07 Aug We Are Hard-Wired for Generosity. Here’s How You Reward Yourself When You Give to Others

Filipinos have always been known for our culture deeply rooted in emotional connectedness, with the spirit of bayanihan as a living example.  

But generosity or altruism is not just embedded in one’s culture and values. It turns out that all people are hard-wired to be generous and open in helping others. The bonus? You receive more than you give.  

READ NEXT: What Happens to Our Brain When We Give and Receive Gifts?

The Science Behind Altruism  

A 2020 study discussed how humans might be “born altruistic,” with around 100 19-month-olds the focus of the study. The research showed that participants in the study still gave food to a stranger in need despite being hungry, implying that generosity or altruism is something that people are born with.  

In addition, it highlighted that certain family and social interactions make a difference in the expression of altruism among children.  

The motivations behind altruism were widely studied, with one study noting that self-interest alone does not fully explain real-world self-sacrifice acts, according to a 2023 study.  

In one 2020 study, the researchers argued that in modern society, prioritizing one’s needs may not be rooted in self-interest alone but more in the lens of self-compassion.  

Whenever we give or do a random act of kindness, our brain activates the key reward pathways.  

When you help someone, your body releases hormones that are responsible for making you “feel good,” such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.  

Giving and Receiving  

Physical and mental health benefits are associated with the act of helping and giving.  

Giving and helping others have been associated with: 

• Lower blood pressure  

• Decreased cortisol levels  

• Increase sense of connectivity with others and decrease social loneliness  

• Help with low moods  

Generosity and random acts of kindness will be two things that will always feel rewarding at any time or age. 

The best gift to give to your loved ones is the one that shows you care, and what better way to show you care than by giving them peace of mind and the assurance of being reliable.

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