Being generous towards others can make you happier, suggests a study
-In a recent study conducted at the University of Zurich, it was indicated that areas of the brain that are triggered during acts of generosity were found to be linked to feelings of contentment.
-The study even suggested that by merely promising to be more generous was enough to bring about changes in the brain that make a person happier.
-There is, however, no relation between the amount of generosity and increasing levels of happiness. Suggesting that even small acts of giving produced a sense of well-being.
-In the study, 50 volunteers took part in a money spending experiment, with each given 25 Swiss Francs (£20 / $25) per week for four weeks.
-Half of the group was told this money was for them and was asked to note how they would spend it.The remaining half was told the money was to be spent on somebody else.
-The remaining half was told the money was to be spent on somebody else.
-Brain scans showed that neurons in an area of the brain associated with generosity( the temporo-parietal junction) activate neurons in the ventral striatum, which are associated with happiness. This process was highly active in the group who acted generously.
Source: University of Zurich