Better to Give?

It’s here!  The Holiday Season is upon us.  For many, this season is full of great excitement, joy and anticipation.   For most, it can also be met with mixed emotions, and for some out right dread.   Parties, gatherings, celebrations, traditions are wonderful times to be spent with family and friends.  They can also be full of angst, responsibilities and anxiousness, now mix that with grief, sadness and depression and you can end up wishing it was over before it ever really begins!

So, what are we supposed to do when the Joyous Holiday Season feels more like the Torture Season?  Well, the answer may have been in a lesson most of us were taught when we were quite young.  How many times in your life have your heard, “It is better to give than to receive”?

Turns out, that wasn’t just something Grandma always said, there is scientific data to back it up!  Studies such as the ones cited by Cleveland Clinic, US National Library of Medicine, and the

Mayo Clinic  confirm something called The Helpers High which is the fact that – “ giving stimulates the brain — releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the “helper’s high.” And like other highs, this one is addictive, too.”

This Helper High can and often does:

• Reduce Stress
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Decrease Depression
• Increase life satisfaction
• Increase Self Esteem
• Increase Social Well Being and connectedness
• Decrease Anxiety
• Increase feelings of positivity
• Increase energy

All of these things lead to a longer, healthier and happier you! 

If the stress of the Holiday Season is getting your down, you are missing loved ones, feeling lonely, sad, depressed or stressed you are definitely not alone.  It can be quite difficult, and No it can’t cure everything. But researchers and Grandma would encourage you to try focusing on Giving to Others. Research has proven how much you can benefit!

Your time is most likely limited in the trappings of the season.  No need to go BIG, try some SMALL ways to reach out to others:

• Donate some used clothing
• Give blankets to a local animal shelter
• Buy someone a coffee
• Take a neighbor a meal
• Spend some time with an elderly family member or neighbor
• Donate some time at your favorite charity

Whatever you choose, your focus will immediately shift from the difficulties and stresses you are experiencing to the Joy you are giving to others.  As you witness their Joy you likely will feel some of your own !!!!  You too may find, that it truly is better to give than to receive.  

Don’t let all the demands and difficulties of the season drag you down, instead go out and GIVE a little, you will be so glad you did!