Helping others and giving back to the community make you feel good. The same can be said for giving a gift to a friend or family member. Giving instead of receiving is scientifically proven to improve your mental and physical health, so here are just some ways that giving is good for you.

You feel happier

Gift-giving releases “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. It also releases endorphins which produce the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.”

Self-esteem booster

Seeing your gift provide joy to others boosts your self-esteem, increasing your confidence and self-appreciation. You also experience a sense of accomplishment from doing something that positively impacted someone else.

Lowers your blood pressure

Handing out gifts significantly lowers blood pressure and heart rate while making you feel more sociable, more involved, and less aggressive, lowering overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

Improved immunity

Your health is impacted by how you feel mentally and physically. When you are happy and experiencing the euphoria of giving to others, it improves your mood and your immunity, decreasing your risk of illness.

Less depression

When you give a gift, you feel a sense of happiness and calmness, great remedies to symptoms of depression. By transitioning your focus onto someone else and prioritizing making them feel good, you get purpose and positivity in return.

If you find that you are struggling with your mental health or need some extra support, Valley Oaks Health is here for you. Call us today.