When it comes to mental health, practices like spa days, relaxation, exercise or meditation are self-care techniques that likely come to mind. However, there's another powerful tool that deserves recognition: generosity.
The simple—often overlooked—act of giving to others without expecting anything in return, can have a significant impact on one's own mental health. Whether it be with time, resources, or even a listening ear, humans are hardwired for generosity. Being generous can quite literally enhance our lives.
Studies show that being generous can lead to less stress, improved self-esteem and increased feelings of happiness. Since May is Mental Health Awareness month, we've invited Dr. Nicole Roberts and Monte Wood, authors of Generosity Wins, to share more about how selflessness can truly enrich your own life in addition to the lives of those around you.
"At its core, generosity is a form of self-care," begins Dr. Roberts. "When you do good, all sorts of good things happen inside you. Your hormones change, you get an immediate sense of a 'helper's high,' and your body and brain tell you that you're doing something positive."
A "helper's high," refers to the positive emotions that you feel after completing a selfless act, Dr. Roberts explains. It's when those "feel good" chemicals like serotonin - which regulates your mood, dopamine; which gives you a sense of pleasure, and oxytocin; which creates a sense of connection with others, are released into your body after you complete a selfless act, for example, something simple like complimenting someone.
"What happens is magical," adds Wood. "It's so much bigger than what any of us can imagine." There are even "scientific findings that suggest acts of generosity will come back to you," he says.
Wood explains that "you have to be courageous in order to be generous," and that by building that "courageous muscle" in your body, you can lead yourself to success because you'll actually begin to feel worthy of it.
"People who feel worthy of success are much more likely to be successful than those who don't," Wood says. "You actually have to feel worthy of the energy of the universe, that God is going to give you success, and you feel worthy of it when you are generous with others," he affirms.
Of course, generosity doesn't just mean big, grand gestures. Simple, everyday acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor carry groceries, or listening attentively to a friend in need, can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver.
"Generosity is about connecting with others," continues Dr. Roberts. In a world where loneliness and isolation are rampant, she highlights how it can boost our social connections—a crucial aspect of one's mental health.
In today's world, she says "a lot of us get very lonely. We live alone, or we live in couples, whereas before we used to live in multi-generational homes, and it's very isolating." Dr. Roberts highlights that a lot of mental health issues today, such as suicidal ideation, depression, or loneliness are directly linked to "how individualized we've become."
However, she emphasizes that "something as simple as giving to others helps us be human."
Wood agrees, adding, "Generosity connects us to our shared humanity. It reminds us that we are all part of a larger community and that our actions can have a positive impact on the world around us."
By making generosity a part of our daily lives, we can create a more compassionate society and improve our mental health. We can enhance our mood, build stronger connections, and connect more deeply with ourselves in a way that we haven't been able to before.
As we focus on Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to remember that self-care isn't just all about the self. While taking time for oneself is important, extending care to others can be equally as valuable. By embracing generosity, we send the message that it's important for all of us to feel good about ourselves.
In their book, Generosity Wins, Dr. Roberts and Wood provide readers with a roadmap on how to incorporate more generosity into their daily lives. Told in a business-fable style, the book shares insights from numerous successful entrepreneurs who have utilized generosity as a catalyst for better mental and overall health.
By weaving together personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical tips, Generosity Wins inspires readers to recognize the mutual benefits of giving. Dr. Roberts and Monte Wood show us that through generosity, we can heal ourselves and the world around us.
Purchase a copy of their book here.
