It’s the season of giving – Why giving is important

It’s that time of year again. Festive over indulgence is pretty much par for the course during the last two months of the year, whether in the name of Diwali, Christmas or Eid. We eat, we drink, we party and we expect gifts.

Every year, we are also encouraged to consider giving to others. There are charity appeals galore and we are reminded that there are others who are less fortunate than ourselves. We might drop the odd coin into an outstretched hand, or even click on a Facebook post to donate. Some of us also volunteer to work with NGOs or homeless charities.

Research has shown that giving actually makes us far happier than receiving, particularly when it’s linked to proactively helping a cause rather than anonymously donating. In fact, research has also shown an average of 20% increase in life expectancy among people who volunteer regularly! It feels good to give.

But giving doesn’t always have to be about the fancy gestures, or involve financial transactions. It can also be about simple acts of kindness – showing support for others at a time of year when many struggle or even just thinking about the way we communicate with one another.  Thinking about how we can positively affect other people, through thought, word and deed, is the first step to feeling happier and more energized.

As the year draws to an end, take some time to think about how you can give something back to those around you. If you’d like to donate, there’s a box under the office Christmas tree which is collecting for children’s cancer charity The Cuddles Foundation. If you have time on your hands, then consider volunteering for one of the many NGO’s in Mumbai, or further afield. Or simply think about being kinder and more considerate to family, friends and even work colleagues. Then sit back and enjoy the fuzzy feel good warmth which comes from that financial or emotional generosity.

Cheers!