the gift of giving

by david holloway bsc, msc

“Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.” ― Ben Carson

Psychology researchers Ed O'Brien from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Samantha Kassirer of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management carried out two related independent studies of giving. They discovered that happiness declined less often or not at all if they repeatedly gave gifts to others as opposed to getting the same gifts themselves. Such behaviours are mediated by chemicals called endorphins. 

So give something back to the world and you will light up the sky of those around you and your own path to happiness will be easier. Interestingly our mental wellbeing may even be hardwired for giving in the brain as different brain regions are activated when giving and receiving. For example, oxytocin, the 'love' chemical, and serotonin which both create a feeling of warmth  such as from a big hug.

Be happy and love. By giving one gift you create a happiness cycle, that may trigger more happiness. Gifts are given by animals as well. Male chimpanzees give to females, something done by birds and insects too. Usually the hedonic adaptation (happiness balancer) is responsible for us feeling less happiness every time the same experience event or activity happens. For our brains get accustomed to the best things and want more. So give a gift today! It may make YOU happier than the person in receipt of the gift.

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