Science Says Spending Money Can Make You Happy

Wait, don’t whip out your credit card just yet

I think we can all agree that last year was a total shit-storm.

And if you’re anything like me, you must also believe that the new year gives us a fresh start: all the things weighing us down simply washes away into nothingness as the clock strikes midnight and your phone gets bombarded with messages from ‘friends’ who you haven’t talked to in the last 364 days.

Well, that wasn’t me this time. Not this year. This year, I was a little more realistic. And instead of just believing that I’ll randomly become happy after all that happened last year, I started finding ways I could make myself happier. It’s better to take things in your hand rather than waiting for an occasion to make you happy.

That’s when I came across this Ted-Talk where this woman talks about the scientific way of being happy every day — spending money. Okay, well, not exactly spending money on clothes and shoes, but more like donating, and giving back to the community. So, I did more research, and turns out, donating activates the reward area of the brain, making you happier.

However, spending money or donating money to a charity isn’t the only way you can give back to the community.

Giving Back Without Spending Any Money

At first, I thought that only donating money to NGOs counted as giving back to the community. I was so wrong.

There are plenty of things you can do to give back without spending a single penny. I started going with my college club to beaches nearby to clear the trash there, and I’ve started planting trees in my locality’s garden. And though I already used to help people in need (not necessarily financially), I did those things while on auto-pilot. Now I’m more aware of the things I’m doing and the people I’m helping. I’ve also donated my old clothes to NGOs that don’t just help the underprivileged but also helped clear space around the house.

Over time, I’ve realized that doing things yourself helps you notice the difference you’re making in the world, instead of just transferring money to some NGO. Sure, you’ll still feel proud and happy when you donate money, but seeing that what you’re doing is bringing a positive change, makes the happiness even sweeter.

Buying Gifts for Loved Ones

Okay, I know I’m being a hypocrite because I just told you that you don’t have to spend money to give back. But we’re not talking about giving back to the community here, we’re talking about something personal. Family and friends.

You don’t have to buy your friends or family a Gucci watch to make them happy, they’ll be pleased even if you buy them a chocolate bar. It’s the gesture that counts.

I recently bought my mother a novel to help her rekindle her love for reading, and she was delighted. And the look on her face made me happy.

Remember, it’s the gesture that counts, not the product.

Volunteering

One of the best things that came out of me going to college is that I joined clubs that focused on volunteering. It’s also with them I went to the beaches to help clear out the trash.

Volunteering has been one of the most metamorphic experiences in my life. It told me that not everything is about me in the grand scheme of things, and there’s so much more in the world than just making money and paying the bills. That the playing field isn’t leveled, and it’s our job to help those who are dealt with a bad hand.

I’ve made lifelong friends and helped souls who were elated at the smallest of gestures. Volunteering has made me happy in various ways.

Support Businesses That Give Back

If you feel guilty about directly donating money to charities, many companies donate a portion of your purchase to the underprivileged.

I think this is a great way to give back because you’re not just buying something that gives you pleasure, you also get the satisfaction that your money is being put to good use.

Though not fully, I have started buying most of my daily requirements from companies that give back.

One of the most popular companies that give back a portion of your purchase to charities is Starbucks.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t noticed, most of the ideas to give back that I mentioned aren’t the kind that will break your bank, or requires a lot of physical effort (except volunteering). Many times we blame our laziness to not give back, but if you give it a good thought, they don’t require a lot of time.

I have made it a goal to give back four times this year — once each quarter — and I noticed not just a positive outlook towards life, but I also felt proud of myself and felt a higher sense of purpose.

But most importantly, I learned that it’s not that hard to be happy.