How To Generate Good Karma

Instead of flipping the finger at everyone who annoys you, try letting people slip in front of you with a smile and a wave.

Take a few minutes to chat with the lonely widow next door—and don’t embarrass her by interrupting to say, “Yeah, you told me that yesterday.”

The next time you’re splitting a check with friends, figure out a 20% tip, then tack on two or three more dollars per person. An extra couple of bucks won’t kill anyone, but added together it will make your server’s day.

Get a volunteer job, even if it’s just for one or two hours a week. This is one case where the karma benefits to you are scientifically proven: Studies show that volunteers have lower rates of depression and heart disease.

Be kind to the environment by doing at least three “green” things a day: Turn off a light you don’t need; decline a receipt at the ATM or gas pump; ask the waitperson not to bring you a glass of water if you’re barely going to touch it.

Eat more chocolate. It contains substances that produce the same euphoric sensations caused by falling in love and smoking marijuana. And if you feel good, you’re more likely to be kind to others.