Dec 23, 2006
Tis Better to Give Than to Receive
By: Caroline Latham
Yeah, Yeah. Yeah. Whatever. Isn’t that just something your mom always told you so that you wouldn’t be upset when your siblings got better gifts than you? Well, lo and behold, maybe Mom was right!
Researchers have found that the mesolimbic pathway is activated by charitable giving. This area is one of the major pathways where you find the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with the brain’s pleasure system. Furthermore, donating also appears to increase the release of oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in social bonding and building trust between people.
So this holiday, find a way to give back. Not only will it make you feel better, but social activities are good stress reducers too. If you and your family are at each others’ throats with too much togetherness, plan an activity together.
- Go feed the hungry at a local community center
- Walk the dogs at a local shelter
- Visit the sick at a hospital
- Clean a park or beach together
Having an activity together will take the focus off of each other and give you a reason to work together, bond, and enjoy your dopamine/oxytocin rush. It’s good for your brain.
Cheers!
[…] * Caroline Latham presents Tis Better to Give Than to Receive posted at SharpBrains: Your Window into the Brain Fitness Revolution. […]
Very cool post. Who knew that giving could be such a literal rush???
Caroline:
Thank you for sharing this with us. The Carnival of Healing is up at Intensive Care for the Nurturer’s Soul.
Warmly,
Hueina
what an interesting finding! thanks for bringing us this information. coincidentally, i just heard that this year, canadians have given more than any other year. what a bunch of pleasure seekers we are!
Damien, Hueina, and Isabella -
Glad you enjoyed the post — you’re giving me my dopamine rush now!!
Happy new year to all,
Caroline
[…] Caroline Latham presents Tis Better to Give Than to Receive posted at SharpBrains: Your Window into the Brain Fitness Revolution, saying, “Take care of someone else and feel better yourself!” […]
[…] Caroline Latham presents Tis Better to Give Than to Receive posted at SharpBrains: Your Window into the Brain Fitness Revolution. […]
Very good article Caroline, that’s news to me. Well found!
[…] Caroline Latham presents Tis Better to Give Than to Receive posted at SharpBrains: Your Window into the Brain Fitness Revolution, saying, “Doing good is good for your brain, and it feels good. If the winter or holiday blues have set in, try doing something for someone else. You’ll feel better for it!” […]
[…] Caroline Latham presents Tis Better to Give Than to Receive posted at SharpBrains: Your Window into the Brain Fitness Revolution, saying, “Giving really does make you happy!” […]
[…] Caroline Latham shows us the scientific research that proves that doing good really is good for us in Tis Better to Give Than to Receive posted at SharpBrains: Your Window into the Brain Fitness Revolution. […]
Thanks Mark!
[…] The act of giving can even make you feel better on a physical level. Researchers have found that the mesolimbic pathway is activated by charitable giving. This area is one of the major pathways where you find the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with the brain’s pleasure system. Furthermore, donating also appears to increase the release of oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in social bonding and building trust between people. From SharpBrains.com […]