Why Participate in #Do1Give Day? It Will Make You Happier

#Do1Give Day is this week, April 15th, and it is time to step it up to help our planet, our neighbours, our community and our animals. We feel that during this extraordinary time of COVID-19, our responsibility to make people happier has gone up a notch. People are sheltering in place, social distancing and in some cases, social isolating. We are not used to this. WE are social beings and a life with limited human, animal and environmental contact is sending people into a tail spin. Some of us are lucky to be sharing a space with family members. but a lot of people are alone. The mental health risk this pandemic brings is not even being talked about yet.

Prior to the pandemic over 1 billion people on our planet suffered from some form of depressive disorder be it mild, moderate to severe. How do you think these statistics are doing now that we have most countries on lock down? A little bit of happiness could go a long way this week, and you have the power to change that. With the promise to #Do1Give while sheltering in place, you could increase happiness to someone who really needs it right now.

But how do you give when you are stuck at home? Virtual gives have the same impact as a give done in person. They really do. But how does a give, virtual or in person, make happiness?

How Giving Spreads Happiness

So the science behind happiness is as follows. You complete a small give and feel good about it. This feeling will set off a series of sparks in your head (neurotransmitters) Dopamine increases, oxytocin increases, seratonin increases and cortisol decreases. This combination makes you feel great, and also makes the person who receives the give feel great as well. Both of you, the giver and the receiver get a DOSE of happiness. Sounds simple right? It is. One small give, an intentional action that you know will be well received by another, will set off this happiness reaction.

What Kind Of Giving Are Your Talking About?

We are talking about one small gesture, action, kind act, nice words, or recognition of someone that takes a minute to complete. This is not about doing something big, like a large donation, 8 hours of volunteering, a huge action that everyone sees. We are talking about a small act of giving that effects you and other person, or the planet or an animal.

These are some of the things some people have done. Send out a feel good saying on social media. Call a friend or family member and just see how they are. Put out water in your yard or on your terrace for the birds. Take a dog for a longer or extra walk. Play for 5 minutes with your pet. Put a plant in your house, on your desk, or give a plant away to someone. Give someone a compliment. Send a note of thanks to someone who has done something nice for you. Thank a public service worker for keeping you safe, well, or strong. Plant a new flower in your garden to help the environment. The number of small gives that release happiness are endless, truly endless.

Small Virtual Gives Have Impact During COVID-19

Yes, these are challenging times, but they are times that require us to step up and put more effort into happiness. People have started giving more, with amazing stories circulating the planet while people are on lock down. There are drive by birthday parties, food coupon sharing for those who are out of work. Families are waving to elders through windows as they are locked down in their retirement facilities. Communities are clapping for health care workers to show their gratitude and support. Gransparents are reading to grandchildren online. People are planting vegetables, composting, and baking at home, all great gives to the planet.

Make Your Promise To #Do1Give And Spread Much Needed Happiness

Virtual giving is rippling around the world and making our days better, happier, and more manageable. #DO1Give Day is our annual event that normally has us giving in person, but this year, we are giving virtually to spread happiness. Make your promise to #Do1Give and lets make this entire situation better, if not for just one day!

Sign up for your free membership at 365give to get your #Do1Give Day resources, window posters, social media post cards, and more giving suggestions that will make your give special for you and the person who benefits from your give.