The Power of Generosity

At Ovrflow, our goal is to discuss pillars of wellness that don’t always show up in the obvious places. I hope to shine light on why some of these areas of our lives are so important to improve.

If you’ve been around my Instagram profile in the last few years, I started an initiative called ‘Jenirosity’. It has been a fun, playfully named way for me to grow my giving with my direct community. Since we have just walked through the holiday season, we will be talking about the health benefits of being ‘Jenirous’ or generous.

There is no question that generosity has a profound impact on our physical and mental health. Numerous studies have shown that people who are more generous with their time, money, and resources are happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. In fact, generosity has been shown to improve our mental and physical health in a variety of ways. 

The one thing I know is that there is no better feeling than giving a gift to someone that they love and it means so much. What elation we feel right? Here’s what I also know. When we are stuck in fight or flight mode, or aren't in a comfortable spot ourselves, it feels extremely hard to be generous and give. (I’ve been there too).

When beginning to find ways to give and flex our generosity muscles in creative ways, here are 3 creative ways to give even when financially it isn’t possible.

No. 1

If you live in NYC, you live in a gold mine of opportunity to be generous with your time, energy and kindness. Be the hands and feet by stopping to talk, pray with, or just listen to someone who is less fortunate than you. 

No. 2

Leaving a card for a neighbour to say a simple thank you. 

No. 3

Signing up to volunteer for a serve day at your church or a community outreach opportunity they might have.

Get out there, and flex those generosity muscles this year. Not only will you feel the benefits & rewards mentally and emotionally, but you get to make this world a better place.