Performing good deeds for others can make you feel more upbeat and self-confident and can actually improve your health.

These findings suggest there is truth in the old adage that when we help others, we also reward ourselves.

University of Sussex's Mindlab study examined stress levels and other emotions of a group of men and women who did good deeds for nine days, reports the Daily Mail.

Psychologist David Lewis, study author, said: 'Being more considerate can reduce stress levels. Therefore, to improve our chances of being healthy, we should all start doing good to others.'

Effects of stress on the body include suppression of the immune system, rising blood pressure and increasing risk of heart attack and stroke.

The research, commissioned by insurance firm Simplyhealth, also found that good deeds had a positive chain reaction effect.

Previous research at the Harvard University had shown that helping others also makes us mentally tougher and physically stronger.