Although it might seem counterintuitive, giving to others makes us feel good. Whether it’s spending our money, time, or energy on someone else, research is consistently finding that acts of altruism increase our happiness and well-being. Helping others is actually fundamental to being human!

With so many adolescents struggling with depression and anxiety, it’s a good idea to share with them ways to improve their mental health. Role modeling generosity and community service to your children is a great way to instill the value of helping others, which will then improve their own well-being. Talk to your teen about the principle that ‘doing good feels good!’ Many times, when life feels hard, we often don’t feel like going out of our way to help someone else, but science says that might be one of the best things you can do to improve your happiness.

Research Examples

Here are just a few examples of scientific studies that demonstrate the benefits of generosity:

• Study participants who were given between $5 and $20 were told to either spend it on themselves or someone else. People who spent the money on someone else reported being happier than those who spent it on themselves, regardless of the amount of money.
• Another study reported that people who performed altruistic acts, such as donating money to orphans, perceived less physical pain when given an electric shock compared with those who earned the money for themselves.
• People who helped others reported that they were more satisfied with their life and job and had fewer depression symptoms up to two months after the altruistic act.
• When toddlers were asked to donate their Goldfish crackers to another child, they appeared happier than when they received the treats themselves.

Studies also show that well-being and altruism have an interesting feedback loop. Happier people tend to engage in more acts of generosity, and more generous people feel happier. Additionally, helping others not only benefits the person giving and the person receiving the aid, but also others merely observing the acts of altruism. When people see someone help another person they tend to feel better and less cynical about the world.

How Should Teens Get Started?

Trying to connect teens with ways to be generous may seem hard at first, but we have some tips.

• Talk to the teen about his/her strengths and interests. You want to match their natural passions or talents with a need that fits. If the teen likes animals, the local shelter is a good match. If the teen enjoys the outdoors, a park clean-up should be considered.
• Make a list of nonprofits they want to support or possible volunteer opportunities.
• Consider volunteering with your teen, or encourage them to volunteer with their friends. Starting something new with someone you know is always easier.

What Opportunities Are Available for Teens?

There are lots of ways for teens to have a positive impact on the world. They can choose a nonprofit to support with a monetary donation. They can shower their community with random acts of kindness. They can engage in volunteer opportunities. You can often get information on community service projects from schools, local youth centers or churches, contacting your local United Way or visiting nonprofit websites. We suggest you show your teen this list of suggestions and see if any of these volunteer opportunities interests them:

• Volunteer for the American Red Cross. This nonprofit offers many opportunities for youth such as organizing a blood drive, becoming educated and ready for disaster relief or training younger children in home safety.
• Collections! Hold a drive to collect food for the food bank, suitcases for foster kids, or pet supplies for the animal shelter.
• Run a themed event for young kids at the local library.
• Hospitals always welcome teen volunteers to provide staff support or assistance in surgery waiting rooms.
• Assist in building a home with Habitat for Humanity.
• Help a local nonprofit with office work or compiling a mailing.
• Wash dishes or serve food at your local soup kitchen.
• Participate in a food packing or distribution event with your local food bank.
• Help clean-up or improve trails or plant trees at a State Park.
• Be a companion for an elderly person at a senior citizen center.
• Take care of animals at the shelter.
• Send troop care packages.
• Write letters to sick children.
• Help out at a fundraiser event. Or create your own fundraiser for your favorite charity.
• Sew sleeping bags and/or blankets for the homeless.

Final Thoughts…

Even small acts of kindness can change how we think about ourselves and encourages a hopeful belief that people are inherently good and will try to help each other. The holiday season is a great time to start role modeling and encouraging generosity within our families!