Charity is as old as civilization and has been a fixed part of world cultures, from the Aztecs in modern-day Mexico to the ancient civilization in India, as well as most world religions. And the effect is clear. Scientists believe that charity leads to greater self-esteem, less depression and lower levels of stress. What it means for us is that we can now join others in this great timeless ritual. We, too, can give something that’s meaningful to ourselves and others, and the very act itself gives us the psychological benefits of increased life satisfaction.

Now, when it comes to which charity and what amount is the best, it’s often said that perfect is the enemy of the good. We should think about how much we comfortably contribute without it having some kind of negative side-effect on the rest of our lives.

An objection that people might have in charitable giving is that, overall, just one small contribution won’t have much of an impact. A friend once told me when I felt like my actions had little effect, that "Saving one stray cat from harm seems meaningless in the context of thousands of cats who need help. But to that one cat, it means everything." His comment highlights that focusing on one individual can help us visualize the impact of our charity. You don't have to be the most charitable person you know to still have a deep and lasting impact on others. To help solve meaningful problems, you don’t have to solve all problems.

Another objection might be that it can be hard to be sure that the money will go to the right purpose. I suggest that you do your research to make sure that a preferred charity suits your criteria, so that you can give freely and with peace of mind.