From a young age we are all taught that it’s better to give than to receive, and that advice still holds true in adulthood — but could giving back also be the key to happiness? Scientific research says it is. Here are some tips on how you can effectively give back, and be happier as a result.
Find Your Passion
Your passion should be the starting point for your giving. Ask yourself what causes mean something to you. Being able to give back and put love and passion into what you’re doing will directly correlate with how happy you, and those you’re giving back to, will feel afterwards.
Giving Your Time Is the Greatest Gift
Not everyone has the same amount of money, but giving your time can prove to be even more valuable than a monetary gift. Whether you give an hour a day, or a few days a year, dedicating some time out of your routine to help others can be a powerful way to transform not just the causes you care about, but your overall happiness as well.
Find Ways to Use Your Skills to Help Others
Do you know how to code? Are you great at sewing? Whatever your skill, becoming a mentor and teacher to someone else can be a great way to give back and help others on their own path to success. Not only will you be interested and engaged in the work, but you’ll be helping someone learn a skill that could potentially transform their life.
It’s Okay to Pick and Choose How You Give Back
Of course any way you can give back is a great way, but when you start to feel guilted into it rather than passionate and excited about it, your commitment to the cause could suffer. The goal is to find an approach that fits you and your lifestyle, so when you give back you do so consistently, while simultaneously improving your own purpose, meaning, and happiness.
Happy Giving!
As the world continues to battle COVID-19, 3M has thanked those who have given back tremendously — our health care workers and first responders. Check out the beautiful dedication here.
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