper’s High” active, continuously releasing those feel-good chemicals in our brain. Stories from around the world illustrate how even the smallest gestures can ripple through a community, fostering an environment of mutual support and gratitude.

10 Ways to do “Just One Give” on Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, consider these ten ways to make generosity a part of your daily life:

  1. Volunteer Your Time: Just one hour can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
  2. Educate Yourself and Others: Share knowledge about a cause you care about.
  3. Small Acts of Generosity: Commit to performing a kind act daily, like holding a door open.
  4. Donate What You Can: Every little bit helps, and just one dollar can contribute to a cause.
  5. Support a Friend’s Cause: Help amplify their efforts by sharing their projects with others.
  6. Create a Giving Circle: Pool resources with friends for a larger collective impact.
  7. Offer Your Expertise: Provide free sessions or advice in your area of professional expertise.
  8. Be Kind to the Environment: Make eco-friendly choices that sustain our planet.
  9. Reach Out to Someone Lonely: A simple conversation can drastically brighten someone’s day.
  10. Donate to 365give! Your contributions support our mission to change the world one give at a time.

The Benefits of Giving to the Giver

Engaging in acts of generosity is incredibly beneficial to the giver, with impacts spanning physical, emotional, and social aspects. Here are the top five reasons you will feel better in just one day:

1. Enhanced Physical Health:

    • Lower Blood Pressure: Regular giving has been linked to reduced blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
    • Increased Longevity: Studies have shown that those who give regularly have a lower risk of dying over a given time period compared to those who do not give.

2. Boosted Emotional Well-being:

      • Elevated Mood: Acts of giving stimulate the release of endorphins, producing a natural high often referred to as the “Helper’s High.”
      • Reduced Depression and Anxiety: Regular contributors report lower levels of sadness and anxiety, attributed to the positive feedback and satisfaction gained from helping others.

3. Improved Self-Esteem and Satisfaction:

        • Regular giving reinforces a sense of purpose and self-worth, leading to higher self-esteem and overall life satisfaction.

 4. Strengthened Social Connections:

    • Giving fosters a sense of community and belonging, helping to build and strengthen relationships with others who share similar values or communal goals.

5. Enhanced Sense of Empathy and Compassion:

    • Regularly putting the needs of others before one’s own needs cultivates deeper levels of empathy and compassion, traits that are associated with better personal relationships and a more fulfilling life. 

Global Impacts of Generosity

Every act of generosity contributes to a larger global movement including:

Promotes a Culture of Reciprocity: Small acts of generosity often inspire others to pay it forward, creating a cycle of goodwill.

Builds Stronger Communities: Frequent giving strengthens community bonds and fosters a sense of solidarity among members.

Reduces Inequality: Even minor contributions can help level the playing field by providing resources to those in need.

Encourages a Spirit of Cooperation: When individuals give regularly, it promotes a cooperative environment where challenges are addressed collaboratively.

Enhances Global Empathy: Regular acts of kindness foster a global perspective, increasing empathy across cultural and national boundaries.

Now you understand how to feel better in just one day: by embracing the power of giving. This Giving Tuesday, let’s take the initiative to make generosity a cornerstone of our daily lives. By understanding the “Helper’s High” and incorporating daily acts of generosity, we can enhance our well-being and create a ripple effect of positivity that reaches our selves, our community and the world/

This Giving Tuesday we ask for one small act of giving to come our way at 365give. We work tirelessly 365 days of week to teach inspire and empower the world to give. Your contribution would make the world of difference to us all.

Please donate here – thank you!

 

Check out these posts for more reading on the Power of Giving:

How Your Generosity on GivingTuesday will Change the World

What is Happiness? How to Be Happier Every Day

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Jacqueline Way is dedicated to serving humanity with love and compassion every day. She is a committed advocate for global change, dedicating her career to philanthropic projects that create scalable and lasting impact. Most of all, she is a Mom of 3 beautiful boys that teach her about happiness 365 days of the year.

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What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)

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