National Give Something Away Day
In this modern age where many people have more than enough, one way to help mitigate the problem of too much stuff has come to the rescue. It’s National Give Something Away Day!
History of National Give Something Away Day
Founded by Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher, National Give Something Away Day was started as a grassroots effort because she thought of herself as a “giver”. This day began in 2015 with the idea of encouraging people to be thoughtful and generous while also helping out someone in need.
The idea of this day is to be big-hearted and benevolent to those who might be homeless, in the hospital, or families with children who are struggling financially. In any case, giving something away can be not only helpful to the person receiving, but it can also promote good mental health for the person who gives.
It’s a double benefit for National Give Something Away Day!
How to Celebrate National Give Something Away Day
Many ways can be found to observe National Give Something Away Day. Get started with some of these:
Be Generous
Those who have perfectly good items sitting in a closet or basement might want to take this opportunity to do a bit of purging and give some of those things away. Whether it’s that pair of snow boots your daughter grew out of before winter came, or a set of dishes from grandma that just doesn’t go with your current decor, thrift stores and charity shops are happy to take them. The decluttering of the home is a benefit to you, and the things you give away to charity or a friend in need will be a benefit to them. It’s a win-win.
Learn the Benefits of Giving
Research has shown that the practice of giving is actually beneficial to the health of the giver. Check out some of these health benefits that might be linked to National Give Something Away Day:
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Giving can decrease blood pressure
High blood pressure is a marker for heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in the United States.
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Giving can reduce stress
Minimizing anxiety and reducing the effects of stress, giving helps people to relax and find joy.
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Giving can release endorphins and oxytocin
The act of giving stimulates the ‘happy circuits’ in the brain, providing an increased sense of well-being and promoting a sense of tranquility and inner peace.
Help Those in Need
Other ideas for practicing generosity on this day might be to make a donation to a local charity that helps people in need. Giving something away might also include giving of time by volunteering at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen or other charitable organization.
Give a Personal Gift
National Give Something Away Day could be a perfect excuse to give a gift to someone who has been inspiring as a model of generosity. On a day when that person might be out giving something away, surprise them by reaching out with a small token of appreciation for their generosity.
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