10 Secrets to Finding Happiness During the Recession
Research has pinpointed ways to feel good even in the worst of times
10. Do unto others. Practicing acts of kindness has been shown to enhance well-being. When Lyubomirsky and her colleagues conducted an experiment in which individuals were asked to perform five considerate acts on a particular weekday—like donating blood or feeding a friend's pet—the study participants reported higher levels of pleasure than members of a control group who did no such acts. "These little acts give you a sense of purpose beyond money that you've earned," says Kashdan. And generosity doesn't have to be a one-way street: Neighbors can find ways to connect by trading favors. A psychologist, for example, can offer some counseling in exchange for handyman work around the house. "These acts of kindness are occurring all the time and remind us that we live in a benevolent society," Kashdan adds. "We saw it happen after 9/11, and we're seeing it again with the economic crisis."
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