To give or not to give?
Why not focus on giving this year? We are hardwired to want something or the other all the time. Most activities we undertake are to gratify many such wants. While it is essential to go after things, they might not always give you the gratification you are looking for as feeling of happiness has an expiry date. In the long run, things that make you happy today, may not matter much.
Then how do you achieve a sense of contentment? It is an ongoing process. You need to perpetually do a combination of things we have talked about, like managing your well-being, building meaningful relationships, spending more time with loved ones, and so on. One important activity you should consider adding to this list is giving. We feel gratification by giving. Giving adds more meaning to life, and brings feelings of contentment in the long run.
Giving psychology
We are hardwired to be compassionate as well. Being kind towards others makes us genuinely happy. There is no dearth of studies showing that giving makes us feel good as giving instantly makes us feel part of a larger purpose. Focusing on giving lets you take a break from yourself and all that keeps you busy. It helps bring down stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.
It helps release all those happy hormones that regulate mood, sleep, digestion and cognitive function. And being in a good mood makes you kinder. In fact, most happy people are often also known to be kind, nurturing and courteous. Kindness is one of the core character strengths that make up our personality as recognised in positive psychology. Further, Charles Darwin explained in his latest works that sympathy (compassion) was crucial for human evolution.
How long can I be happy with giving?
It really depends on you. Explore what works for you. Whether you prefer giving money, resources or your time. What cause do you want to support? Do you want to work with causes that support children, human rights, education, or animals, or the environment? There is something for everyone. Put in an effort to understand what is close to your heart as being a part of something that means a lot to you, will help you become more committed to the cause and will add true meaning to your contribution.
A study by social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn found that how we help matters. For ex: if you donated money to a cause a friend directed you to, without understanding the impact your contribution made, then chances are you may not remember or commit to that cause. Getting involved matters. So, try and pick a cause that you can relate to, that gives you a sense of being part of something big and making a difference. Learn from people around you, who are involved in a cause and find out how it works for them.
Make sure that you commit to the cause for a long-term or that your contribution has a long-term impact. Fund children for education year after year until they graduate, teach engineering to underprivileged children, support LGBTQ+ groups, or work with businesses to solve mobility issues for people living with disability, or join movements that support environment protection. The world truly is your oyster.
Give as a priority
We tend to get busy with too many things. However, giving is an essential part of life. It makes a difference to us and to the cause we decide to contribute to. It is worth the time, effort, or resources you put into giving. Start simple and set realistic goals and have a game plan that keeps you on track.
So, build your own giving project. Ask yourself, what resources or skills do I have that can benefit others? How much time can I spend? How to stay committed to see through the giving project? How much will I contribute each year? Will my family and friends join my cause?
Giving is an obligation
While we talk here on how giving benefits us, let’s not forget, it is also our moral obligation. It is easy to take things for granted, and not appreciate all that we have. Therefore, giving has been part of all cultures as civilisations across the globe recognised that we live in an ecosystem that nurtures us, and it is our responsibility to give back however we can. Make giving a part of your way of life.