Do you recall a time when you did something kind for someone? You likely experienced a range of emotions from fulfillment to joy. Not only does helping others, and supporting worthwhile causes, make you feel good, but it can also help your overall health. So, today, let’s chat more about some of the benefits of giving back to your community.
Positive impact on your health
While helping others certainly makes you feel good, there are actual health benefits associated with giving. If you needed a few reasons to get involved, we think the following are a powerful motivator! Research has shown that when you do something for others, your brain emits happy chemicals.
These include:
- Serotonin: regulates your mood
- Dopamine: gives you a sense of pleasure
- Oxytocin: helps you feel connected to others
Along with the release of these happy chemicals, generosity also helps your heart, lowers blood pressure, can increase your lifespan, and can help reduce stress as it reduces your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone related to anxiety.
In terms of your mental health, giving back is also beneficial. According to the Cleveland Clinic, giving stimulates your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, releasing endorphins. This is often referred to as “helper’s high” which can increase self-esteem, boost happiness, and help feelings of sadness or depression.
Provides purpose
Committing to helping a cause close to your heart or helping someone in need gives you the satisfaction of doing something meaningful for others. One study found that “having purpose in life was linked to some measurable cognitive benefits in people who were in their 30s up through their 80s.” Encouraging positive change, big or small, can help you feel more fulfilled.
Expand your network
When you volunteer or work closely with non-profits or charities in your community, you can connect with likeminded individuals who are also passionate about these causes. This helps expand your network in a positive and meaningful way.
Personal growth
New experiences and perspectives can have a positive impact. As a leader in your industry, this involvement can benefit your personal growth. You will likely expand and further develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, public speaking, and patience.
Share your expertise
The skills you possess can also help others, and be an asset to those involved with, and who receive support from, the charity or non-profit organization you are supporting. You will likely develop skills along the way, learn new ones, and strengthen others. You may even discover an untapped interest or passion that you didn’t even realize you had.
In September, we are looking forward to giving back! We are excited to be hosting our 11th Annual BNI Alberta North Charity Golf Classic, which is taking place on Wednesday, September 13 at Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club. We anticipate a fun filled day connecting with members, and practicing our swings, while supporting eleven charities in our community. We hope to see you there!
