How Giving Back Helps You
April 27, 2022
We all know that giving back helps others, but did you know that it can also be good for you? Whether you donate to a charity, volunteer your time, or decide to give plasma, there are proven benefits that all of these acts can provide. Here are three ways giving back can ultimately help you!
1. Giving Can Make You Happier
Several studies suggest that when people give it actually does make them happier. A National Institutes of Health study found that people who gave to charities activated regions of the brain that are associated with pleasure, trust, and social connection. Researchers at Stony Brook University have concluded that our brains release chemicals that give us a sense of joy and peace when we are generous. This phenomenon is known as the “giver’s glow” or “helper’s high.”
2. Giving Can Improve Your Health
There is a plethora of research that has linked different forms of generosity to improved health. Some purported health benefits of giving back include:
- Lower blood pressure
- Decreased stress levels
- Improved cognitive functioning
A study from Northwestern found that older adults who feel they have a purpose in life also sleep better at night! Having a purpose, whether that be through contributing to a problem you’d like to solve or through volunteering, has also been linked to living a longer life.
3. Giving Can Foster Social Connections
Generosity can promote social connections and improve relationships. Studies suggest that being altruistic oftentimes results in indirect reciprocity, and you are likely to be rewarded by others at another time. These positive social interactions can strengthen your ties with others, which is ultimately good for your physical and mental well-being.
Why Donate Plasma?
If you’re feeling inspired to give back, plasma donation is a great way to do just that! Plasma, a protein-rich liquid component of blood, is used to treat several rare and chronic diseases. It is only through the generosity of donors that immunocompromised patients are able to receive the plasma-derived therapies they need.
Other perks of donating plasma include being part of a tight-knit community and the opportunity to earn some extra money. At Canadian Plasma Resources, our donors earn up to $400/month for their contributions!
Overall, giving back is good for both your physical and mental health. It can give you a sense of purpose and boost your overall life satisfaction. If you’d like to help others while also helping yourself, book a plasma donation appointment today!
