5 Ways Giving Back Is GOOD For Your Whole Self

In the midst of striving to improve our own lives and earn as much as we can with our industry and talents, balance our work and family, and find time for our leisure and health, there may be an important but overlooked key to feeling better. And that is simply: giving back.

There are many ways to give back, from making financial gifts to a favorite charity, volunteering at an organization that is important to you, or donating items of need to a nonprofit that you care about.

There are obvious benefits for the organizations that receive donations, but one aspect we don’t always think about is the benefit to the givers themselves.

Here are 5 of the biggest ways that giving back can be good for your whole self. Some benefits are the emotional satisfaction of giving, while others are social benefits of being connected to, and helping support, your community.

Let’s dive in.

1. It makes you feel happy!

Whether you’re giving time, talents, money, or items of need to an organization, it just feels good to be a part of something good happening in your community. It feels good to be a part of the people working on an issue that is important to you.

Some people choose to make a one-time donation, while others make regular contributions because they feel good being a part of the organization’s mission. So, what’s the best reason to give back? Because it makes you happy! You’re a part of the change you want to see!

2. It helps you feel more satisfied with what you have

We spend so much time trying to make more money and buy more things to feel more satisfied. Choosing to give back can actually have the effect of making you feel more satisfied. Rather than scrambling to get more, helping others through giving back can help you appreciate what you have. Seeing others struggling with less, and giving back, so they can have enough, can make you grateful for what you, and your family have.

3. It builds social connections

One of the most meaningful things in life is being connected to the people that we care about most. It’s why we keep such strong family ties, and why we feel loyal to our ‘home team’. Giving back to your community, and organizations that help others builds social connections with those who benefit from your generosity. It builds real life connections and helps you be a part of something important.

4. It gives you purpose

Having a purpose gives life meaning and contributes to the happiness and satisfaction mentioned above. Everybody wants to have a purpose and many people find meaning and purpose in helping others.

Think about how you want to have an impact. What causes are important to you? What experiences have you had that can help others? Consider giving back in ways that are important to you and give you purpose. Contributing to change, to something working towards a better life for all, can give you a strong sense of purpose, with visible results.

5. It Gives you a sense of community

For communities to thrive and grow and have an impact, it takes a group of people who work together and are committed to a cause. Giving back joins you to a community as you become a part of the momentum that helps make change happen. Feeling like you want to be a part of a community making a difference? Try giving back and being the source of help for those who need it.

Giving To Arbor Place

Interested in giving to Arbor Place? Every gift of money or items makes a difference in the lives of those we serve at Arbor Place. Your support allows us to help those who need unconditional support to overcome their hardest challenges. Your support could give someone with no chance, a chance. To donate to Arbor Place, visit our giving page here.