Day 23: Grateful for gifting

Want to be happy? Give a little bit. Money, time and skills are all valuable gifts.  

Studies show that people who spent even small amounts of money on other people felt measurably happier than when they spent it on themselves. 

Across the 136 countries studied, donating to charity had a similar relationship to happiness as doubling household income! The link between this type of spending and happiness seems to be remarkably universal. 

If you are not in a position to give money, then consider donating your time and skills – this can even happen online, without being in contact with anyone if need be. Kind deeds can be performed in so many ways, directly or even anonymously. 

For those who have a little extra to spare, remember that while donating a few cents each day may not feel like it’s going to make a big impact, if everybody did the same, it would make a massive difference. 

No donation is too small, especially if you can encourage others to join you in supporting a great cause. You can make a one-off gift or sign up to make it a regular thing – many workplaces will even match your giving. 

Some faiths give 10 per cent of their income to charity or a cause they believe in. Other people feed a special piggy bank to later donate. Many people embark on fundraising activities to support their chosen cause. 

Whatever your motivation for selecting a beneficiary, ensure you give from a place in you that feels good about making a donation. Many people say that when you give with good intentions, great things come into your life. 

Helping those less fortunate than you in whatever way you choose is a great way of making yourself feel good and to give your recipients a reason to foster an attitude of gratitude themselves.