THERE is an old saying that goes “happiness lies as much in the giving as in the receiving”.

We can all be a little self-centred at times and some would argue that there are aspects of our modern society that appear to encourage this.

So, as we are coming up to Christmas, which is seen by many people as the season of giving gifts to our nearest and dearest, what can we give each other to help improve our wellbeing this festive season?

Giving doesn’t always have to mean a great financial outlay – in fact it can be free and it can be very rewarding and can help you create a connection with the people around you.

It is said that the greatest gift we can give is time, our own time. So how can we do this?

It could be doing something nice for a friend such as sharing something you have made or grown? Or giving them a surprise present just because you can and for no particular reason.

Perhaps it is remembering to say thank you to someone for something that they have done.

It could be to volunteer your time in some way for a charity or to help a neighbour get some shopping. I enjoy volunteering at my local parkrun on a Saturday morning and I really enjoy watching others get something out of being able to take part in the event that week.

It could also be to just remember to smile at someone, giving eye contact to someone to acknowledge their presence, or saying hello to someone as you pass them.

I try to make contact with people when out for my daily walks with my dogs. Some people are reluctant to return a smile or to make eye contact but many people do return a smile and it definitely brightens my day, and I hope brightens their day too.

Happiness is contagious in the best sense possible. So, if we can do nothing else, or are having a difficult time financially, let’s at least try to give each other a little happiness this Christmas time.

Lesley Pallett

Zenara Therapeutics