Improve your Health
The Holidays! They are everywhere we look. Before Halloween is over the stores are busy stocking their isles and shelves with all kinds of decorations, wrapping paper, tinsel and bows, food goodies, toys, something special for everyone on your list, 50% off this and buy-one-get-one-free on that, and so it goes on and on. Stores open until midnight. Cyber Monday ends up turning into everyday of the week. Neck strain is produced sitting over the computer deliberating between which Amazon supplier has the better deal, and all those last minute details can really raise the tension barometer. Are you exhausted yet?
While giving is part of our holiday season, it does not have to be filled with rigor, stress and fatigue. There are other ways to give that actually improve both physical and mental health.
Positive health benefit associated with giving:
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased self esteem
- Decreased depression
- Greater longevity
- More Happiness
It’s not the size or how much a gift costs that brings joy. A child with $5 in his hand at the Secret Santa Workshop in an elementary school is proof. As the child picks out trinket gifts for the family he swells with delight. The pride and excitement of wrapping these treasures leaves the child floating on air. It’s the simplicity and the thought that are the real ribbons around these gifts.
Stuff. Who needs more stuff anyway? Give the gift of you! Give your time, attention, and energy to your friends and loved ones and community. Volunteer in shelters, homeless or animal; ring the bell for the Salvation Army; serve the homeless in your community; leave a homemade tin of cookies at the door of someone that lives alone; create homemade coupons to take your grandparents to the movie, make dinner for your parents, host game night complete with munchies and beverages for your friends—there are so many things we can give from a deeper place than our wallets.
According to a study published by the International Journal of Psychology, people who chose to offer social support in their communities versus those who didn’t had lower blood pressure. Researchers also found that people who volunteered their time to help others through community and organizational involvement had greater self-esteem, less depression, and lower stress levels than those who didn’t.
Doesn’t watching another’s face light up with a smile, whether you give a shiny wrapped box, a big hug, kind words, a gentle touch of compassion, or acknowledgement of a job well done, make you feel good? Ever wonder why?
Biologically, giving can produce a “warm glow,” activating regions in the brain linked to pleasure, connecting with others, and trust. There is evidence to prove that during gift-giving behaviors, humans secrete “feel good” chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin (a mood-balancing chemical), dopamine (a feel-good chemical), and oxytocin (a compassion and bonding chemical). Another note to consider, when researchers from the National Institutes of Health reviewed MRIs of subjects who had given time or money to various charities, they found that giving most assuredly stimulates what’s called the mesolimbic pathway, which is the reward center in the brain therefore releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the “helper’s high,” which is addictive in the most positive of ways!
Would you like to add some extra years to your life? According to a study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, people who were 55 and older who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44% less likely to die over a five-year period than those who didn’t volunteer. This study took into consideration other factors like age, exercise, general health, and adverse health habits such as smoking in the study. The goodness we give comes back to us in numerous ways.
Regardless of the season or what the occasion, keep in mind that we receive a real and true experience in the delight of giving. Choose wisely and thoughtfully. It’s not the price that counts. Kindness is free. Creativity comes at no cost. Stuff is just stuff. Your time is priceless. Take the challenge—let every day be an act of giving and watch your health reflect your generous spirit.
The staff at DOC would like to wish all our patients, clients and readers a happy and healthy and rich holiday season. Stay on top of your health. Give your self the gift of prevention. Schedule your wellness check up or your follow-up appointment today!