The Health Benefits of Giving

Generosity is good for your health!

Jesus said it’s more blessed to give than to receive. Science verifies that claim with the discovery of numerous health benefits in giving! Giving lowers your blood pressure. A study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology showed that givers experienced heightened self-esteem, less depression, and significantly lower blood pressure than those less prone to help. 

Giving makes you live longer. Studies related to volunteering found that helping others on a regular basis can reduce early mortality rates by 22%, in contrast to the rates of those who are volunteer-averse. The donation of time or money must be consistent and entail a minimum of one hour a month in diligent effort. Connecting to others wards off loneliness, which research shows is as dangerous as smoking in terms of long-term health impact.

Giving creates positive associations. It strongly impacts the desire to be more generous. Researchers studied people who actively recall times when they gave to others. 46% of those who reflected on their own generosity were the most likely to donate money again. 

Giving induces a helper’s high. A study published in Science Magazine found that the brain’s pleasure centers are activated by voluntary gift-giving. Donating money to good causes releases endorphins that contribute to that high.

Finally, a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science suggests that giving is contagious! It’s no wonder that God told us to give! Now if credit card debt is limiting your giving, Christian Credit Counselors wants to help. They’ll create a debt management plan specifically for you. For more information visit online at crown.org/ccc.