Infographic: The Science of Giving

Why do people give, either to charity or to others? Turns out, giving is actually good for you. Or at the very least, it makes people feel good, and there are scientific reasons for that.

According this infographic from Happfiy, a science and technology company to help individuals lead happier, more fulfilling lives, people "get a boost of feel-good endorphins — the same ones associates with a runner's high" — when they give. That's because the hormone oxytocin, also released during sex, floods your body, lowering your stress and making you feel more connected to others. When oxytocin is released, it causes people to give more generously and feel more empathy toward others — and people generally like to keep that feeling.