UQWellness eMag Nov 25 - Flipbook - Page 7
What Happens When We Give?
When we give, two areas of our brains
are activated — the ventral striatum and
the septal area. These feel-good regions
of our brains are responsible for the
happiness you feel when you give that
gift to a loved one, or give to charity. In
fact, one study found that there was
more activity in these areas than when a
person wins money for themselves.
When these regions of the brain are
stimulated, we produce oxytocin, which
has the effect of boosting mood and
counteracts the effects of cortisol (the
stress hormone). Other
