Last week’s Monday Wellness Tip revealed that people who volunteer feel they have more time. This week we’ll look at how giving can make you richer!
Giving makes us feel happy. As we’re in the midst of giving season, we thought it would be a good opportunity to look at some traditional and original ideas for ways you can give back to the world.
Give your money: This is an obvious option, but how many times have you dodged the charity recruiters on the street, thinking “I don’t have time for this”? Being a regular donor to a charity of your choice can give you a year-round supply of the warm fuzzies. Giving evokes feelings of gratitude – just as much as receiving a gift – so you can think about giving money as a gift to yourself.
Give away your stuff: Decluttering is a great way to free up space in your home and your life. There’s no reason to hang on to what you’re not using: appliances, clothes, books, and furniture can all easily find a new home. Take items to a clothes donation bin, or sign up for Freecycle or a ‘Free Your Stuff’ group on Facebook and let people come to you. ‘One in, one out’ is a good rule to live by. Generosity is good for your health – if you don’t have time before Christmas, put it on your New Year’s resolution list along with going to the gym.
Give blood: Give the gift of life by donating blood. There’s always someone in need, and you could save up to three lives in one donation! If you don’t like needles, think about the fortune of the person who desperately needs a transfusion – they probably don’t like needles either, but they’ve got no choice. One third of Australian blood donations help treat people with cancer. Giving promotes social connection: you’ll feel closer to society by giving something that could save lives.
Give a smile: When was the last time you received a nice smile from a stranger? As holiday season approaches, stress levels rise – shopping gets chaotic, drivers become erratic, and it’s easy to lose sight of the meaning behind these celebrations: bringing happiness to others. Giving the gift of a smile to a stranger, whether it’s reciprocated or not, is an easy way to brighten someone else’s day, and may even help them to pass on your kind action to someone else. After all, giving is contagious.
We hope you enjoyed our Monday wellness tip!
Be sure to register for The Wellness Show which will be held 1 – 3 April 2016 at the Hordern Pavilion & Royal Hall of Industries in Sydney. It’s free!
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