Recent research shows that giving can increase your lifespan and make living more pleasurable. According to sources, giving or serving can lower your blood pressure, reduce your levels of cortisol, and boost self-esteem and happiness.

Charitable activity triggers areas of the brain activated by pleasures like eating and sex. The more people give, the more satisfaction they feel, including a lasting improvement in overall happiness. Research even shows a positive relationship between giving and happiness in 120 of 136 countries.

Remember the parable of the poor widow who gave her two small copper coins, all she had to live on? Aside from following a good spiritual example, it’s possible she was also giving herself a longer, more pleasurable life, lasting happiness and contributing to the happiness of a nation.

Want to be even happier this holiday season? Give where it’s needed most. Give four times more than you’ve ever given before!

W.K. Sheldrake

South Fork