Next time you’re feeling stressed, try giving some money away.
Generosity is a powerful drug even in small doses. Donations to a worthy cause or acts of kindness to friends give your mind and body a boost.
Yes, the side effects of a charitable act may include a better mood, lower blood pressure and a longer life, according to studies from brain scientists and economists. You might experience a spike in serotonin and dopamine, hormones associated with happiness, and a drop in cortisol, researchers say.
…
“People experience a kind of ‘giver’s high’ that lasts longer than the fleeting pleasure of personal spending,” says Lara Aknin, a psychologist studying well-being and social relationships.