How many times have you come home after a difficult day and turned to food to lift your spirits? Most of us have those particular dishes that always make us feel better. But comfort food tends to have a bad reputation: people call it a “guilty pleasure” and believe that, though it makes them feel good, it isn’t actually good for them.

  That’s not entirely true, though! It turns out that the feel-good effects of desserts and other comfort foods may actually be doing you more good than you think.   If you’ve ever felt a lift in mood after eating a chocolate bar, then you’ve experienced this phenomenon. This is because eating chocolate releases endorphins, which promote positive feelings. Studies have shown a connection between occasional indulgence in comfort foods and a better mental outlook. Whether sweet or savory, your favorite comfort food could be improving your mental health.   Better mental health can lead to success in many areas of life: happier relationships,  increased confidence, and more satisfying work. It also leads to positive emotions like  contentment and gratitude. One of the best ways to show this gratitude is by sharing your  positivity with those around you.   You can share this positivity—and even some endorphins!—by gifting chocolate to someone who might need a mood boost. By sharing something delicious, like cookies or brownies, you can also share the comforts and good feelings that it brings. You may just find yourself more relaxed, thankful, and excited for each new day.