Flourish Health & Wellbeing Magazine - Dec23 - Flipbook - Page 24
Enhanced Mental Health
and Emotional Wellbeing
THE JOY OF GIVING
STRESS REDUCTION
Giving is intrinsically linked to improved
mental health. Engaging in acts of
generosity triggers the release of
endorphins, crea琀椀ng a phenomenon
known as the "helper's high." This surge of
endorphins leads to feelings of happiness
and contentment. Studies have shown
that individuals who regularly engage in
altruis琀椀c ac琀椀vi琀椀es exhibit lower rates of
depression and anxiety (Post, 2005). The
act of giving can transform the mental
state of the giver, ins琀椀lling a sense of
purpose and ful昀椀llment.
In today's fast-paced world, stress is
a common a昀툀ic琀椀on. Giving o昀昀ers an
e昀昀ec琀椀ve an琀椀dote. According to research,
altruis琀椀c behaviour, such as volunteering
or helping others in need, can signi昀椀cantly
reduce stress levels (Poulin et al., 2013).
This reduc琀椀on in stress can have longterm health bene昀椀ts, including decreased
risk of chronic diseases.