Why giving makes us feel great

When it comes to improving your wellbeing, eating right, sleeping enough and being active all make a big difference. But, did you know that doing things that help others can be good for your health too?

Research shows that giving to others, be it your time, your support or a gift, not only can make the recipient happy, but can also make you – the person giving – feel wonderful too. In fact, giving can make the pleasure and reward centers in your brain light up as though you were the one receiving a gift!

That’s why this month our challenges focus on helping and supporting others, either in your workplace or your community, by sharing your time, skills or resources with someone else.

YOUR CHALLENGE: Choose at least one idea from the list below (or an idea you come up with yourself) to do for someone else and notice how you feel.

Consider giving to friends, family or colleagues who may be struggling and need a little extra help. Maybe you want to give to someone who you’ve noticed is always looking out for people around them, but might be neglecting themselves. Or, you might want to give to someone you hardly know and would like to get to know better. You might consider giving to the homeless or a charity. There are heaps of ways you can give.

This challenge also presents an opportunity for you to ask for help or support if you need it. If you are struggling and need a hand or someone to talk to, this is a great time to ask.

Ways you can give back:

Giving your time

Babysitting
Car washing
Lawn mowing
Washing windows
Renovation support
Gardening
Dog walking

Volunteer in your community

Volunteer at your local senior living community center
Clean up a local beach
Plant a tree, or join a group replanting bush/forest
Help clean up the local rivers
Join a community garden
Organise a community clean-up
Become a big brother or big sister in a community-based mentorship programme
Share your pet with others
Serve meals at a food bank.

Financial gifts

Give to charity
Gift a Christmas hamper for families in need
Donate non-perishable food to the homeless
Sponsor a youth sports team
Donate your workwear
Donate extra toiletries to a shelter.

Gift your creative skills

Knitting
Painting
Using your special skills to help others
Handmade Christmas ornaments.

Passing on your knowledge

Teach someone how to speak your language
Do you have trade skills?
Tutor a student
Sewing skills
Teach a kid how to play chess or card games.

Sharing food

Make someone lasagna and drop it off at their house
Whip up batches of bliss balls to share
Hand-deliver goodies to your neighbours
Drop off meals to elderly or sick people or new parents
Know someone who’s struggling financially? Do a shop for them
Pay for the person behind you in the grocery queue
Offer food from your garden.

Read my original Healthy Food Guide Article here