BE GENEROUS: You’ll be Happier

Do nice things for people, and be generous if you want to feel good. The act of giving not only makes you happier, it benefits health and relationships too. There’s good science behind this.

Research has shown that being generous and helpful to others have mood-boosting benefits in the brain. Even little things “like bringing coffee to one’s office mates in the morning” has this effect, says Philippe Tobler, associate professor of neuroeconomics and social neuroscience, in TIME Health.

He was the lead author of a 2017 study that showed that people who decide to perform generous acts toward others, no matter how small, have an increased level of happiness. The research found that giving to others activates an area of the brain linked with contentment and the reward cycle.

Studies have also found that people who are generous tend to have better health, says Tobler, and other research has indicated that spending money on others can be as effective at lowering blood pressure as medication or exercise. “Moreover, there is a positive association between helping others and life expectancy,” he adds, “perhaps because helping others reduces stress”.

Giving to others also fosters a sense of community and a feeling of interconnectedness. This improves relationships and strengthens social bonds.

Embrace altruism. Giving is truly rewarding – it’s the key to happiness and fulfilment in life.