Gift. It is the one word that is capable of stirring up a complete, potent cocktail of feel-good hormones inside us. Oxytocin? Check. Dopamine? Check.
It’s no wonder that every year on average, Singaporeans fork out more than S$ 200 on gifts for someone special. And that’s only for one person. We haven’t taken into account those spent on friends, family members, co-workers, pets, the new aunty next door, so on and so forth. My point is: We love giving and receiving gifts.
I’m sure many of us already know that gifting makes us feel good…like duh! But how many of us actually know about the other good stuff that happen when we gift someone?
Keep your curiosity hat on and continue reading the 5 benefits of giving gifts.
1. Gift-searching puts you on an emotional high
Did you know that figuring out what to give and searching for it feels as good as presenting the gift? Professor Devin A of South University, Savannah says that this is because we’re genuinely trying our best to find that something which will truly fit with the person – as an attempt to connect with them on a deeper level. We also usually remain on a hope that they’ll love what we’re about to give them.
2. It heals
Giving gifts is not only a great way to form and maintain relationships; it is also an integral element in fixing those that have turned sour for some reason. While it’s a well-known fact that gifting promotes psychological healing, we often tend to overlook how it’s a plus physically. Many studies have proven that acts of generosity help lower blood pressure, risk of cardiovascular problems, and dementia, as well as promote general happiness and longevity. After all, our mind and body are but one, aren’t they?
3. Giving gifts to your clients shows that you think about them
If you’re an entrepreneur or a freelancer and have never sent gifts to your clients, it’s high time you got in the game. Gifting your clients sends them the message that you genuinely care about them and cherish the relationship. Because at the end of the day, we’re humans first and businesspeople second.
4. It strengthens gratitude
There was a time in my life when I was just not happy. Every day seemed nothing more than an uninspiring mundane chore. One day, as I was returning home from work, I got a call from my sister who asked me if I could buy her a slice of chocolate cake. “I’m craving,” she said. Upon realising that it was more of an order than a request, I dragged myself into the bakery with the straightest face to buy what she had wanted.
However, everything changed when she opened the little box and savoured every bite of the cake. At that moment, all I could feel was pure gratitude for being alive and being able to provide for my loved one. I haven’t stopped giving since.
5. Giving kick-starts a chain of generosity
Ultimately, it all boils down to feeling good and making the world a better place. I don’t deny that the gift culture can get stressful too, especially when competition and comparisons start kicking in. That’s why it’s important to remember that you don’t really need to spend a fortune to show your love – all it takes is your genuine intention.
So, have you thought of what to gift your loved ones this year-end season? Check out Flex Rewards app’s super-cool gifting feature which lets you send your rewards instantly to the people who matter most. Giving has never been easier.
