A study has come out documenting that people who are generous reduce the levels of cortisol in their body. According to the study, cortisol is a “key mechanism in explaining the negative effects of stress on health.”

Though the study uses an experiment where people have a choice to be generous or stingy with their money, it also cites “Intriguing new research
suggests that providing others with support [material and emotional] may carry greater health benefits than receiving support.”

I’ve written in the past about some things I do to try to help my students have a positive attitude in the classroom and in life. This is also a topic I’ll be covering in my upcoming book. This study provides a little more “fodder” to use in my lesson plans.