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Enhance Well-Being Through Generosity

Volunteers work on activities with residents at a retirement home.

How does generosity impact your brain health?

You have probably been told, "it's better to give than to receive." But how does this proverb reflect on brain health? Research shows those who seek out ways to help others may experience a wealth of brain-healthy benefits.

SCIENCE SAYS:

Being generous activates the pleasure center of the brain and helps to reduce the level of stress hormones in your body. Studies have even shown significant decline in mortality among people who give time or money to support causes they passionately care about, along with increased happiness and psychological well-being.

WAYS TO BEGIN:

  • Identify genuine prosocial motivations – what do you really care about?
  • Seek out a variety of ways to give – cast a wide net with your generosity.
  • Give meaningful experiences foster positive interactions and forge shared memories.
  • Remember kindness is contagious – when you give, you show others why giving makes a difference.

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