Have you ever received a surprise gift from anyone when you least expected it? For many of us, the answer is ‘Yes’. How did we feel when we first received a surprise gift? Happy, excited, smiling, right? These are not just expressions; they come from our subconscious. These are emotional expressions and indicators of how we feel psychologically and mentally. The act of receiving a surprise gift makes us happy and excited. These emotional responses have a great impact on the emotional well-being of individuals. But why is it so? Let’s dive deep into this.
The Science of Surprise
Surprise is a kind of human emotion that occurs when something unexpected happens. A chemical called dopamine is released in the body, which is responsible for generating the feeling of pleasure and reward. (Healthline, 2022) When we experience surprise, we initially feel a kind of shock, but as soon as our brain processes what happened, this feeling of shock is converted into curiosity and joy. These feelings make the surprises more memorable and precious (Verywell Mind, 2023).
Why Gifts Matter
Gifts are important because they give a person the feeling that they matter and are precious. They realise their worth and strengthen the relationships and bonds between two people. When it’s a surprise gift, its value increases. They are viewed with more gratitude and respect. Gifts are not just material things; even a small gift received with love and compassion greatly influences the emotional state of people (Psychology Today, 2023).
The Joy of the Unexpected
The human mind has its own defined algorithm based on daily life. While the brain may appreciate fixed patterns, it also enjoys novelty and experiencing happy moments and feelings. When a surprise gift is received, the brain experiences joy, pleasure, and affection. That’s why gifts are not just material things; they carry a meaning that emotionally connects people and strengthens their bond (Healthline, 2022).
The Emotional Connection Between Giver and Receiver
The joy of giving a gift is not limited to the receiver; the giver also experiences happiness and satisfaction even before the gift is given. Thinking about the receiver’s reaction and the smile it will bring creates a sense of fulfilment for the giver (Verywell Mind, 2023). This feeling, known as helper’s high, refers to the positive emotional response triggered when imagining the receiver’s happiness. During this process, endorphins are released, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and peace.
Surprise Gifts and Mental Well-Being
Surprise gifts are linked to the emotional health of people. When individuals receive surprise gifts, it promotes their mental well-being. It generates a feeling of peace, satisfaction, and positivity while lowering their anxiety and stress levels (Healthline, 2022). Surprise gifts play a key role in lifting the mood. A person feeling low and stressed who receives a surprise gift, even a small flower, their favourite snack, or even a handwritten note showering love, uplifts their mood, and they start feeling better.
Cultural and Social Aspects
While meanings may vary across cultures, surprise gifts universally symbolise love, care, and affection. Despite cultural differences, they evoke similar feelings of respect, gratitude, and happiness (Psychology Today, 2023). Beyond building bonds, gifts emotionally connect people, strengthen relationships, and show that the receiver matters to the giver. Humans naturally seek care, love, and compassion, and surprise gifts remind them of their worth and make them feel valued.
How the Brain Responds
The human brain is adaptable and responds to changes in the environment. When a surprise is pleasant, one experiences a feeling of joy and positive shock. Receiving a pleasant gift activates the hormones, i.e., oxytocin and dopamine, in the human body. The former is also known as the love hormone, which produces feelings of love, affection, and care, whereas the latter also creates a sense of excitement and motivation. After activating the system, the brain responds positively to these surprise shocks or gifts, and a person feels emotionally warm (Healthline, 2022).
The Role of Timing and Thoughtfulness
A surprise gift may have varied intense feelings depending on the timing and thoughtfulness. A surprise gift should not necessarily be expensive or big. A small token of care and love, candy or chocolate, generates positive emotions. Another important factor is timing. Surprise gifts may work well when the receiver is stressed, low, or alone. A gift given at such a time greatly influences the receiver and makes them happier than when received at a time when they do not feel this way (Verywell Mind, 2023).
Small Surprises, Big Effects
Regardless of the cost, surprise gifts influence a person. Even a small surprise gift can have a lasting impact. In social settings such as schools, workplaces, or even at home, these surprise gifts create a positive environment. They create a healthy relationship between the giver and the receiver. These gifts foster feelings of love and compassion. People truly care about each other and their low points (Psychology Today, 2023).
Psychological Balance in Giving
While surprise gifts may generate feelings of love and care, it is equally important to understand the balance of giving gifts. Frequent gifts may reduce their value and worth. The value of a gift lies in its rarity and sincerity. Even a surprise gift given once a year with genuine intentions will have a lasting impact. When people receive frequent gifts, they undermine their worth and value. Gifts should only be given to express love rather than fulfil expectations or personal interests. Gifts given with pure intentions create a feeling of loyalty and sincerity.
Conclusion
Surprise gifts are more than material things; they do something more to the human psyche. They activate the feelings of excitement, motivation, and joy in people. They strengthen the emotional connection between the giver and the receiver. A small gift received at the right time with pure intention may uplift the mood of people who feel anxious and stressed.
Additionally, we need to realise the importance of bringing joy and happiness to the lives of our loved ones. People who feel exhausted, depressed, and emotionally done with their lives may find a surprise gift as a ray of hope and happiness. It may give them the impression that there are still good and genuine people who truly care about you. It will also produce the feeling of satisfaction in the giver of the gift, and they may feel that they have achieved a purpose in their life. Making a single person happy for a moment mentally relaxes the giver of a gift, and they feel happy.
References +
Healthline. (2022). How surprise affects the brain and emotions. https://www.healthline.com
Psychology Today. (2023). Why surprises strengthen relationships. https://www.psychologytoday.com
Verywell Mind. (2023). The science of giving: Why it feels so good to give. https://www.verywellmind.com
