guy jumping for joyEvery year, more people in the U.S. are donating time and money to causes of their choosing. As I’ve mentioned previously, America continues to be one of the most charitable countries on earth. Still, there are many who wonder whether philanthropy is for everyone, and if there are benefits beyond giving their hard earned money to others. I do not think such skepticism is intended to be harmful. Those who ask are often interested in giving, but may feel they don’t have resources to truly be a change agent.  Nevertheless, the question of how charity is beneficial can be answered in many ways. Below, I’ve listed just 5 to spark some thought. Hopefully they will shed more light on why we all should give and how doing so benefits both the giver and the receiver.

  • Makes A Difference
    The obvious and most important benefit of giving back is that by providing resources, the organization or cause you’re hoping to affect grows closer to achieving their goal or eliminating a problem. Donations to medical research, education, veterans, etc., are transformational and work to make the world a better place.
  • Good for your heart
    Studies, likely driven by the same questions which inspired this blog, have shown a correlation between charity and blood pressure. Those who were more involved in helping others through some form of service to the community, had lower blood pressure than those who did not. As a result, giving back can extend life expectancy and provide a better quality of living.
  • Makes You Happy
    The brain responds to giving in positive ways, which many associate with the idea of altruism. While researchers argue about whether individuals can be fully selfless, there is consensus that giving leads to happiness. For many, the emotion is in response to the feeling that they done something positive and worthy of praise We are taught at a young age that sharing is noble, carrying out the practice in adulthood brings to mind those values.
  • Decreases Stress
    Stress is responsible for various ailments that afflict the body. In America, the issue has become one of serious concern, growing at a more rapid rate than any time in recent history. Volunteerism has been shown to reduce levels of stress, which in turn, promotes better overall health.
  • Good For The Company
    With the entire company involved in meaningful work, studies have shown that employee morale increases. Those who volunteer collectively or outside of work are more productive. Furthermore, companies with more charitable programs have greater worker retention.

So, regardless of you are and how much you have to give, doing so can make a huge difference. In a world affected by a range of issues and constant suffering, we all can do at least one thing to help. As a byproduct, we’re also helping ourselves. Some would say that’s good fortune, I would say it’s just the right thing to do.