Survival of the ‘kindest’? How giving make you healthier

There really is some scientific truth to the adage, “It is better to give than to receive.” Scientists have been studying the effects of altruistic giving for many years. Over and over their results have shown that giving helps the “giver” physiologically.

According to an article in LiveScience http://www.livescience.com/52936-need-to-give-boosted-by-brain-science-and-evolution.html

Humans are evolving and adapting and using kindness and altruistic giving is part of the secret formula on how we will survive best over time.

"Because of our very vulnerable offspring, the fundamental task for human survival and gene replication is to take care of others," said Dacher Keltner, co-director of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. "Human beings have survived as a species because we have evolved the capacities to care for those in need and to cooperate."

Giving and being generous has been linked to:

1)    Lower stress levels

2)    Longer life

3)    Happiness

4)    Stronger immune system

5)    Pain relief

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you

Giving can be so easy and doesn’t need to include money.  When you are in your car, give someone waiting to pull out the opportunity to do so in front of you.  Sign up to read to pre-school children.  Serve a meal in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.  Collect clothes and blankets for needy people.  Work a shift in the local animal shelter.  Not only will you help someone or something else, you will help yourself!