I had a conversation with a friend not too long ago regarding gift-giving and gift-receiving. She and I agreed that we both prefer giving gifts to receiving them in terms of the act enabling us to feel happiness, and I’ve chatted with quite a few folks who feel the same way.
I think it’s quite incredible that so many of us can find joy in providing someone else with happiness, and as it turns out, the majority of us fall into this mindset, according to an article by Good News Network.
“90% of Americans in a new survey have contributed to a charity and feel better about themselves when they actively give back.
“In fact, those who do are almost twice as likely to say that they’re satisfied with their lives.
“That’s according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted by OnePoll ahead of Giving Tuesday.
“The poll revealed that most people think a ‘good deed’ is an action that makes someone else feel good, or something that benefits an individual—regardless if you personally know them or not.
“The survey found that good deeds are rewarding because of hidden mental and physical health benefits, causing the people who perform them to feel happy (92%), relaxed (77%) and healthy (71%).
“Three-quarters of those polled believed that if they do a good deed, the next person will pay it forward, according to the study commissioned by Walgreens,” the article says.
The article adds that the following acts are among the most satisfying.
“MOST REWARDING SMALL DEEDS
Helping a colleague, friend or family member with a task (61%)
Donating to someone in need (59%)
Saying ‘good morning’ to someone (53%)
Holding a door open for someone (53%)
Giving a compliment to someone (52%)
Paying for someone’s meal (46%)
Buying someone a coffee (43%)
Helping someone carry their groceries (42%).”
Do you agree?
ontheedgeofeverything 