Giving Yourself This Christmas

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GIVE YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS

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(So many simple ways to help yourself and your community)

As many of us downsize and declutter our lives we make more room for our heart.

Think of it. When were your happiest moments? Was it when you saw the latest, trending Tik Tok video? Or finally getting the newest Iphone? Or was it when you shared a coffee with a friend at a local cafe? Or you helped your dad with the Christmas tree? Maybe you gave a few extra cents to a local cause after you went grocery shopping.

According to the Cleveland Clinic the health benefits of volunteering are immense:

Lower blood pressure.
Increased self-esteem.
Less depression.
Lower stress levels.
Longer life.
Greater happiness and satisfaction.

Studies have shown "that people who give their time to help others through community and organizational involvement have greater self-esteem, less depression and lower stress levels than those who don’t," says the Cleveland Clinic. Research from the National Institutes of Health discovered that when people donate to charities, the brain's regions associated with pleasure, social connectiveness, and trust, activate initiating what the NIH termed a “warm glow” effect. The act of giving releases endorphins in the brain, or what is described as a "helper's high." Similar results were found among elderly populations studied by Doug Oman at UC-Berkeley. Mr. Oman found that those participants who volunteered reduced their risk of dying over a five year span by 44%.

Giving a little bit of your heart also increases your self-esteem and level of happiness. Psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, found this to be true in a six week study about giving.

If you don't believe all the science and research try once for yourself this Christmas. Pick out a simple act at first. Maybe you give a 20% tip to the pizza delivery person who had to endure traffic, December weather, and possibly irate customers to bring your pie to your front door. This time of year we all see tv stations, grocery stores, big retail stepping up this time of year with coat and food drives and the like. Sometimes it seems genuine sometimes not so much.

But if after reading this article you're all in let your heart lead you. Maybe it's time you bring a new (furry) addition to the family and give them a "forever home." The number of dogs and cats needing a permanent loving place to live is daunting. The COVID-19 pandemic created a lot of isolated, lonely people. Many of which adopted a pet to fill the void according to the Buffalo ASPCA. Sadly, many pets were returned to shelters as the owners were unable to properly care for their new dog or cat. Or simply the human didn't understand the cost and responsibility associated with bringing a dog or cat with a traumatic background into your house. If you do a little research, and have a few extra dollars in your monthly budget Christmas is a beautiful time to give the gift of a "forever home" to a shelter dog or cat. Most humane societies accept donations monetarily and supplies such as blankets, treats, collars and food.

WHERE TO GIVE YOUR HEART

Dane County Humane Society

https://giveshelter.org

Pick-up: 2586 Lalor Road, Oregon, WI 53575

Phone: 414-659-2676

River Food Pantry

https://mandt-honey-works-llc.square.site/#WIXcAf

953 Taylor Lane, Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589

Phone: 608-225-5761

Email: mandthoneyworks@gmail.com

Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin

222 S. Arch Street