Quite simply – we get ‘helper’s high!’ Undertaking a kind act stimulates the release of neurochemicals in your brain’s reward centres that improve emotional wellbeing and reduce stress in the long term. Pretty cool.
It’s good for you
Biologically, giving can create a “warm glow,” activating regions in the brain associated with happiness, connection with other people and trust.
There is evidence that when you give, “feel good” chemicals are released in our brains such as serotonin (a mood-mediating chemical), dopamine (a feel-good chemical) and oxytocin (a compassion and bonding chemical).
It also stimulates the reward center in the brain — releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the “helper’s high.” And like other highs, this one is addictive, too.
And it’s good for the next person too
Giving makes you—and those around you—happier.
Generous people are fun to be around, aren’t they? Whether that’s someone who gives their time, talents or words. They encourage others and inspire them to be better than before.
And more than that, their generosity is contagious. Giving makes us feel good; and when we feel good, we’re better at making those around us feel good, too.
So, what can you do?
Giving doesn’t have to be about grand gestures, and it definitely doesn’t have to be about money. Of course giving to charity is a perfect way to make a difference, but there’s also so many other things that you could do without even realising it!
Give your time: Volunteering is a great way to give. The University and the Students’ Union both have plenty of opportunities to help you find the right kind of volunteering for you. And, if you don’t have the time or space to commit to regular volunteering, check out the volunteer days where you can give a few hours on a specific day working on a specific project.
Give something: Even if you don’t have time or money to spare, you can still help by raising awareness and donating items, as well encouraging friends, family and colleagues to get involved. You could donate food to support a local food bank or drop some old clothes to a charity shop.
Give a compliment: Yes that’s right, even paying someone a compliment or sharing some thoughtful words can make a difference to someone’s day. Reach out to family members, talk to a friend or just send a nice text to brighten someone’s day. Trust us – you’ll wish you did it more!
Giving Tuesday
Tuesday 28 November 2023 is Giving Tuesday, an international day of kindness where everyone is encouraged to give back in their own way. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.
Keep an eye on our instagram to see what we’re doing to celebrate this year and you might win a £4 food and drink voucher for you and a friend.
You can find more inspiration on the Student Support Give pages or over at Student Support.