Research suggests it often does. In several studies, people who spent money or time on others reported greater happiness than people who spent it on themselves.
What the research says
In 2008, Elizabeth Dunn, Lara Aknin and Michael Norton published a study in the journal Science. In one experiment, they gave people an envelope of money, either $5 or $20, and told them to spend it by the end of the day. Some were told to spend it on themselves. Others were told to spend it on someone else or give it to charity.
At the end of the day, the people who spent the money on others reported being happier than those who spent it on themselves. How much money they got didn't matter as much as how they spent it.
Later research by Aknin and others found similar patterns in many countries.
What the research can't say
Giving won't fix every sadness, and the effects in these studies are moderate, not dramatic. At least one later attempt to repeat the original experiment did not find a clear effect. And giving out of guilt or pressure may not bring the same benefit as giving freely.
Why it might work
Helping others connects us to people, gives us a sense of usefulness and shifts our attention off our own worries. Many faiths and traditions have taught this long before researchers measured it.
The habit: give a little, often
- Pay for someone's coffee or lunch.
- Give to a cause you care about on a regular schedule.
- Offer your time, such as helping a neighbor, mentoring or volunteering.
- Notice how it feels afterward.
The rule that makes it stick: decide the amount in advance
Set aside a small amount each month for giving, so generosity is planned rather than left to the moment.
This week
Spend a small amount of money or an hour of time on someone else. Pay attention to how you feel that evening.
The keep
Helping others costs some money and time. It returns connection, usefulness and, often, a better day.
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