🌟[TT] donate 🧠

I’m writing this as I step in from dropping off donations at my local Mind charity shop.

With December approaching and the festive season nearly upon us, I thought it timely to explore donations/giving for today’s Thursday Tips.

A little reframe from the collecting and accumulating of Black Friday to the joy of donating and giving…

Did you know that giving can activate the same reward centres in your brain as receiving?

📍3 Ways to Give This Season (Brain Benefits included!)

🌟1️⃣ Warm Someone’s Winter

As colder weather settles across the Northern Hemisphere, take a look through your wardrobe.

Do you have warm coats or clothing you no longer need that could make someone else’s winter more bearable?

Many charity shops specifically request coats at this time of year. Your unused winter jacket could be someone’s much-needed protection against the cold.

🌟2️⃣ Gift Your Treasures

Those little trinkets, candles, picture frames, or books gathering dust?

They’re perfectly timed donations as people hunt for festive gifts.

Charity shops often create special gift sections during December.

Your unwanted items could become someone’s perfect present whilst supporting a good cause.

Think quality items in good condition – that candle set from last year, the book you’ve already read, the decorative item that doesn’t quite fit your home.

🌟3️⃣ The Present of Presence

Consider donating your most precious resource – your time.

This could be volunteering at a soup kitchen, offering your expertise to a local community group, or simply spending time with an elderly neighbour who might be lonely.

Even 30min can make a profound difference to someone’s day.

I try to support charities through my work – from the 6 months I spent providing medical care in the Ecuadorian jungle, to the month of teaching and building a curriculum for medical students in Malawi, and now with my more limited time, working with health charities like Visual Snow Initiative and IIH UK through patronage, advocacy and expert support.

📍Why Giving Boosts Your Brain

Frankly, it feels odd to highlight the brain benefits (to ourselves) when we’re talking about giving. Because it feels counterintuitive to the spirit of giving, to focus on the benefits to ourselves, doesn’t it?

But hey, since the theme of Thursday Tips newsletter is to share brain health tips to thrive, let me share the brain health benefits of giving (not that you need this for the motivation 🙂).

When you give, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, creating what researchers call a “helper’s high.”

Studies show that people who volunteer regularly have lower levels of inflammatory markers and better cognitive function as they age. The social connections formed through giving also protect against cognitive decline.

Acts of generosity activate the brain circuit involved in pleasure and reward. Regular giving can rewire your brain for greater resilience and life satisfaction.

There you go, “doing good” is good for you too, who knew! (I was certainly a bit surprised as I didn’t think of the brain benefits angle until writing for Thursday Tips!)

But really, it’s just a human thing to do 🙂

📍Question for you today

Which of these three forms of giving appeals to you most this week: donating items, gifting treasures, or sharing your time?

Wishing you the joy of giving,

Dr Sui Wong

PS – If you’re in the UK, don’t forget to “Gift Aid” it for extra benefits to the charity shop.

PPS – I’d love to hear your way of giving back! Come join our free BRA(i)NS® Clarity Community to share what you enjoy doing. Link here to join the chat: https://www.skool.com/dr-sui-wong-brains-group-3768/about?ref=0a524f8ef4a9467792af9f4fe43a7d8c

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📌 Summary

Giving doesn’t just support others, research shows it boosts your own brain health too. Acts of generosity activate reward networks that release dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, creating the well-known “helper’s high.” Volunteering is linked to lower inflammation, improved cognitive function, and greater emotional resilience. This week’s three practical giving ideas, donating warm clothing, gifting unused items, and offering your time, provide meaningful ways to support your community while strengthening your brain.

❓ FAQ

1. Does giving really benefit the brain?
   Yes. Generosity activates reward pathways and increases feel-good neurotransmitters, supporting emotional wellbeing and cognitive health.
   
2. What items are best to donate during the festive season?
   High-quality winter clothing, books in good condition, unused toiletries, and giftable household items are especially appreciated in December.
   
3. Is volunteering better for brain health than donating items?
   Both are beneficial, but volunteering adds social connection, a key protective factor against cognitive decline and stress.

Spread the love! Share this post with someone who will enjoy my Thursday Tips [TT] newsletter.

If you received this as a forwarded link, please sign up to the [TT] newsletter via bit.ly/drwongbrainhealth

INSTAGRAM: drsuiwong.neurologist | LINKED IN: linkedin.com/in/dr-sui-wong-neurologist

My mission here is to share good quality, actionable information that empowers people to improve their brain health and wellbeing.

Thank you for your support!