This is it. The last weekend to shop for Christmas or Hanukkah. I always wait until late minute and subsequently get super stressed out. But studies say giving actually makes us feel better and is beneficial to our health.

Well, once we have figured out what to give, I guess it does…

To reap the benefits of giving, you don’t even necessarily have to spend money but just perform acts of kindness like volunteering your time working with charities. A 1999 study found that elderly people were less likely to diet over a 5 year period if they volunteered for two or more organizations compared to their peers with similar health. They believe one of the reasons is because volunteering reduces stress which is associated with a variety of healthy problems.

Don’t feel bad skipping a workout if you made plans to volunteer with a pal after work because giving also helps release endorphins making us feel happy. A 2006 study suggested that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, the same ones you get when you exercise known as “runner’s high” or I guess “helper’s high”.

There are other benefits to giving such as evoking gratitude, and building stronger and healthier relationships. Giving is also contagious (think of the pay it forward trend at coffee shops). We’ve all heard the stories about the woman who paid off all items on layaway at discount store or the neighborhood that donated presents to the family whose house burned down a week before Christmas. These stories warm our hearts, make us smile and remind us how grateful we are to have a roof over our heads, family to watch over us and food to eat for dinner.

If you are at loss for what to give to your loved ones, you could even get them a gift that doubles as a gift to them and to a charity close to heart like Warriors In Pink clothing. There are quite a few brands that donate a portion of their earnings to charities or supply their products to communities in need.

Each year, Ford Warriors In Pink creates original wear and gear that you can feel doubly good about buying. It’s not just great to own and give, but 100% of the net proceeds support the cause. Plus you can choose one of four breast cancer charities at checkout.

I love this Swing Tank which is just $22, $11.63 is donated to your choice of one of four charities when you purchase.

And hey look, who’s that!? These Strength of the Warrior Yoga Pants have a super cute fold over top that are my weekend go to pair of pants. They cost $36 and $17.50 gets donated to your choice of one of four charities of choice when you purchase.

And now, I’m off to finish up my shopping!

Why Giving Is Good For Your Health | Gifts That Give Back