‘Tis the season to give! From volunteering to donating a monetary gift, there’s nothing quite like knowing your actions had a positive impact on someone else. So why does it feel so good to do good for others?
“We’re physically wired to feel good when we do something for others,” says Dr. Arya Soman, a WellSpan psychiatrist and residency program director. “Giving activates the internal rewards center in our brain and increases hormones associated with positive emotions, including dopamine, the “feel good” hormone.
“We typically think about how giving boosts our happiness, but it can also help to reduce stress levels,” says Dr. Soman. “Having that positive mindset and doing well for others can help you relieve any tension in the moment or over a long period of time.”
Dr. Soman looks forward to doing her part to help others during this season of giving.
“Everyone has felt that spark when they pay it forward,” she says. “It’s a rewarding experience to give back and really goes a long way. Giving can create or strengthen a sense of belonging that connects us as a community.”
3 ways to give at WellSpan:
- Give blood: Help save the lives of our patients in their time of need. Find WellSpan blood donation options here.
- Volunteer: Make a difference in the lives of our patients and community members. Find volunteer opportunities here.
- Donate: Your support can help us improve the health and wellness of our communities. Find donation options here.