#GivingTuesday Benefits of Giving
There have been numerous research projects linking different types of generosity to better health. Stephen Post, a professor or preventative medicine at Stony Brook University, reports that giving has shown to increase health benefits (Why Good Things Happen to Good People, 2007). Another study conducted in 1999 by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found elderly people who volunteered were 44% less likely to pass away over a 5-year period than those who were non-volunteers.
Other benefits of giving are it:
Reduces stress thus better health benefits
Encourages cooperation and positive social interaction which is central to good mental health
Giving induces gratitude (count your blessings) which has shown to increase personal happiness, better outlook on life, be more positive
In light of Giving Tuesday, I encourage you to make a commitment to donate time or money to a good cause.
If you are not sure where to donate, here is one suggestion:
Young Life: Young Life believes in the power of presence. Kids’ lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults come alongside them, sharing God’s love with them. Because their leader believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose.
This is the first step of a lifelong journey; the choices they make today, based upon God’s love for them, will impact future decisions … careers chosen, marriages formed and families raised. All ripples from the time when a Young Life leader reached out and entered their world.
For Giving Tuesday, I am helping to raise money for Young Life UWS! Did you know just $125 will help a child go to winter and summer camp instead of being in the streets. Even $25 helps cover weekly hangout with with students where they eat pizza and hear about God's crazy big love for them! Pizza and Jesus! I mean, c'mon. Sign me up!
To make a donation:
Go to www.giving.younglife.org
Select "Area Number" and Enter NY141 (Upper West Side)
Smile and give yourself a hug. You just helped a child!
Reference
Marsh J., Suttie, J. (2013) 5 ways giving is good for you. Retrieved from http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you
About Laura Rivera
Laura Rivera is the Owner and Transformation Coach for Self Dynamics LLC. Partnering with people for empowerment and encouragement, by walking alongside them for a season of their life and help coach them through their needs of self-growth. From Business Leadership Development, Parenting/ Family Coaching, Achieving personal life goals, to Spiritual growth and formation, she focuses on the growth and well-being of everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Self Dynamics: Enhance your Spirit, Enhance your Life
