International Day of Charity

30 September 2025

Every year, there is the International Day of Charity, which celebrates the act of giving without expecting anything in return. But in a world where we are all dealing with our own challenges and stressors, sometimes giving can feel like a stretch too far. Yet, it might be worth giving it a little bit of thought, because it has proven health benefits.

What happens when you give?

When you give to somebody else, there are a few things that happen in your brain:

• Serotonin release – a vital brain chemical for mood regulation
• Dopamine release – a brain chemical that gives you a sense of pleasure
• Oxytocin release – a brain chemical that helps you feel connected to others.

All three of these brain chemicals combined, can give a real boost to your mood, and help boost self-esteem and elevate happiness.

In your body, studies have also shown it lowers your blood pressure, and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, that can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts of Giving

It is not possible for everybody to donate money to a cause or collect food for a food bank. Yet, there are so many ways to give including acts of service or using your own creativity to make meaningful handmade gifts or cards or taking part in events to raise money for charity.

There are probably loads of other ways to give – the only limit is your imagination. Perhaps giving is something you’d like to try, and you can notice what it changes for you, as well as seeing the joy it gives to others.