Biologically, giving can create a “warm glow,” activating regions in the brain associated with pleasure, connection with other people and trust. This is the reason why you feel excitement when you’re about to give a gift to someone else (and why you feel close to them during), or why you feel happy driving back from a volunteer experience.
There is evidence that, during gift-giving behaviors, humans secrete “feel good” chemicals in our brains, such as serotonin (a mood-mediating chemical), dopamine (a feel-good chemical) and oxytocin (a compassion and bonding chemical).
When you look at the functional MRIs of subjects who gave to various charities, scientists have found that giving stimulates the mesolimbic pathway, which is 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. So go ahead and choose of the list of our giving opportunities to give back in your community. Your mental and physical health, the universe will thank you – and so will the people you help.