Wellness Corner 12: Community Service
Hey Falcons,
As you might know, April 30 is the last day for everyone to get their community service credits. This past weekend, one of the school year’s final projects was held at Plant it Forward. I've often heard people questioning why community service is so necessary and such an important part of Kinkaid that it’s a graduation requirement. Besides helping people and giving back to the community, community service has several scientifically-backed health and wellness benefits.
The “helper's high" — a term used to describe the feeling people have after volunteering. If you have a sense of prolonged calmness, a reduction in stress, and a greater sense of self-worth after doing something kind for someone else, you’re experiencing the “helper’s high.”
Satisfaction and confidence — volunteers are more likely to feel increased self-confidence, a sense of purpose, and greater sense of identity.
Connection — most volunteer work requires interaction with members of the communities you’re serving. Even if you’re reserved, you’ll be able to get to know at least one more person through your experience. Humans are social animals, and forming these connections gives us a natural high and can be the gateway to new friendships!
New skills — you’re highly likely to learn something new as a volunteer, whether that’s how to pick arugula, how to build fences, or, in my case volunteering with the nonprofit literacy organization iWRITE, how to film, edit, and even animate videos.
Overall, volunteering can be a satisfying and rewarding experience with several benefits to your mental health. What’s been some of the most fun you’ve had serving the community this year? Let me know at eshaan.mani@kinkaid.org, and you could be featured on WellBase!
