The benefits of giving to others are numerous and most are fairly obvious. Sharing with others, when you have abundance, is a centuries old act of human kindness that has given far-reaching benefits to generations. These benefits can be humanitarian, financial or cultural; they can give improved health, as well as freedom from disease and hunger.
The statistics speak for themselves, so if you have ever been in doubt as to the need for giving to others, look at the following statistics:
- Up to 1.5 billion people don’t have access to clean water.
- 25% of the world’s people are starving.
- One child dies every couple of seconds from a disease that could have been prevented.
- Close to 10% of the people in the world are illiterate.
- 3 million Americans are homeless in any given year.
The reasons for giving for humanitarian reasons are obvious, but there are many worthwhile causes closer to you, within your community. So, in this short article, we will explore some of the more personal benefits of giving to other people.
Karma
Many people believe that what goes around comes around. They believe that if they do good deeds to others, the same will be done to them. It certainly does seem as though happy people attract happiness; wealthy people attract money; generous people attract generosity.
Self-esteem
Research has shown that people who give to others feel good about themselves, adding to their level of self-esteem and self-confidence. Giving to others supports your feelings of self-worth.
Life satisfaction
People who give to others are generally more satisfied with their own situation and life than those who don’t. Givers seem better able to cope with problems and difficulties in their own lives, maybe because they have a good understanding of how many people are worse off than they are. Helping others gives meaning to your life and helps to make life worthwhile. While you are thinking about another person, you aren’t dwelling on your own problems, so you lower your stress levels.
Feel good
Doctors have found that, while a regular phone call of support, from one cancer sufferer to another, helped the recipient, the real winner was the person ringing to help a fellow-sufferer. The improvements in quality of life that the helper experienced far outstripped those of the receiver. It also appears that these benefits gained by helping others last for years.
People who are happy to give to others are generally healthier and don’t suffer from anxiety and depression to the same extent as the community average. It seems that, contrary to popular belief, we don’t feel good by what we get; we feel good because of what we give. The reason for this phenomenon is that it isn’t possible to feel those negative emotions when we are engaged in kind and compassionate deeds. A positive cycle is set up – we help others which makes us feel good which makes us more likely to engage in more acts of kindness.
Different forms of giving to others
- Money – many worthwhile causes need constant injections of cash.
- Goods and services – give new and secondhand goods or use your skills to help others. For example, if you have an old boat that you no longer use, you can donate it to a charity. Once you know how to donate a boat, the rest of the process is quite simple, as the charity sells your boat through an online auction. Once the winning bid has been selected, the money for which the boat sells is given to a charity. You have some control over the charity that receives the money, as there is a list from which you can choose. Finally, you are given a tax deduction in the amount of the boat’s value in exchange for your generosity.
- Time – volunteering your time is a great way of giving to others; you are giving of yourself. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them.
- Expertise – teaching others what you know
- Random Acts of Kindness – little things that you do for people in your life or total strangers, often without their knowledge, that will brighten their day.
- Smile – the cheapest and simplest gift you can give another human being is a smile. It shows that another person acknowledges them and brightens the day of both the giver and receiver.
Take these benefits of giving to others onboard and look for ways that you can give to help others. You will find plenty of opportunities within your own circle of friends, your local and wider community as well as overseas.
So, what benefits have you received from helping others?
Great reminders. Those who don’t spend time helping others develop a smaller and smaller world and world-view. Bitterness and jealousy of others soon follow.
You are so right. I have met people that fit this very description. It is really quite sad. It’s like no one taught them to care about others.
I think giving to others brings a great deal of perspective. Having recently returned from Honduras, I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to live in the country in which I do.
Agreed. When we traveled to Central America last year and South Asia this year we too were reminded how fortunate we are. I always try to catch and stop myself on the days I find myself complaining because I really don’t have anything to complain about.
I think the old saying ‘You get what you give’ is very true. If you keep every bit of good fortune that comes your way for yourself, you’re missing out on a world of opportunity.
Great point and well said. Giving to others does open up opportunity- an opportunity to learn about someone else, where they are from, what they know etc. It is the people around us that can teach us so much about life and about ourselves.
Giving is truly rewarding, and makes somebody a bigger person in my view. How much and in what way one gives can be personal of course, but having that giving spirit is good for oneself and for others with whom we interact.
