Helping others makes us happier -- but it matters how we do it | Elizabeth Dunn

Research shows that helping others makes us happier. But in her groundbreaking work on generosity and joy, social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn found that there's a catch: it matters how we help. Learn how we can make a greater impact -- and boost our own happiness along the way -- if we make one key shift in how we help others. "Let's stop thinking about giving as just this moral obligation and start thinking of it as a source of pleasure," Dunn says.

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.

[lina.lecompte]

She was my professor at UBC and I would honestly look forward to every single lecture, she's so well spoken, and intelligent. This is the sort of information that needs to be spread :)

[muhammadaftabalam]

I came here to learn English and ended up learning a life long lesson.

[rebeccam]

This is the type of information people of this generation need to hear. 💕 Thank you YouTube algorithm for this recommendation I really needed it . 😂😩🙋‍♀️

[khalidsafir]

Just watching the talk I felt this sense of deep happiness... beautiful, thank you.

[HumansOfVR]

*_We feel so good when we give because we get what researchers call a “helpers high”_*

[titlespree]

*The more valuable someone becomes to their fellow human beings, the more closer that person is to self realization!*

[ossen]

*Virtue and empathy is the only way to salvation, alleviating pain and experiencing life to the fullest.*
Helping other, the universal consciousness becomes more expanded, creating a positive chain.

[nittibit]

I've learned that if you sow generosity you'll reap it when you least expect it. I'm still speechless 😭🥰 words can't express how I feel

[sophiadavenport]

Adults need just as much help and guidance as children do.

[SonGoku]

Sharing is caring~ Canada should be proud of themselves for this. My country could learn a lot from you in that aspect. I am grateful for this lady. Thanks for showin us the video of the kid learning to bike. It's moments like these that remind us that we all arent so different from one another and should learn from each other. I recently was in a dark place. I am tired of feelin frustrated with this world. Tired of losin myself to politics cuz all our leaders do is divide us into "us vs them". I am tired of watchin the world hate each other and havin to yell at them. And the only thought that recently filled my heart with peace was "I wanna make others happy". I dont know how. But i know i am too dead inside to get hurt by words anymore. So i wanna jump over my pride and try be there for others instead of feelin miserable any further. It doesn't matter we dont get that same understanding back. I am used to it anyway lol. So there is technically nothing standing in my way aside pride. I am not rich tho... so gotta find a different way to make folks happy. I am glad tho. Lately that thought is what managed to put my heart to peace. I am sure many of us feel the same way. In an "eat or get eaten" world, it's not easy to give all the time. But it's the only thing that will make personal happiness for oneself and others feel easier. Hope everyone has a nice day and good food at home 🍕

[nevereverr]

this was an amazing TED talk. the speaker sounds like such a fun person to be around and she just sounds like a genuinely good person ❤️

[eblis]

One way of making a change is by making connection with others.

[MelindaLongoria]

Love your positivity and message to restore the faith in humanity. When we focus on helping others, we take the focus off of our own self and to understand that others are struggling with more than we are. We can impact others and connect in a human way of giving.

[minhyuksssmile]

I realize i have no more hope in thsi world but i want to give to others to make them happy and myself happy again

[Je.rone_]

*Helping others feels good but not only that it is also contagious*

when someone helps me or does something for me or a random act of kindness I feel like giving/doing good for others to give that same feeling.

I enjoy Doing so with no expectations with anything in return not even a thank you. 💪

[learneasyfilipino]

She brings me new inspiration to make something different in my life. Thanks to her. God bless her.

[gabbigee]

I'm so grateful I was able to watch this video that I know will make a real difference in how I help people

[issavibez]

Gotta have limits and boundaries when helping since most are takers

[petersampson]

I am so compelled to give and spread my happiness, joy and gratitude. I cannot thank God enough for my beautiful friends and the incredible blessings.

[yanaa]

I really admire that Canadians follow this philosophy of doing good to be happy!