9 Science Facts To Make Your Day

1. Being Kind Makes You Happier And Healthier

Want to live a longer, healthier, happier life? Get stuck into some volunteering.

In a review of 40 studies carried out over the last 20 years or so, researchers found that people who participate in altruistic acts such as volunteer work are less likely to suffer from depression, experienced increased levels of wellbeing and saw a 22% reduction in mortality risks.

Whilst some of this could perhaps be down to the kinds of people who tend to volunteer in the first place, researchers think that factors such as increased physical activity and increased personal interactions (with increased levels of oxytocin release) could be contributing.

The only caveat is that it only seems to work if you're genuinely doing it to help others, not yourself, so pick a good cause.

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