Lemondrop

It seems like everybody is broke, worried about job security and miserable -- which is why now might be the best time to think about giving to others.

That's right -- doing good is a solid investment in your happiness and health, according to research being amassed by Stephen G. Post, PhD, who runs the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love. A 2008 study in Science, for instance, found that people who spent money on others or charity were happier than those who spent money on themselves. People who regularly give to others get a mental boost from a "helper's high" and can help stave off depression as they get older. And older adults who volunteer are less likely to die.

So if you got laid off or are trying not to spend money, get off your duff right now and go help a little old lady cross the street, read to a kid or feed the homeless.

The Estonian Example
In Estonia, they decided to create an online happiness "bank" that dispenses virtual dollars for good deeds.

Internet entrepreneur Rainer Nolvak hopes his project will help people see that even though they're down and out, they can keep their self-worth blinging by doing good. He's also got a side project going called a Democracy Machine to help brainstorm ideas for better government. Why haven't we Americans thought of all this?

"We think that especially when the entire world is facing recession, we need a lot of thinking also at the grassroots level to figure what we all can do to fight recession and make life better," Nolvak said.

While we wait for an enterprising American to create our version of a happiness bank, there are others acting out of the kindness of their hearts (and wallets). There's the Minneapolis gynecologist who is giving free preventive care to existing patients who lost their medical insurance due to layoffs. And an Alabama pharmacist gave $16,000 in cash bonuses to his workers, but asked them to donate 15 percent to a charity or somebody who was worse off financially than they are.