Reward pathways of generosity

When athletes like LeBron James, J.J. Watts and Serena Williams open their hearts and wallets, many people benefit, including the superstars.

As LeBron told kids at a new public school he launched in his hometown of Akron, Ohio: “This is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to you guys, because I know exactly what you guys are going through. This is my gift to you.”

Clearly it’s a gift to the kids, and it gives a lot to LeBron, too.

That’s because giving and receiving change your mindset and your body, improving your health and happiness.

Receiving a gift offers benefits both physical and emotional. Supportive ties help people recover from cardiac problems, fuel hope and ease distress.

As for giving — well, the rewards are real. The Cleveland Clinic says they include lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less depression, greater happiness and a longer life! One University of California, Berkeley, study found that when folks 55+ volunteered for two or more organizations, they were 44% less likely to die over a five-year period than those who didn’t volunteer — and it wasn’t because they were healthier to begin with! If that’s not incentive enough, according to the UC’s Greater Good Science Center, acting generously activates the same reward pathway as sex and food!

So, volunteer to serve a holiday meal to those in need, give time and or money to charities you believe in, and make a pledge to do more for others (and for yourself) in the New Year. Cheers!

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare. com.