Published on November
20, 2019 written by Ashley Brantley
What will make you happier: seeking pleasure or doing good?
Science has shown that doing good makes people feel better
faster than simply doing something they like. But why?
Here are 5 reasons:
1. Happiness
One study assessed whether people were happier on days when they sought pleasure or engaged in
meaningful activities, such as helping others, listening to a friend’s problems
or pursuing their goals. They found that the more meaningful activities people
participated in, the happier they were. Other studies have found that giving activates the same parts
of the brain that are stimulated by food and sex. In addition, the sense of
well-being that accompanies volunteering or kindness lasts longer than similar feelings you get from seeking
pleasure.
In Tennessee, 24% of people volunteer
2. Purpose
Studies also show that people report that their lives
feel more purposeful after doing good than seeking pleasure. Human beings seek meaning,
so while it’s possible to enjoy things that are purely pleasure-driven, we’re
more likely to enjoy and remember activities that leave us with a sense of
accomplishment or pride.
Michele Myers, a BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee account
executive for 24 years, was a recipient of people giving back when times were
tough for her family. She now gives back through the BlueCross Team Blue
employee volunteer program. She’s worked with Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude
Memphis Marathon and has built playgrounds in underserved areas.
“When people ask why I give back, I think about how important
that was for us: for people to show up,” she explains. “There’s a connection
that’s made when you’re at a low point and look up to see someone you don’t
know who just wants to help. We all need that.”
3. Connection
Some experts consider loneliness a
greater public health risk than obesity, smoking or alcoholism. Physically,
ongoing isolation can negatively affect a person’s attention span, hormones,
ability to think clearly and lifespan. Conversely, doing something positive for
another person and connecting with them can make you happier and healthier.
Studies have found that:
·
Social connection can decrease a person’s risk of early death by
up to 50%
·
Time spent with friends, relatives and coworkers is more
inherently rewarding than time spent alone
·
Doubling your number of friends — meaning true, real-life
friendships, not just those formed on social media — can make you as happy as if you made 50% more money
4. Selflessness
Studies show that helping others while expecting nothing
in return may make you healthier than receiving help yourself. That’s because
it feels good to help someone, of course, but also because giving is something
you can control while receiving — whether it’s a gift, a service or simply
kindness — is not.
5. Generosity
Experts also believe that people derive more happiness from
spending money on others than spending money on themselves. Even
better: the amount of money doesn’t matter; It’s the act of giving someone
something that makes people happy.
3 ways to maximize your
efforts to give back
If you want to try doing good, there are a few things to look
for to make the most of the experience — for yourself and the people you want
to help:
1.
Look for opportunities to use your skills and talents. Studies show that people who consistently use their
strengths in a new way are happier than those who don’t.
2.
Give time, not money. Time is a more personal commitment, and it
requires you to really engage with the people you’re helping.
3.
Find organizations that have specific, transparent goals that match your own. Devoting your time to one
organization on a long-term basis rather than committing small amounts of time
to lots of different causes helps create a meaningful connection.
For a list of ideas of where to start in your Tennessee
community, visit the Corporation for National
and Community Service or click here.
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