HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHARITABLE GIVING

We all know that donating to charity is a wonderful way to help those in need. But what you may not be aware of is the many health benefits that come from giving. According to research, donating your time, money, and resources to those less fortunate can improve your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. So, not only are you helping others, but you're also helping yourself. Here are just a few of the surprising ways that donating to charity can help improve your health.

Enhanced Mood and Reduced Stress

One of the key benefits of giving to a worthy cause is that it can reduce stress and enhance your mood. When you give to charity, it releases endorphins in your brain that make you feel good. According to research, the act of giving stimulates the same pleasure centers in your brain as food and sex. This flood of endorphins can help to alleviate stress and improve your overall mood. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or down, consider giving back to those in need.

Boosted Immune System

Donating to charity can also help to boost your immune system. According to research funded by the National Institutes of Health, volunteering can increase the production of antibodies and reduce inflammation in the body. This is because volunteering and charitable giving are associated with positive emotions, which can have a positive impact on your physical health.

Improved Sense of Purpose

Giving to charity can also help you to feel more connected to your community and give you a sense of purpose. Volunteering and donating your time can provide you with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, which can help to improve your overall wellbeing. When you feel like you have a purpose and that you are making a difference in the world, it can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Decreased Risk of Depression and Anxiety

The act of giving can also help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. According to research, people who give to charity are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than those who do not. This is likely due to the fact that giving to others can help to take the focus off of your own problems and provide you with a sense of perspective.

Increased Longevity

Believe it or not, donating to charity can also increase your longevity. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, those who volunteered had a lower risk of mortality than those who did not. This is because volunteering and charitable giving can help to reduce stress and provide a sense of purpose, which are both factors in living a longer and healthier life.

Donating to charity is a wonderful way to help others, but it can also have a positive impact on your own health and wellbeing. By giving to a worthy cause, you can reduce stress, boost your immune system, improve your mood, and increase your longevity. So, the next time you're looking for a way to improve your health, consider giving back to those in need. Not only will you be making a difference in the world, but you'll also be improving your own quality of life.

Since 1998, Link Charity Canada has provided the service, tools, education, and guidance that individuals and charities need when it comes to gift giving. Our wide variety of Gifting Options are current, relevant and designed to help both the individual and the charity. If you’d like to learn more about  our unique giving tools such as Charitable Annuities, Gifts Of Securities, Donor Advised Funds, Bequests, and more please call us for a free consultation at 1-800-387-8146.