Random Kindness = A Happy You
In the book "The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Achor he says:
"when researchers interviewed more than 150 people about their recent purchases, they found that money spent on activities—such as concerts and group dinners out—brought far more pleasure than material purchases like shoes, televisions, or expensive watches. Spending money on other people, called “prosocial spending,” also boosts happiness."
A study published by "The Journal of Happiness Studies" also stated:
"Participants recalled a previous purchase made for either themselves or someone else and then reported their happiness. Afterward, participants chose whether to spend a monetary windfall on themselves or someone else. Participants assigned to recall a purchase made for someone else reported feeling significantly happier immediately after this recollection; most importantly, the happier participants felt, the more likely they were to choose to spend a windfall on someone else in the near future."
As you can clearly see, spending money on other people seems to cause you to be happy and feel good about yourself. I've noticed this by experience. Every once in a while, I buy something for a family member or buy everyone dinner. It makes me feel good, knowing I made someone else happy.
Another interesting fact is that when you do something nice for somebody your brain actually releases a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for making you feel satisfied and complete. Most anti-depressants actually cause your brain to produce more serotonin. So, wouldn't you rather get it the natural way by just being nice?
Next time you're feeling depressed or angry, I recommend taking the kind approach. Instead of locking yourself away in your room or taking a lonely walk, go out and buy something for someone as a gift. It can instantly bring you gratification and make you less stressed.
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