“Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew in the good old world. And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. “
– Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
― Dr. Seuss, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
I just love this Christmassy time of year! And in a season filled with traditions, one of my favorites includes re-reading two of my best loved books- “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss. Both of these timeless classics revolve around a common theme-how the spirit of love and goodwill can transform cold and insensitive individuals into more generous and compassionate versions of themselves. But next time you read these books or watch their movies- take note of something else. Along with the inner transformation that these characters undergo-there is also an outwardly physical change. Scrooge goes from a tightfisted covetous and hunched over old man into a kind and jolly man who can skip and dance and even carry little Tiny Tim on his shoulders. Likewise-the Grinch goes from an icy cold, creature with nervously drumming fingers into a Superhero who finds the strength of ten Grinches… plus Two! And all because his small heart grows three sizes!
This brings me to the theme of this month’s newsletter-how doing good for others can actually be good for your health! Now we all know that giving helps others, whether we are volunteering at a local soup kitchen, offering emotional support to an old relative, or dropping a dollar bill in the red Salvation Army kettles outside the malls this time of year. But did you know that the “warm and fuzzy” feeling you get from helping others is actually good for you? Numerous studies over the years show that giving can actually boost your physical and mental health. One such study published in the journal Science in March 2008 actually suggested that spending money on other people may have a more positive impact on happiness than spending money on oneself.
Here are some other health benefits to Charitable Giving:
1. Lowers Blood Pressure- Research published in 2016 in the journal Health Psychology found that three weeks of charitable spending was enough to lower blood pressure scores among a group of older adults. In fact, the research found that the blood pressure improvements caused by prosocial spending were similar to those associated with taking up a new exercise routine!
2. Lowers Stress Levels- Stress is hard on the heart, potentially causing poor blood flow, increased clotting, and an increase in blood cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. That all sounds bad! But research published in January 2021 in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, found that giving generously lowers stress levels and inflammation, striking at the root of many health problems.
3. Makes us Feel Happier- A report by the Cleveland Clinic states that “There is evidence that, during gift-giving behaviors, humans secrete ‘feel good’ chemicals in our brains, such as serotonin (a mood-mediating chemical), dopamine (a feel-good chemical) and oxytocin (a compassion and bonding chemical).” These give you an immediate “helper high,” that warm, fuzzy feeling of joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction—and the effects can go on for weeks.
4. Helps us to Live Longer- There is growing evidence that giving of your time may have protective benefits. A recent study revealed that adults with heart disease who had spent up to 200 hours helping others in the previous year were less likely to have a heart attack or die in the following two years. The link might have something to do with the sense of purpose it can bring. In the book “Why Good Things Happen to Good People”, Stephen Post writes, “Giving reduces mortality significantly in later life, even when you start later- leading to better overall health and a longer life.” Similarly, a University of Michigan study found that, “Making a contribution to the lives of other people may help to extend our own lives.” Even though we give from a place of selflessness, we reap tremendous benefits!
During this festive holiday season, when you give to your favorite cause, your church, synagogue or nonprofit organization, you show that you support them and want good for them. Your donation connects you to their work, making you an integral part of their mission. But as we have seen above, as much as they will benefit, you will benefit too! So- whether you can give a little or a lot, the decision to spend money on others is one that seems to pay meaningful and healthy dividends!