Helper’s High

Psychologists have identified a typical state of euphoria reported by those engaged in charitable activity. They call it “helper’s high,” and it’s based on the theory that giving produces endorphins in the brain that provide a mild version of a morphine high.

Dr. Sears has a good article on this  https://www.drsearswellnessinstitute.org/blog/helpers-high/

The neurobiology of helping others triggers a  lot of positive effects on our brain and body. Intrinsically we want to help people. When we help those in need, we feel good. This characteristic of human nature is rooted in scientific facts.

When we help others, our brains release oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones have the effect of boosting our mood and counteracting the effect of cortisol (the stress hormone).

https://tjajal.medium.com/the-helpers-high-the-neurobiology-of-helping-others-ea155e22bd3c

Research in neuroscience and psychology has offered scientific evidence that helping others brings happiness to yourself. According to the measures of the “Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey,” overseen by researchers from Harvard University, those who gave contributions of time or money were “42 percent more likely to be happy” than those who didn’t give!

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_helpers_high

I loved this quote from Army veteran and author John Holmes :

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

And to quote Maya Angelou, “Let us all give cheerfully and accept gratefully and feel blessed”!