For me, it’s easiest when I actually see someone in need. I know some people wouldn’t agree, but I tend to feel the need to give if I see someone older on the street, or clearly disadvantaged.
Glad to hear your take notice Squirrelers. So many people are too busy to notice someone in need which is really quite sad. I always look for opportunities to help in whatever way I can, big or small. Just tonight I was at a work meeting and when it finished and everyone else went home I stayed to help clean up. It was the one thing I could do to make a difference.
Giving is so important, especially to those who need help. Time and money are great gifts to many.
Money is good but I would say time is better. Many people or organizations in need need time from others, that physical helping hand. The best part about this is that everyone can give time, but not everyone can give money which makes it just that much more universally possible.
Volunteer work is so important. It helps keep so many organations running.
Agreed. I have done a lot of volunteering in the past and I still do some. I enjoy it a lot actually. It really is amazing all of the cool things you can learn and do volunteering. I have gotten entire courses for free just because I was a volunteer.
This is a wonderful reminder. People would be shocked if they realize how awesome it is to help others. Being the beneficiary of a random act of kindness is simply wondeful and gives you such an appreciation to the giver. Being the giver can absolutely revolutionize your life. As you “solve the world problems,” your vision gets enlarged (as Dean was saying), and you can do great things you might not have otherwise even considered.
I totally agree. Each act of kindness can be cumulative and really add up over time. If we each did one good act a day a to help other people we would live in a much different world.
Absolutely. A large number of participants can make a tremendous difference even if they are only doing one good deed a day. That’s a great way to think about it.
Giving is important and those little random acts of kindness can work wonders!
Absolutely. Often the little things we do that we don’t think are that significant, actually are significant and really make a difference. No amount of kindness and giving is too small.
Good Morning! Giving is wonderful and makes the giver and the receiver feel pretty darn good. I would like to share with you what a fellow blogger is doing this week. She is spearheading something quite wonderful…. here is the post http://halfdozendaily.blog.com/2011/11/04/help-me-buy-some-farm-animals-win-a-handmade-retro-apron/#comment-1667 Check it out and support her. It is a great example of giving all year round.
Sounds like a very cool idea and we really need more people like this in the world. I hope she reaches her goal.
If you give time I would add “make great friends”. The charity or you donate your time to will attract other like minded people so it’s simple to make lasting friends when volunteering.
That is so true. I volunteer at a teen clinic and this is what has happened. I have made some great friends with some other volunteers.
Molly: I love this post! I know I can let life get the best of me and forget others that I could help.
Mike: Living in the US (even in one of the poorest states) we have so many more resources than other countries. It makes giving easy. I think as a whole we can forget that.
I agree. Many of us get busy in our own lives and we don’t think about what is going on around us. We all need a reminder every now and then.
Good list, Miss T. Even time and attention are well received. Compared to most other places in the world, we live in material abundance. Giving and sharing is easy when we have a mind to do it.
So true. We are so fortunate here. We really should spread the fortune and decrease the disparity. But like you said, our mind has to be into it. Otherwise giving just doesn’t occur to us.
People should be more giving, especially those who can give more than others. However, I am always surprised to notice that those who can afford less, always give more. We all should strive to be kinder to each other. Great post!
Great point. You are right; those with less do seem to be more involved. Maybe it is because it hits home for them a bit more and this drives them to help more. This just means those more fortunate should do even more. And yes, we could all do to treat people better on a daily basis. Even if we don’t want to be friends we should always show respect and kindness. Everyone deserves that.
Working for non-profits over the years I have been able to experience first-hand the effect that gifts (or lack of) can have on communities and individuals. Many people that can only afford to give small amounts don’t recognize how much those amounts add up, but they really and truly do make a difference.
You are so right. Often times we sell our actions and donations short when really we are making a big difference. Just think, if 500 people donated $5 that equals $2500. Or if that same amount of people donated 30 minutes of their time, you would have hours and hours of help.
I love this post… in fact, it is the perspective we try to take around Christmas, since it has become so commercialized and self-focused. Thanks for some great ideas and reminders.
Glad to hear that Doctor Stock. You are right- so many people have lost what the holidays really mean. It really is about appreciating and helping others.
I remember my mother volunteering for various charities when I was young. As a teacher of at risk students, I see how organizations help and support the children. Seeing the great work that they do, I am happy to support their work.
