Can little actions bring big joy? Researchers say 'micro-acts' can boost well-being

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/11/14/ [login to see] /can-little-actions-bring-big-joy-researchers-say-micro-acts-can-boost-well-being
It's 8 a.m., and your in-box is filling up. You spot an email about a colleague's promotion. Do you scroll past or take a moment to give props? Or, you're in line at the coffee shop, where it's easy to tune everyone out. But, today, you decide to pick up the tab for the person behind you.

How might a small act like this influence your mood later today, tonight or throughout this week?

An analysis released Tuesday from scientists behind a research initiative called the BIG JOY Project finds that people who commit daily "micro-acts" of joy experience about a 25% increase in emotional well-being over the course of a week.