Here's a question - how generous are you?

With your time... your efforts... your money.

Here's another one (ok, two) - how happy are you? How would you rate your own wellbeing?

The science would suggest that these two questions are linked - that generosity has a measurable, positive effect on people's happiness, and more deeply, their experience of wellbeing.

I won't bore you with all the details (but feel free to check out the links), so below is a 4-point summary:

1. Both giving to impersonal causes (think giving to a charity) and personal (someone you know) is good for you!

   Both acts stimulate the brain's reward system (that make you feel good or happy), BUT only personal or targetted giving reduces the activity of the amygdala, the area of the brain that kicks in our flight-fight response and is linked to anxiety disorders (general and specific). Giving is good for you; giving to targetted, personal causes is even better! Read more about the study here.

2. It doesn't matter how much you give - your brain and body will love you.

   In one study, researchers discovered that the amount of money people gave away had no impact on their 'wellbeing response'. I particularly love this line in the report, 'It is worth keeping in mind that even little things have a beneficial effect - like bringing coffee to one's office mates in the morning.' Check out the report in Time here. 

3. Generosity breeds generosity.
   

   In this study, it was discovered that simply thinking about being generous resulted in positive brain activity - increasing the feelings of happiness and lowering stress. AND, that those who began thinking and acting generously about one task, also acted more generously across the board. If you feel like you need a wellbeing boost, take a moment to simply think about being generous and you'll start the ball rolling.

4. Volunteering is not only good for you now, but may help you live longer!

According to one study. participation in voluntary services has strong, positive impacts on mental health, physical health, life satisfaction, self-esteem, happiness, lower depressive symptoms, psychological distress, and mortality and functional inability. Being generous with your time makes the time you have available better - and gives you more time to use in the long run. Win-win-win! Take a deep dive by reading here.