Service

Service and volunteering is about helping others. But what do you gain as a volunteer?

First, why not put in an effort to improve your community? More people than ever are interested in making the USA better. Some of us have strong feelings about politics. All of us can actually make a splash in a meaningful way on a personal small scale.

Second, making a difference in another’s life gives you a fantastic sense of self-worth. Can you pass on knowledge you have or help someone else with a situation that they can’t manage on their own? Volunteering alleviates depression -at least temporarily. Does it feel awesome to help someone without any expected reward? Try on the imaginary halo and see if you feel like an angel. One of the best ways to begin to feel better is to “get out of your own head.” What better way to do this than to be engrossed in someone else’s world? You are engaged with them instead of ruminating on your own destructive internal dialogue.

When your situation feels unsatisfactory, volunteering might be the last thing on your mind. Meanwhile it can be an antidote to your feelings of victimhood. Service gives you the chance to “get over yourself.” The neurotransmitter dopamine is linked to self-esteem. Achieve something meaningful in another person’s situation and your dopamine levels will increase. Some anti-depressants are designed to increase the brain’s serotonin levels but if you are 'out and about' and being productive, your serotonin levels will increase naturally.

Third, volunteering relieves stress. Seeing the difficulties others face can often put our own problems into perspective. Helping others to cope makes you better at developing your own coping strategies. Oxytocin is a hormone that comes with attachment and connection with others. Helping others has been shown to increase oxytocin levels, making us feel more contented.

Fourth, it is a great way to become part of the community, particularly if you are shy or anxious. You don’t need to sit around in a group, self-consciously wondering what you are going to say to people. Volunteering is not about you, so you can just play your part and let relationships form naturally. And they will!