| Happy Monday, everyone. Pretty much everything I write takes up the question of how we can be happier, healthier, and more productive in the modern world. We eat well, exercise effectively, play frequently, sleep deeply, socialize meaningfully, create freely, de-stress religiously and sun ourselves daily. I think we’d be remiss to not include in this list the also very human concept of giving. By giving, let me say, I don’t necessarily mean money. What I’m talking about here is service – the time, energy and effort we give to help other people and causes. The evolutionary undercurrent here is mutual benefit. Sure, we’re helping others, but we’re also benefiting ourselves in ways we might not expect. Sure, we get that gratifying “helper’s high,” the blast of feel-good hormones such as oxytocin. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however. In an employee study conducted by United Health Group, those who volunteered scored better on nine measures of emotional wellness that included “personal independence, capacity for rich interpersonal relationships and overall satisfaction with life.” Of those who volunteered, the majority said they felt less stress and nearly all reported that their service enhanced their “sense of purpose in life.” Larger scale research out of Cornell University showed older adults who volunteered with an environmental stewardship program were less likely to experience depression in later years. Finally, research shows volunteerism significantly lowers mortality risk in one study by over 60%. It all makes perfect sense. Genuine giving isn’t an act from the self as much as a participation in the world and relationships around us. Anthropologists who’ve studied modern hunter-gatherer groups explain how band members’ identities are created through participation in the group. They become individuals within the context of the group, growing and accepted in relation to the group, within an evolving give-and-take investment in the group. We take the lessons – the perspective and humility and all the other goodies – back to our own lives. In the words of Norman Vincent Peale, “When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you will be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow, the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor.” In part, the benefits come from our enhanced empathy. As author of The Power of Empathy, Katherine Ketcham, explains, those “who have high relational skills are more successful personally and professionally.” We can be more effective in our work roles and emotional relationships. Overall, we enjoy a more fulfilling life and enhanced well-being. What could be more Primal than that? | 
