Give to others and reap the benefits this festive season
13 December 2021
Humans are social animals, and we have a natural desire to look out for others and help people in times of need. With the holidays fast approaching, this sense of compassion can swell, especially as we embrace the festive season and reflect on the year that has passed.
One powerful way to show kindness is through the act of giving! Whether it’s through gifts, food, money or time, giving provides many benefits that can improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are just a few.
1. It’s good for our health
When you give, your brain releases serotonin and dopamine. These are the chemicals that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, the same ones you get when you hug a loved one. This can instantly lift your mood, which, in turn, can influence many physical and mental benefits, such as decreasing blood pressure and reducing stress (which is especially important after this stressful year). On top of the immediate impact you experience, giving can also increase your self-esteem and sense of fulfilment.
2. It promotes cooperation and social connection
In addition to the individual boost, giving can also help foster a sense of cooperation and social connection. Giving inspires a reciprocal relationship between the giver and receiver, making them more likely to give back when they are able! This promotes a sense of trust and cooperation that can strengthen our ties with others and promote good mental and physical health.
3. It evokes gratitude
As noted above, giving is associated with a range of positive emotions. It has also been proven to evoke a sense of gratitude. Gratitude is integral to happiness, health and social bonds, and can help strengthen connections between friends, family members, work colleagues and even strangers!
So next time you find yourself in a position to give, remember that it doesn’t just have a good influence on others, but also on yourself!
Give a gift that matters this festive season with YWCA Canberra
As 2021 finally draws to an end, most of us are looking forward to a new start in 2022. But for too many in our community, more than 18 months of COVID-19 crisis have pushed them to the edge.
To help these people, we’re asking you to give a gift that matters: give $25 for women and their families this holiday period.
We’re working hard to make sure that every family in Canberra has a positive festive season, by providing Christmas hampers and gifts to all families in our housing services, as well as people accessing the Lanyon Food Hub.
And any further funds raised during our end of year appeal will go to our YHomes project to build safe and secure housing for older women and women escaping domestic violence.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Want to donate food instead of funds? We’re also taking donations of non-perishable items to keep our Lanyon Food Hub stocked over the holiday period. All food donations must be made before 20 December 2021.
For more information and to make a donation, check out our website.
Tags: CBR, community, covid-19, food hub, fundraising, housing