Mind Set | written by: NANCY COUGHLIN, CEO of Person to Person
P2P volunteer Jimmy Lefevre in front of the P2P Food Pantry / all photographs courtesy Person 2 Person
The interconnection between giving back and mental well-being highlights a fundamental truth: in helping others, we often help ourselves. According to Chris Anderson, author of Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading, “We are wired to be generous. …When we see another human suffering, we want to do something about it.” This impulse is on display every day in our own community in the efforts so many of us make to help residents in our own backyard face challenges such as food insecurity, unaffordable housing, and the inability to pay their heating bills. (In Fairfield County, a full 40% of households struggle to make ends meet.)
Described as living a secure, fulfilled and meaningful life, well-being—psychological, as opposed to economic, is not a reflection of what we have or what happens to us but, rather, it is a reflection of how we subjectively perceive these factors. In this sense, we increase our well-being through action, by taking steps to build a life of purpose, resilience and engagement.
The benefits of giving back are both profound and wide-ranging. Engaging in altruistic behaviors stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and oxytocin, which are often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones, leading to what is known as the “helper’s high.”
OPUS for P2P volunteers (from left) Clare DeSalvo, Gina Gromelski and Beth Ladd at the P2P Toy Store
Even small acts of kindness, such as holding the door for the person behind you, helping a neighbor, or buying someone a cup of coffee can have tangible, immediate positive impacts on our well-being. Giving back to others also reduces stress, combats depression and provides a necessary sense of purpose to improve overall well-being.
What’s more, generosity has been demonstrated to reduce workplace burnout and improve long-term contentment in romantic relationships. Indeed, abundant research shows people who give back to others have reduced blood pressure, report a higher quality of life, and even live longer.
We are fortunate to live in a community with abundant opportunities to give back – in time, talent and treasure. The benefits of volunteering, for example, are well-documented. In a world where social connections are increasingly virtual, the tangible act of volunteering connects us to others and to our community. The friendships we form and camaraderie we experience while volunteering can be a powerful antidote to loneliness and isolation.
M’Liss Conetta at the P2P Food Pantry
In addition, volunteering offers the opportunity to practice gratitude in our everyday lives, provides perspective, and reminds us we are useful and valuable to others. Plus, when we feel we are contributing to something larger than ourselves, our sense of meaning and fulfillment in life can increase significantly.
Research shows that people who donate financially to charity report greater happiness as well, compared to those who spend on themselves. Even the act of including a charitable gift through a will can improve sense of purpose and well-being. Financially supporting causes that resonate with our personal values reinforces a lasting legacy of positive impact. If you’ve ever done this, you know.
We know the abundant generosity of donors and volunteers is beneficial for our neighbors. What a gift to get so much back!
Giving Back at P2P
Darien-based Person to Person (P2P) currently serves approximately 28,000 families and individuals in lower Fairfield County as they move toward stability with healthy food, clothing, housing assistance, and a path to economic opportunity.
Hundreds of local residents of all ages volunteer in P2P’s food and clothing programs, mentor first-generation college students, and assist with fundraisers, generously giving of themselves, and receiving so much in return.
“This experience was a very positive part of my week,” said Lauren Phillips, who began volunteering weekly in 2007 at the P2P Pantry, the largest food pantry provider in lower Fairfield County. “I had a network of fellow volunteers who were also there every week, and I was gratified to be part of a team focused on giving back to the community.” Recently retired and continuing to volunteer, she added, “At this new stage in my life, I am grateful to be able to contribute in some small way to the good work being done by P2P.”
For more information on how to volunteer and/or give to P2P during the holidays and beyond, visit P2Phelps.org.
