The approaching Giving Season in philanthropic circles—offers an abundance of opportunities to give and celebrate. The season kicks off with #Thanksgiving followed by Black Friday and Cyber Monday and then the Giving Tuesday which is on November 28, 2017.
The hidden link between Giving, Happiness and Wellness
Many studies have shown that improved mood, better physical health, decreased symptoms of depression and increased longevity are connected to giving – whether it’s monetary donations or volunteering for a service project. When it comes to your health, it truly is better to give than to receive. Researchers say that even thinking about doing something generous has real mood-boosting benefits in the brain.
Much like gratitude, when we help others by volunteering our time or making a donation, our brain releases a feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine. It also causes “the giver’s glow and helper’s high,” According to Dr. Stephen Post, professor of preventative medicine and bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine.
2017 could tie the record for billion-dollar natural disasters in a year
Disasters are an unfortunate part of the world we live in. In the second half of 2017, our communities have been hit by tornadoes and thunderstorms, three hurricanes, two major floods, two big wildfires and half a dozen incidences of mass gun violence. Such terrible natural and manmade disasters impact hundreds or even thousands of homes and lives. They account for huge financial loss, and hence require even greater support to bring relief and rehabilitation.
Apart from the material loss, acts of terror and violence cause the mind to suffer from trauma – of family and friends lost, peace shattered and normalcy disrupted. Although crucial, material aid alone does not satisfy the survivors’ needs for care and rehabilitation.
For survivors of disasters, who have experienced severe physical and emotional trauma, alleviating the trauma and helping people to reclaim their lives is essential. It is crucial to help victims learn how to process their emotions and stress, to shift their attention away from reliving the past towards future possibilities. It is very important to support trauma relief organizations working for such activities.
While you are getting ready to support some of the organizations on #givingTuesday, you definitely want to learn how to maximize your impact and choose carefully the charity that you want to help.
Your Donation Can Change Someone's Life
For over 37 years, the Art of Living Foundation have helped millions of people achieve inner peace through self-development and resiliency programs based on meditation, breathing, and yoga. Art of Living Foundation in special consultative status with the United Nations Social and Economic Council, have successfully implemented numerous humanitarian projects and service initiatives including conflict resolution programs, disaster relief, sustainable rural development, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all and environmental sustainability.
On this #GivingTuesday, donate NOW to Art of Living Foundation’s Trauma Relief Fund and be assured your gift will make a huge difference in lives of the unfortunate victims of natural and man made tragedies.
#Giving #GivingTuesday #Thanksgiving #GivingBack #DisasteRrelief #GivingTuesday2017