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

    A new citizen-scientist research project aims to test whether daily moments of awe, kindness and gratitude can make a real impact. Early results are promising. And it's not too late to join the study.
    by Allison Aubrey Nov 14, 2023 5 minutes
    Source: lechatnoir

    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.

    "We're really excited," says , a BIG JOY project leader, and science director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California,

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