Return on Life: Now we have proof of what makes us happier!

A recent Associated Press (AP) article provides proof that doing something for others (including spending money on them) makes us happier than doing the same for ourselves. Researchers at University of British Columbia and Harvard University wanted to build on previous studies (which showed that having more money can increase happiness) by conducting a study looking at whether the way people spent their money made any difference. They found that doing something for others made people happy, which may not surprise you. What could be surprising was the fact that the level of happiness was significantly higher when the individuals in the study did something for others--whether it involved money or time. This effect was noticeable even when small amounts of money or effort were involved.

So, if you want to get more out of life, do something for someone else today, even if you only have resources to begin with something small!