Study Reveals Secret To A Happy Life: Be Generous

The secret to a happier life may be as simple as being more generous. A new study by neuroeconomists from the University of Zurich discovered a link between generosity and overall happiness in life.

According to Science Daily, the study found out that even thinking of being more generous towards others affects a person’s happiness. Persons who only act out of self-interest are generally less happy.

Helping Others Gives A “Warm Glow”

The study basically proves that doing something good for another person, no matter how small, leaves this positive feeling that makes one feel good. Behavioral economists call this phenomenon the “warm glow” which comes from a show of generosity and kindness.

Those who participated in the study were promised a sum of money they can spend. One group was asked to list down what they intended to buy with it, which is intended for themselves. Another group however was asked to think what to buy or give to another person. Then both groups were asked how happy and content they were.

Looking closely at the brain activity in three areas, those who intended or promised to give something to a person other than themselves showed activity in the area where altruism is observed and consequently, activity was also observed in the area associated with happiness.

One of the authors, Philippe Tobler noted, “It is remarkable that intent alone generates a neural change before the action is actually implemented. Promising to behave generously could be used as a strategy to reinforce the desired behavior, on the one hand, and to feel happier, on the other.”

Even A Little Generosity Counts

The study also notes that it does not matter how small or big the amount a participant allocated to give as a gift. All participants who were asked to share with others felt the same increase in contentment in their life.

This study gives credence to the general observation that those who are more generous in life are generally happier and more content.