Benevolence provides profound meaning to those who can appreciate the fact that giving benefits themselves, as well as the intended recipient. On many occasions, helping others has a way of bring my spirits up, even in difficult times. It provided me with an unexplained sense of hope. Helping other people who are in need without consciously expecting anything in return creates opportunities. A genuine offer of assistance goes a long way.
Several clinical studies show that generosity benefits us physically and also improves our mental health. Research have found that giving benefits us in decreasing our stress levels, lowering blood pressure, combating depression, boosting self-esteem, and living longer. Being in a good mood can affect areas of the brain by activating chemicals, such as serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine.
- Serotonin is the chemical in the brain that mediates a person's disposition.
- Oxytocin is the chemical that is associated with compassion, and the bonding element of an emotional connection.
- Dopamine is a brain chemical that regulates the reward receptors, which promote the "feel good effect."
Mesolimbic pathways
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that giving stimulates the mesolimbic pathways in subjects involved with charitable causes. They also found that giving can be addictive; They call it the "helper's high." So, what we are learning is that giving has a big impact on our health in relation to regulating the balance of one's cortisol levels.
Gratitude
Being thankful affords you a feeling of empowerment, as it also supports a generous mood. Gratefulness can open a door to appreciate the true value your generosity. Giving feels good, while it paves the road to a reasonable disposition that support the balance in maintaining a humble attitude. I believe that gratitude is the virtue that facilitates more good circumstances. when you are able to feel good about your advantages in life it can opens your mind, and makes you receptive to new opportunities. This disposition keeps your mind clear and focused on the things most important to you.
When a person is ungrateful, their mind becomes clouded with pity issues, and material possession become the most important objective. Greed dehumanizes a person and separates them from the quality of being human. Without acts of compassion you lose your connection to the rest of humanity.
An investment in your well-being
Charity is often seen as an investment of time. The asset, is your participation in a worthy cause, as you gain an attitude that projects a respect for life. Being generous is very constructive, and it is an action that promote ambition, and longevity that in turn nourishes fulfillment. This character trait supports optimism, and cultivates accomplishment. Actions are the stepping stones that leads to more knowledge of what is to be discovered. To pursue what you want out of life, you must know what you want.
As research shows being generous can be a fundamental part of our well-being. When you think about it, contributing to your favorite cause is a recycled energy that can fit a regimen to improve overall health.
Article sources
J.Gwathney, Scott Bea, Liz Dunn