Simple Acts of Giving That Change Your Mindset

Looking for ways to change your mood? Are you feeling a bit blah and want to be more positive and happy. Well we have the recipe for that. Change your mindset in a few minutes by giving. Giving you say? Really? Giving will change my mood and how the rest of the day feels? I have never heard of that. Well it is possible, and if you read on you will find the holy grail to changing a bad or blah mood into a good mood in just a few minutes.

Sounds crazy no? I too was once a skeptic until I tried it out myself with my son over 10 years ago. I have since not looked back and give every day to keep me, my family and my community happy. Sound daunting I know but it is so simple, even a three year old can do it and has done it!

So what gives – pardon the pun. Well it is pretty simple. When we complete a small act of giving our body and mind react positively to the action. Read our Happiness Research and see what neurotransmitters increase (the good ones) and which ones decrease. When you do something kind to either a person, the planet or an animal, your mind and body reacts instantly. Amazing. But I have to say reading about it and understanding the body reaction is not enough. You need to test the science for yourself and see what happens. I did and was amazed how instantaneously I felt happier for the rest of the day.

Test Out the Giving Research And See How Giving Can Change Your Mindset

So here are a few giving ideas that take a few seconds if not just a few minutes. Put them in your calendar with an alarm this week to remind yourself to complete the giving task. See how you feel before you give and then check your mindset after you give. If you are a bit shy to do this on your own, grab your family, ask a friend to join you, or see if your colleagues at work will also give it a try. All you need to do is complete on of the giving suggestions and watch the smiles begin. It is that easy. And it is easy to do this each day. No money required, no big gives needed. Just some simple acts of giving and you will feel happier.

Giving Ideas to Change Your Mindset

1. Smile at random people. Watch what happens when you smile at people on the street, in a store, at work, or at home. Both of you feel better. Try it.
2. Use the hastags #giveeveryday and #365give on an instagram photo. Watch how people react your image and hash tags. Happiness is contagious.
3. Stop using single use plastics for the day. Don’t use that plastic straw, plastic cutlery, plastic glass, or single plastic bag. Know that you are helping the planet by doing this and feel great about your choice.
4. Call a friend or family member to say hi. Make it a short phone call (or text if you want) but just check in to see how they are doing. Both of you will feel wonderful after that quick connection.
5. Share an inspiring quote about giving and happiness on your social media page. Does not matter which one, just pick one and share. People will like your image more than when you share a complaint.
6. Like or comment on a local business or not for profit social media page. Pick a favorite and just make your online presence known. Sharing a compliment online goes a long way when you need to feel better and change your mood.

How easy are those ideas. No money needed, no big action required. These little but meaningful actions go a long way when you are looking to change a mindset. You just might find you are more motivated and focused after your give as well. Not a bad trade off for a small act of giving.

Curious about how you make small acts of giving a part of your lifestyle. Sign up for The 365give Challenge and start changing your mindset daily. You will find that you are happier, the people around you are happier and the day is brighter when you complete a give.