One of the Bible’s more well-known teachings states that it is “better to give than to receive,” but does this mantra hold up to the scrutiny of scientific research? Here at Restavek Freedom, we’ve seen firsthand the freedom that comes with giving generously to children in Haiti, so we weren’t surprised to read that scientists agree with Jesus on this point. Countless studies from renowned organizations have proven that generosity brings freedom, health, and joy to the lives of those who choose to practice it.
Read on for 6 of the ways that giving generously can give YOU freedom.
Brightens Your Mood
One of the easiest way to bust through a bad mood is doing something kind and generous for someone else. Scientists out of Zurich have found that generosity is “the primary route to boost happiness,” and that even the simple act of making a plan or pledge to help others can brighten your mood and improve your outlook. MRI studies show that the brains of those who make a plan to be generous light up in the regions of the brain tied to happiness, social behavior, and decision-making.
Reduces Stress & Improves Mental Health
Research shows that individuals who give generously experience a reduction in stress and anxiety. Stinginess is associated with higher levels of cortisol, which can lead to unhappiness and an unhealthy level of stress. Volunteering and generosity can lower cortisol levels, keeping them in a healthy and helpful range.
Increases Your Lifespan & Lowers Blood Pressure
Studies have proven that people who give generously live not only happier lives, but longer lives as well. Generosity can lower your blood pressure and increase your overall lifespan. Each act of generosity or each session of volunteering accrues, giving you a better quality of life for a longer period of time.
Inspires Generosity in Your Community
Generosity begets generosity, meaning that it is contagious and easily caught. Having generous friends and neighbors can rub off and inspire you to be more generous. Likewise, being a generous community member will impact not only those who receive, but increase the nature of generosity in your circles of influence.
Opens Your Hands and Eyes
The more you give away, the more you realize you have to give. Generosity leads to open hands, free of the possessions and attitudes you once clenched so tightly. The more the seeds of generosity grow within you, the less tied down you are to the things that don’t have a lasting impact on the world.
Teaches You to Accept Generosity in Turn
When you give generously, you are able to accept generosity in turn. This applies to simple things like compliments and kind words as well as the seasons of your own life in which you stand in need of help and support.
The Restavek Freedom Foundation exists to put an end to child slavery in Haiti and raise awareness for the plight of enslaved people worldwide. We are one of the top charities working in the country of Haiti to bring down child slavery from the ground up through education, activism, and child advocacy.
We offer many ways that you can apply your generous nature to support our work, including child sponsorship, donating your birthday, the defender project, and more. Choosing to give to the mission of Restavek Freedom will bring joy and opportunity to children in need and improve your life in the process.
