How to Give Yourself and Others the Gift of Happiness

My son has just returned home from college in a new way.

He was helpful, considerate, interested in others, and very happy. The change was very far from the boy who had left college a few months ago.

Don't get me wrong, he's always been a good kid, but so far he's been a normal guy. He was a confused, slightly lazy person, and if it wasn’t part of his video game in particular he wasn’t interested.

Now what has changed?

My husband and I started talking about it at lunchtime. I told him that I thought it was very much related to the generous efforts of the brothers he had joined. Now instead of playing video games all weekend, he volunteered at animal shelters and helped those in need by giving them manual labor.

My husband was impressed. He always associated the giving of money. After all, it is a word often associated with wealth or great foundations; was it possible for the average person to be kind?

We started doing research on interest and found that anyone could be a helper to others.

The word philanthropy actually means "human love." Assistance means caring for, nurturing, developing and developing personal knowledge.

Philanthropy is different from the tenderness of the heart. An easy way to explain the difference is that the tenderness of the heart takes care of the immediate needs, when generous kindness tries to solve the problem.

Think about it as you can give someone money so that they can buy food (charity of the organization), or you can teach that person the skill so that they can make a living and pay for their food (beauty).

Studies suggest that one of the keys to happiness is the act of helping others. It is known as the "helper high." This will explain the change in my son's personality.

Medical research of the "top of the helper" item has shown dedicated people have feelings of happiness. They also found that this "higher" than the existing health benefits far outweighed the act of giving.

Studies suggest that people who regularly participate in charities have less pain, sleep better, and have a personal sense of reward and satisfaction. Giving leads to a happier life.

Beauty extends beyond the basics of giving time or money to a specific purpose. It is the foundation upon which constant practice builds relationships and strengthens your self-confidence. It is a circular action that creates momentum. We give because it makes us feel good. We feel good because we give.

Like anything good in life, there must be a balance. Sometimes something very good can cause an accident. To maximize the benefits of giving it is important to understand how you can become a healthy giver.

Here are five things you need to know to maximize the benefits of happiness.

1. Understand generosity rather than selfishness.

Some people find fault with offering acceptance, but what else can you do? It is like eating without satisfying the hunger. Yes. We are receptive and emotionally generous when we give, but the joy of giving is not natural.

Some studies suggest that you cannot achieve happiness without giving. Philanthropy is a way to give happiness away in exchange for our new renewed happiness.

2. You cannot save the world.

Some become discouraged because they think that they are too big and that their efforts are being in vain. This can actually have a detrimental effect on them and can lead to unhappiness. You cannot change the world on your own, but your efforts, in conjunction with others, can change lives.

Focus on the small benefits of giving to enhance the cycle of happiness.

3. Don't give in to the greatest need unless your heart is in it.

Choose only the causes that speak to your heart. If you love animals, volunteer in a shelter or have a place to take care of a killing shelter. If you love children, be a high-risk child counselor. The closer your heart is to the cause, the greater the benefit of your natural cycle of happiness.

4. Make giving a regular part of your routine.

Being consistent in giving your time or money will not increase your happiness. It's like eating and exercising. If you do not make the change consistently, you cannot increase the benefits.

The benefits come when relationships are more constructive and stronger than regular giving. This is a great way to see your efforts at work and get valuable feedback on the difference that your efforts make.

5. Never be overly dedicated to helping others.

Balance is the key to giving as well as everything else in life. Never give up on yourself for the needs of others. It's like the flight attendant told you before the plane took off. Protect your oxygen before helping others.

After seeing the difference made in my son's life, I am ready to begin to incorporate a common contribution into my life. I hope you will join me.

Do you have a cause in your heart that you regularly give? How you have made a difference in your life