When was the last time you felt really happy? Research suggests that in order to be truly happy we need to give of ourselves. Whether we give time or money, the benefits we receive from doing good are endless. In fact, one way to give is to donate to a favourite charity. In the 2009 December issue of Outside magazine this very topic was explored proving that not only do we feel good when we give, but also we increase our lifespan.
How to Live Longer by Doing Good
Stop thinking and start acting, not just for the community - for yourself
In 2007, the Corporation for National and Community Service compiled a series of studies from sources like Duke University and the University of Texas to look at the correlation between volunteering and physical health. Their discovery: Giving back lowers rates of depression and improves long-term health. The social ties it creates can even improve immunity. Recent studies have shown that when people want to contribute to something the brain lights up the mesolimbic pathway. "That part of the brain is associated with good feelings like joy and feel-good chemicals like dopamine," says Stephen Post, director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University and author of Why Good Things Happy to Good People. "Even just making a charitable donation or thinking about it can have an impact neurologically." - K.S.
Now that you're feeling inspired, please check out the links to some of the charities listed on this website, click, give, feel good and live longer. You'll be glad you did.
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