“The secret to living is giving.” — Tony Robbins
At an early age, my grandmother instilled in me and my siblings the value of generosity. She often said, “God loves a cheerful giver,” and reminded us that if we are fortunate enough to be successful, we have a responsibility to give back to the communities we live in.
Let us be the change we want to see in the world.
You’ve probably heard all the common heart-healthy habits before: eat well, get plenty of rest, don’t smoke, and stay active. But here’s one more to add to the list — give joyfully.
Wait, give joyfully? You might think, “I work hard for my money. How is giving going to help my heart?”
Well, research shows that generosity doesn’t just make others feel good — it’s literally good for your heart. Let’s look at four ways giving improves heart health and overall well-being.
1. Giving Lowers Stress Levels
Researchers have found that acts of generosity reduce stress hormones in the body. When you focus on helping others, your attention shifts away from your own worries and concerns. The result? A calmer, lighter mind and body — and that’s a big plus for your heart.
2. Giving Lowers Blood Pressure
A study from Johns Hopkins University discovered a direct connection between giving and blood pressure. People who gave regularly had lower, healthier blood pressure, higher self-esteem, and less depression and stress. Yet another reason to give!
3. Giving Helps You Live Longer
In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People, author Stephen Post writes that “giving reduces mortality significantly in later life, even if you start later.”
Similarly, a University of Alabama study found that “making a contribution to the lives of other people may help extend our own lives.”
Are you starting to get sold on giving yet?
Giving Protects You from Heart Disease
The Corporation for National and Community Service found that people who give — whether through time, money, or volunteer work — experience greater longevity and less incidence of heart disease.
The Cleveland Clinic also reports that giving triggers the release of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. These create what researchers call a “helper’s high” — that warm, fuzzy feeling of joy and fulfillment that can last for days or even weeks.
The Ripple Effect of Giving
When you give, you not only improve your own health but also inspire others to do the same. I encourage you to join a local civic group, a nonprofit, or your place of worship. Show support, get involved, and make a difference.
A Seasonal Reminder: November and the Spirit of Giving
This November, as the season of giving begins, I encourage you to pause and think about one simple way you can share kindness — whether it’s your time, your resources, or even your smile. Giving doesn’t have to be grand. Small acts create big ripples, raise your frequency, and strengthen your heart more than you might imagine.
In a Nutshell
I want to inspire you to dream big, to keep learning, and to become a lifelong learner. Remember these words from some of the greats:
“Great things are done by a series of small steps done together.” — Vincent van Gogh
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu
Take that first step. Be the change you want to see in the world. Perform random acts of kindness. When you do, doors you never imagined will open for you.
About the Author
Jeff Nursey spends his time educating others about positive energy frequencies and healthy living. He is a lifelong learner, motivational speaker, and advocate for family togetherness.
His motto:
“You don’t pay the price of good health — you enjoy the benefits.”
Change your frequency and change your life.
