Why should you contribute to your Community?

Why should you contribute to your Community? Why is it important? What other relationships can we develop? Connections within our Community can be just as important as our close relationships for our happiness. 

Recent science tells us that giving to others stimulates areas in the brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. Altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain increasing our own happiness as well as the people we help. Which means there are knock-on effects, i.e. kindness is contagious!

Recently Neuroscience (the study of the brain) has confirmed that we are hard-wired for positivity, love and compassion. Researchers have shown that giving money away tends to make people happier than spending it on themselves. And evidence even suggests that supporting others extends life expectancy. So our communities and societies flourish when people look out for each other.

So how might we put it into practice?

We can think about contributing to our communities in new or different ways. We might volunteer time or join a community group. Considering our well-being as part of the wider community can be rewarding and creates connections with people around you.

Furthermore, research shows people who have regular neighbourly contact exhibit greater wellbeing as it affects how secure and happy we feel about where we live. Knowing your neighbours creates a sense of belonging and shared identity which builds trust and contributes to a positive neighbourhood.

So contributing to your community can bring great rewards and increase our happiness in many different ways. Now pop along and chat to your neighbour!

Want to be happier? Check out 10 top happiness tips for everyday life >>here<<