Dar nos puede ayudar a ser Felices

What kind of gifts really make you happy?

Elizabeth Dunn from The University of British Columbia gave participants $20 and then randomly assigned them to one of two groups. One group was instructed to spend the money on themselves (perhaps treating themselves to a self-indulgent present), whilst the second group was asked to spend their unexpected windfall on someone else (perhaps by purchasing a present for a friend or family member). Participants who spent the money on their friends and family felt significantly happier than those who treated themselves to luxury gifts. Similarly, happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky arranged for participants to perform five non-financial acts of kindness each week for 6 weeks (e.g., writing a thank-you note, giving blood, or helping out a friend). Those that carried out all such acts increased their happiness by an incredible 40%.

59 Seconds tip: Become happier by providing for others rather than yourself. Spending a small amount of money on someone else, or carrying out an act of kindness, may be one of the best investments that you ever make.

Dunn, E.W., Aknin, L., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319, 1687-1688.

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