Small Acts, Big Impact: Understanding the Science Behind the Joy of Giving

Do-gooders, philosophers, and well-intentioned grandmothers have all said for centuries that virtue is its own reward—and scientists agree. Data compiled from 1.4 million individuals in 161 countries over a period of ten years revealed that altruism through acts like donation and volunteering improved life satisfaction. This study shows that no matter who you are or where you live, being kind to others can improve your mood and overall fulfillment. In fact, a growing amount of scientific research overwhelmingly indicates that doing good makes you feel good. It’s even good for your health. 

Why? On the surface, giving away resources such as time and money doesn’t necessarily seem to cause good feelings. What if you need that cup of sugar you loaned your neighbor? What if you need that money you gave away? What benefits does someone reap from, say, donating blood or even a kidney?

The Science of Kindness

Research shows that, actually, doing altruistic acts is good for both your mind and body. 

Several studies show that being kind increases one’s happiness. Gestures big and small can affect your mood in the short term, and your mental and physical health over time. A study published by professors from the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia indicated that spending money on others “predicted greater happiness” and that “participants who were randomly assigned to spend money on others experienced greater happiness than those assigned to spend money on themselves.” 

In another study, the University of Oregon researchers using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) technology found that the brain’s pleasure centers activated when study participants chose to donate funds to charity rather than keeping those funds for themselves. 

Clearly, science indicates that giving makes people feel good. This is something most of us have experienced on some scale. Giving a gift and seeing the recipient’s face light up spreads smiles all around. Helping a stranger in need or even just holding the door for someone can brighten your day.

Good for Your Heart, Good for Your Brain

What exactly causes these good feelings? Why does a person’s brain “light up” just because they held the door for someone? Researchers have hypothesized that being altruistic promotes social connections and benefits the community one is a part of—outcomes that are critical to our survival as social beings. Oxytocin—sometimes called “the love hormone”—has been shown to be released when we engage in acts of kindness, and even when we witness kindness performed by others. Because of our brains’ physiological reactions to such acts, kindness simply makes us feel good. Your brain rewards altruistic behavior. Evidence therefore exists that humans are biologically driven to do good.

Don’t Underestimate a Single Act of Kindness

But we may think holding the door for someone or buying them a cup of coffee doesn’t matter in the long run. Science says otherwise. Over time, the little mood boosts that doing good causes can promote our self-esteem and improve our health. 

Significantly, studies have also shown that people regularly underestimate the impact of their altruism. One study observed how people did not actually understand how their “random act of kindness” would be valued by others or impact their own mood. Holding the door, lending a cup of sugar, donating a few dollars—these seemingly minor actions matter. Small acts can be significant; they not only positively affect the people directly engaged in being kind, they also ripple outward. A simple gesture of kindness or a small donation can inspire others to act similarly, multiplying the effect and further spreading the good—thereby making a significant difference in people’s lives.

Contribute to a Cause You Care About

Ask yourself right now, “What can I do to make a difference?” No matter the scale, you can positively influence another person’s life—or the lives of a whole community—and your own as well. When deciding how to take action, think about the causes you care about most and what impact your efforts will have. Consider giving blood, volunteering with a local animal shelter, or donating to a nonprofit that helps people in need and promotes causes close to your heart. 

The Red Cross can help you find a location near you where you can give blood. When you are considering donating to a nonprofit, first ensure that the organization is certified (a 501(c)(3) in the United States) and that it is making an impact you can feel good about contributing to.

For example, nonprofits such as Girl Power USA work with local communities to uplift historically marginalized groups, including women, individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable persons, and contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. It also supports and empowers acid attack survivors in India, young doctors in Uganda, and groups meeting people’s basic needs and educating communities in Kenya. Supporting social initiatives like these can create an echo from a single individual all the way across the world. For instance, Uganda has just one doctor for every 25,000 people, but Girl Power USA is funding the education of more aspiring doctors, offering professional mentorship, and promoting awareness of women’s well-being and medical issues. Supporting nonprofits, financially or otherwise, helps make a difference.

Virtue Is Its Own Reward

Science hence proves the age-old adage, sharing is caring; not just for others but also for yourself. Being kind makes you feel good and is good for your health. Small acts of kindness should never be underestimated. They help connect people, promote empathy and compassion, empower communities, and most importantly create a chain of altruism that ultimately builds a better world for everyone.

Kindness and compassion are not solo acts. They impact lives in more ways than one can imagine. Smaller acts, which may seem insignificant, create a nexus of altruism that can together change the world. Do your bit today.