It is glad to hear you have learned from example. I think that is one of the first steps needed to make a change in today’s world.
As far as programs for youth, you are right- there are many now in place. I volunteer at a teen clinic which works with teens using harm reduction strategies regarding teen pregnancy, drugs, alcholol, etc. I find it really helps the teens and I am glad I can do my part.
Love the message of this post! Giving and helping someone else is the greatest honor. You always see the best of everyone AFTER a tragedy strikes i.e. 9/11. I hope we can replicate the predisposition of giving for all our lives.
It’s clear things aren’t that easy for many folks now, and if we can volunteer our time, money, and knowledge, that will help a lot. Blogging is a great way to give back b/c it helps answer questions a perfect stranger might have.
Thanks Miss T!
I never really thought about blogging in that way but you are right. It is a way we can share advice with others.
You are right about 911. If we can all use that example to guide our daily activities then we will really start making a difference to this world in a positive way.
I mindfully look for opportunities to give back. Just recently went apple picking for charity. I automate our charitable giving so that quarterly the contributions are made and I don’t have to worry about it. No excuses for forgetting or putting off giving to others. Also like sustainability charities that support learning self sufficiency.
Sounds like you have a great plan in place Barb. I really like your automation idea. That is great. I am definitely going to have to look into doing that myself.
Thank YOU Miss T – this post really resonates with me. I completely agree with the Doctor studies/results and can feel it just by visualizing the action. Excellent message – thank you!
You’re welcome. I am glad this message hit home. I was hoping it would. We all need a wake up call sometimes to remind us about what really is important.
I think one of the biggest benefits of helping others is that it reminds you to be grateful for all that you have! When your goals are lofty its easy to focus on what you want, ie what you don’t have yet. It’s nice to step back and appreciate what you’ve already been given and/or achieved.
You hit the nail on the head Kennedi. It is easy to focus on what we are still missing but this is not good. We need to appreciate what we do have because we are all so lucky. There are so many others in this world literally fighting for their life and safety. They are the ones that need help, not us.
I give time and money. I find that giving my time is more rewarding for me because I can see the end result but giving money sometimes goes futher.
That’s great to hear. I am glad that you have made giving a priority in your life. A lot of young people don’t
I think that donating to charity is wonderful. We strive to support local organizations knowing that the money will be used in our community.
Local organizations is a great way to give back because you can see the results. We try to do something similar with the opportunities that come along. I love it.
Miss T very good article. I came from a country where 70% population is poor. I gives me a tremendous feeling of joy when I do things that help them. And being a Hindu, I believe in Karma a lot. I hope I’ll keep getting good karma for my help towards poor people of my birth country
Wow. You can truly relate to what I am talking about then. I think your Karma will go a long way so keep on giving.
I’ve sponsored a child for about 6 years now and it feels good to be able to help someone and it’s fun sending and receiving letters and pictures. There are so many people in need in this world and even a little bit of help goes a long way.
You’re right. Every little bit does add up. That is so cool that you are sponsoring a child. I have thought about these myself but I know it can be hard to find a legit organization. I will definitely have to look into this further.
I am actually not that big on charity, simply because after travelling to some of the poorer countries I believe that simply giving money can actually be damaging. I am much more big on charity to those who truly need it (the crippled, disabled, etc…) and a helping hand and heart to others. Instead of charity, hire them, or help them build up houses and infrastructure. It feels much more rewarding for both parties involved, and this is what I would like to get more involved in not too long from now.
I agree… that’s one of the beauties of micro-lending… builds into their self-worth as well.
I really have to look into micro lending. I haven’t yet but it sounds like it is a great thing from what I have heard.
Great point. I definitely have seen the benefits that you describe in these situations. I agree that if you can find a way to provide more dignity and opportunity to those in need than you should do so.
That’s an interesting fact about the benefit that cancer sufferers receive when they’re calling a fellow cancer fighter. It reminds me of an interview I did with a woman fighting cancer who kept saying that she got cancer for a “reason,” which is to help others.
Interesting perspective hey. It is amazing how tragedy can change a person’s viewpoint and direction in life. It really is great to see others support one another at times liket this.
Great article. I am a little late on getting to read it but it is really nice to see how something bad can turn out to be a good thing. I always believed things happen for a reason even bad things. The reason may not be apparent at first.