MSN NZ
find
going out
Hep A outbreak in Canterbury town
HEALTH > MIND

Why giving is good for you

Good Health
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Why giving is good for you
Brought to you by Good Health magazine

When it comes to the festive season, there are myriad ways to spread good cheer over Christmas. Angela Donaldson shares with us how you receive when you give.

  • Giving can alleviate depression in both the short and long term – and people who volunteer have lower levels of depression.
  • People who volunteer are more satisfied with their lives, have a stronger will to live, have less anxiety and fewer physical symptoms caused by psychological conditions.
  • Older people who volunteer tend to live longer.
  • Giving is good for the heart because it stimulates the production of the hormone oxytocin which protects us from hardening of the arteries, dilates our blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and may help the heart regenerate after damage.
  • People who spend more money on others are happier than those who spend more money on themselves.

    • Good Health magazine

    Read more in the December issue of New Zealand Good Health magazine at magshop.co.nz.





    User comments


    The power of writing it down Mindfulness – how living in the moment makes everything sweeter ThinkstockHow to keep your New Year's resolutions ThinkstockHow to live without regret

    Ask our experts

    Should I continue my affair with a married man? Our answer SEX & RELATIONSHIPS EXPERT Dr Gabrielle Morrissey

    What's your BMI?

    Tools

    Body Mass Index Measure your BMI >>Find out if your body is in the healthy body mass index range. Calorie CounterCalorie CounterKeep track of your daily dietary intake. Burn BarometerBurn BarometerHow much exercise should you be doing?