There is a growing body of research that shows that gift giving can have positive psychological benefits. A gift is more than just an object; it is also a way of showing care, according to the health website Prevention.
Giving gifts at Christmas can help reduce stress and increase social connection
Giving Christmas gifts may have the following mental health benefits:
Increase happiness
Receiving a gift triggers the body to release endorphins, hormones that make us feel good. Endorphins affect the brain and create feelings of happiness and satisfaction, thereby improving our mood and overall health.
This benefit is not only felt by the recipient but also by the giver. The giver of the gift will also feel good if the gift brings joy to the recipient.
Enhance social connection
For family members, gift giving is an opportunity to strengthen relationships. It encourages social interaction by fostering deeper connections through sharing. These connections contribute to a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. This benefit is not only seen when giving gifts to relatives but also when giving gifts to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
Reduce stress
Many people often go shopping for gifts during Christmas and New Year.
Choosing and giving gifts can help reduce stress. The thoughtful process of preparing a gift shifts our focus from our own worries and stresses to making someone else happy. This shift is relaxing and reduces anxiety levels.
Cultivate Gratitude
Both the giver and the receiver experience feelings of gratitude when giving a gift. Expressing gratitude has been shown to have significant psychological health benefits, such as reducing stress, increasing positive feelings, and improving overall life satisfaction.
Promote self-care
A little-known benefit is that gift giving can also promote self-care. Because while choosing a gift for someone else, we also allow ourselves to reflect on our own needs and desires. This process can encourage individuals to examine themselves and see what would bring joy to their lives and those of their loved ones, according to Prevention.
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