Does generosity make you happier?

It’s official: generosity makes you happier, even in small doses.

Merely promising to be more generous is enough to trigger a boost in our brain’s altruistic and happiness areas, a recent study explains.

Interestingly, the amount of generosity does not influence the increase in contentment – even small acts create a rush of positivity. What better reason to set your generous intentions!

‘In this study, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging and a public pledge for future generosity to investigate the brain mechanisms that link generous behaviour with increases in happiness.’ 

How can you be a more generous person? Share your stories of generosity with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Photograph: iStock