Prosocial Behavior Helps Reduce Holiday Stress

Ever heard this – It’s better to give than receive? It’s more than just grandma’s excellent advice. Published last week in Clinical Psychological Science, researchers uncovered that performing small acts of kindness for others can give us an improved outlook on things and help us better deal with stress.

Researchers say stressful days usually lead to have a worse mood and poorer mental health, but doing small things for others, even something as simple as holding a door open for someone, can make us not feel as poorly on stressful days.

The findings suggest that such "prosocial" behavior might even be a good treatment option for people suffering from chronic stress or depression, and they also echo what similar studies have uncovered.

The holiday season itself can be a very stressful time, so look for ways to be helpful and in relieving a stressful moment for someone else --such as giving directions, asking someone someone needs help, or holding the elevator door – you just might be relieving a little stress on yourself! (Newser)