Giving back to the community is one way to appreciate the environment you find yourself in. It is also proven by studies to do amazing things for your physical and mental health. In this article, we shall look at some of the mental benefits of giving back to your community.
Sense of fulfillment
Many philanthropists agree with Michael Magill of Boca Raton that giving back is more fulfilling than receiving. Stats from the Cleveland Clinic indicate that some of these positive physical and mental effects include reduced blood pressure, lower stress levels, and increased self-esteem. Also, studies suggest that there is a linkage between giving back and improved wellbeing. In a study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins, it was discovered that most people who regularly engage in giving back have a much lower blood pressure than those who don’t. Nothing better than a sense of fulfillment that positively impacts your wellbeing.
Having a purpose
Giving back makes some people feel like a part of something bigger, which creates a purpose for them. This reduces feelings of emptiness and serves as motivation to be excited about life and its possibilities. It also allows you to live a more content life, which is good for your mental health. And when you meet other people with the same interests, together you forge a strong bond for the betterment of the community. Belonging to such a group of people who make a meaningful contribution to the community is a great feeling. And this can help a person develop a positive self-image. For the elderly, this sense of purpose or belonging to such a group reduces isolation and is an excellent way to deal with loneliness.
Gratitude
When you are on the receiving end of a nice gesture, you are appreciative and often express your gratitude. When you give back to the community, you feel the warmth of the recipients, and you are grateful for being able to help. Just seeing the emotions that others feel from your positive contribution to their lives lets you know and appreciate being in a position to do that. Being in such a position also makes you grateful for what you have and will urge you to do even more to contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Improved quality of life
Giving back to the community fosters a strong bond between everyone involved. The feel-good factor that you feel during such events can improve your quality of life as you feel fulfilled and happy. Whenever you do something positive, you feel good, and that feeling is attributed to the regions of your brain that are linked to trust and pleasure. Your brain triggers the release of chemicals in your brains, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, that make you feel good. This puts a smile on your face and triggers your happiness when you perform a selfless act. This is also the reason why you feel a solid connection to the people you give back to.
Leave a Reply