We have all heard that it is better to give than receive. Why is that – what happens to us when we give? Our guest is the author of a book that talks about the pleasure that giving gives us physically and mentally. She also talks about avoiding burn out and how to give the “right way.”
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Looking For Happiness? It's Not As Difficult As You May Think
Is the key to happiness as simple as giving? Author and philanthropy adviser Jenny Santi says it is.
And science seems to be backing her up.
Santi sites numerous studies in her book “The Giving Way to Happiness: Stories and Science Behind the Life-Changing Power of Giving” that show the “joy of giving” has a biological basis in the brain. When peop[le give, two reward systems in the brain work together, she said: the midbrain VTA, the same part stimulated by food and sex; and the subgenual area, the area stimulated when we see babies or romantic partners.
“Altruism is hardwired in the brain and is pleasurable,” Santi said.
It’s not just about happiness and pleasure. “There are lots of other things that will happen to us when we give back,” she said.
People will find connection with others.
“You’ll meet a lot of interesting people,” Santi said. “When you give, one door opens to 10 other doors, and you’ll find your circle of friends will be more diverse, interesting and inspiring.”
Giving is also a good way to help people heal from painful experiences like loss and trauma. It can also reduce stress, help people live longer and make people healthier, she said.
She adds not all giving will lead to happiness, people need to find the way that works for them. To do that she suggests:
- Finding a cause you can be passionate about
- Figuring out what area you should focus on
- Giving time, not just money
- Asking for transparency where the money goes
- Doing something that makes an impact you can see for yourself
- Accepting gratitude
- Recognizing there can be time when it doesn’t seem worth it
“The key is to find the approach that fits you,” Santi said. “When you do, then the more you give the more you get back – not in money but in other forms of value, connection, purpose, meaning, happiness.”
Episode Credits
- Larry Meiller Host
- Jill Nadeau Producer
- Jenny Santi Guest
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