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The holidays are a great time to embrace the power of giving back. Whether you’re dropping a few dollars in a red kettle as you leave the store or volunteering at a soup kitchen, charity is good for the soul.
But that’s not all — your brain may benefit too. Dive into the psychology behind donating to charity, and learn more about what you can do this holiday season to help yourself by helping others.
Discovering Personal Transformation
You may have heard the sentiment that people don’t change, but science has reason to believe otherwise. Studies into neuroplasticity demonstrate that the adult brain is never done developing and will continue to grow and change throughout life.
Researchers have discovered that noticeable changes occur in people who’ve undergone tumultuous events, such as addiction or a cancer diagnosis. These individuals suddenly experience a new sense of purpose in their lives, looking for opportunities to make a change and behaving more altruistically in everyday life.
Additionally, there’s nothing like the holidays to revisit what it means to give back. Approximately one-third of donations received annually in the United States are given during the holiday season. People take more time to focus on their family and community, inspiring them to volunteer their time and effort to others in need — and ultimately, everyone benefits.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Altruism
It’s not just a “feel-good” sensation — the psychology behind donating to charity demonstrates real neurological effects on the brain. Doing something you perceive as “good” activates the pleasure centers of the brain, providing a lasting benefit to mood and your sense of self-worth.
Plenty of things can cause a dopamine release, such as making a new friend or getting a raise at work. But they tend to drop quickly in effectiveness: The thrill of getting to know someone fades as you settle into friendship, and the extra money becomes just part of your salary as spending habits adjust.
However, the effects of altruistic giving don’t fade away so easily and actually continue to contribute to your psychological well-being for longer periods of time.
In addition to feeling good about yourself, donating time or money to a cause helps you feel you’re enabling positive change in the community and the world. You also have the opportunity to forge social connections and develop your own sense of belonging.
Ways to Get Involved in Charitable Activities
No matter what your specific passions are, there’s a way for you to contribute. Giving money is usually the most popular option, but there are plenty of ways of making a difference besides writing a check.
Donate Supplies and Other Items
Many organizations are in need of goods to continue their work. Craft supplies can help an after-school program in an underserved neighborhood. Work clothes you’ve outgrown can be donated to an organization that provides business clothes for interviews and other professional functions. Some groups even have large sales where they sell off donated items to raise funds for what they need to purchase.
Utilize Social Media
Today, more and more people are connecting with friends and family through the power of social media. Use your connections online to share posts from a favorite organization or request donations on their behalf. This costs you nothing but time and helps a project reach people it might not have been able to otherwise.
Volunteer Your Time
Monetary donations may be off the table for many people who simply don’t have the funds to share. However, most groups have volunteering opportunities. You could package meals for delivery to seniors, help with a neighborhood cleanup effort, serve food to the homeless or help with a blood drive.
To make this option even more enticing, many companies have a volunteer time-off policy, giving their employees a certain number of paid hours monthly or annually to spend volunteering with local organizations that aid the community.
Organize a Drive
Charities serving certain populations often require specific materials and have a hard time getting them. One example could be a coat drive for students in an impoverished area. You can do the work of contacting businesses and reaching out to local media to get the word out. Those who give to the drive will have the assurance of your partnered charity that their donations are going where you promise, and you’re volunteering your time to alleviate the stress of organization.
Take Part in Social Charity Events
Organizations often hold social events as fundraisers. Whether you’re running a 5K or attending a polo match, the money you spend at these events, both for tickets to attend and additional activities like silent auctions, goes back to helping the organization stay on its feet. You also get the added benefit of building relationships with those who have values and interests similar to yourself.
Spontaneous Kindness
Not every moment of giving has to be preplanned. Acts as simple as holding the door open for someone or donating your spare change to a cause at the supermarket checkout will add up. Look for opportunities in your daily life to give back to the community.
Giving Back During the Holidays
Giving back means whatever you want it to mean. Whether you’re helping an organization financially or giving freely of your time and talents, you’ll reap the benefits. The power of giving back lies not only in furthering the mission of a cause close to your heart but also in what it can help you discover in yourself.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your own mental health during the holidays, try taking a moment to give rather than receive. And don’t forget that professional support is out there — you can always contact FHE Health to connect with our supportive counselors.
