TORONTO, On. – A new study on kindness suggests that the old adage do unto others as you would have them do unto you might actually pay off.

Researchers at York University found that performing small acts of kindness for 15 minutes everyday makes people happier and increases self-esteem.

Seven hundred people took part in the study.

Most of the participants were depressed when they began the exercise, but doing nice things for someone, like talking to a homeless person, had a positive effect.

After six months, many reported they were still helping others and their moods were much more positive.

The study will be published in the spring edition of the Journal of Happiness Studies.