The Holidays are a special time for many individuals around the world. They are observed and celebrated, shared and remembered. Some associate them with friends and family. Others associate them with peace and presents. Everyone participates in their own form of jubilation, but one thing is universal. The holidays are a time for giving thanks and for giving back.
Several studies have shown that both gratitude and generosity can do wonders for a persons health and wellbeing. Dubious? Here are the scientifically-proven benefits of both.
The Benefits of Giving Thanks
Foster Relationships – Practicing gratitude in your everyday life can increase your opportunities to establish relationships according to a study conducted in 2014. It seems that people you’ve only just met are more likely to seek out long-term relationships with you if you’ve thanked them for something they’ve done, no matter how small.
Enhance Physical Health – It seems logical that grateful individuals are more likely to take care of their health. Perhaps this is the reason that a 2012 study found grateful individuals to experience less “aches and pains” than other people. In fact, more gratuitous individuals reported feeling healthy than did those that were not grateful.
Reduce Aggression – Gratitude may also be responsible for mellowing out your reactions during a not-so-kind encounter. The University of Kentucky found that retaliation rates lowered as gratitude increased in a study that pitted participants against negative stimuli. The grateful study partakers exhibited increased levels of empathy and sensitivity, and decreased desires for revenge.
The Benefits of Giving Back
Extended Lifespan – Participating in an activity that gives back to your community can actually help to extend your lifespan. It provides participants with the skills and coping mechanisms required to successfully manage stress, reduce depression rates, and improve their sense of satisfaction.
Improve Happiness – A study observing more than 2000 people over a period of five years found that those reporting the highest levels of happiness volunteered a minimum of 5.8 hours per month. Although the cause for this increase in happiness is still being researched, scientists believe an increase in physical and social activity, along with the potential release of a neurochemical reward, is responsible.
Lower Blood Pressure – Social opportunities that provide an outlet for emotional stress can help lower blood pressure in older givers. One study demonstrated a 40% decrease in risk for hypertension in people that volunteered at least 200 hours per year.
There are several other health and wellness benefits associated with giving thanks and giving back. In addition to the benefits listed above, chronic pain relief, improved sense of purpose, higher levels of sleep quality, and increased mental strength have also been scientifically demonstrated.
It seems fair to say that if you’d like to participate in a little self-care this holiday season, then perhaps one of the most effective things you can do is show you care for both other people and for what you’ve already been given.