Just like energy, wellness can be converted from one form to another. When we engage in thoughtful giving we transform financial wellness into mental wellness.
Researchers from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia in a standardized assessment of individuals found that giving money to others increased participants' happiness more than spending it on themselves. Money can buy happiness when we spend it on putting a smile on the faces of our loved ones.
Thoughtful giving is acknowledging the dire needs of our loved ones and meeting them. Our body rewards our generosity by secreting the following feeling-good hormones:
Serotonin is secreted to regulate mood.
Dopamine is secreted to give us a sense of pleasure.
Endorphins are secreted to give us feelings of euphoria.
Oxytocin gives us tranquility and inner peace.
So when we resist the urge to give we indirectly deny ourselves of this surreal experience.
Thoughtful giving has also been found to
Lower blood pressure.
Lead to a longer lifespan.
Less anxiety and depression.
Increased self-esteem.
Lead to reduced stress.
Sometimes the most selfish thing you can do is to be selfless.
“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves."- Helen Keller
Here are a few hacks to master the art of thoughtful giving:
Begin by making it personal: Think about what each person is doing right now in their life. Did they just begin a tech career? Why not purchase an online course for them? It is easy to get caught up in the latest electronic accessories and gadgets, but attention to detail and consideration for the individual's priorities can truly wow anyone.
Resist the urge to break the bank: Thoughtful giving matters more than giving big. On a personal note, I have never felt more appreciated than when I gifted a friend a bunch of plantains. The gift was cheap but it was his craving at that moment. In fact, Having limited resources can encourage you to think more creatively and carefully about what someone really needs.
“Sometimes those who give the most are the ones with the least to spare."- Mike Mclntyre
Give Time as a Gift: Your time is valuable and can even be given as a gift. Write a letter to the people you care about, telling them you'd like to offer them the gift of striving to strengthen your bond with them this year. Find out how you can improve as a friend or a partner.
"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."- Pablo Picasso
Present it in a lovely way: A thoughtful giver takes into account every detail of the gift-giving process, even the way it is packaged. Give your gift wrapping or packaging a bit extra thought. These little touches, especially if your gift isn't particularly flashy, can really help enhance the moment. For example, learn a new wrapping method on YouTube or how to tie the perfect bow.
Know why you are giving: Take time to enjoy the gift-giving process rather than rushing through it. After you have given a present, consider your motivation for doing so. Perhaps you're doing it to express your love for your best friend, even if it is simply to make a coworker smile. Enjoy the therapeutic value of your gift's motivation.
Gifts from the heart help us enjoy one another. Thoughtful gifts can further enhance our already strong feelings for one another. Valentine's day is around the corner, gift vendors are all over our social media statuses. Patronize thoughtfully!
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."- Maya Angelou
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Yours in mental wellness,
Rema.
PS: You can tell me your stories. I want to hear your thoughts on your mental journey, what you want me to write about, and generally about anything. I am here to listen to you.
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