Dreams of hitting it big are good for your health

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
VIDEO: Lottery dreams boost health - HK
Even though the chances of winning the lottery are near impossible, just thinking about it can boost your health.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WPVI) -- The Powerball drawing is Wednesday night, and $1.5 billion is at stake.

And even though the chances of winning are near impossible, just thinking about it can boost your health.

Psychologist Joseph Rock says when we dream of winning and how we'd spend the money - such as taking fancy trips, buying luxury homes or helping others - it releases hormones in our body that make us feel happier.

And when we buy in groups, it creates a greater feeling of camaraderie.

"I think really when you're doing something like with people at work, where you're all kicking in some money, then it becomes a group activity, you all get kind of excited together, but you all know you probably aren't going to win," says Rock.

Dr. Rock says the best way to get in on the fun is to buy a ticket or two, but keep expectations realistic.