Altruism improves happiness and well-being, research finds – The Washington Post:

“Finding joy in helping others is fundamental to who we are as a species,” said Elizabeth Dunn, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia.

American volunteering and charitable giving have been on the decline in recent years. But helping others may set up a positive feedback loop: Because doing good feels good, altruism can beget more altruism and better well-being.

“If things are hard, you often don’t feel like going out of your way to do the things that will help other people around you,” said Abigail Marsh, a professor of psychology and the interdisciplinary neuroscience program at Georgetown University. “But, in fact, that may be actually one of the best things you could do.”

What better way to get out of a funk, no matter what the cause, than deciding to help someone else? It’s a scientific fact. (And also a widely taught truth in many faith traditions.)

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