Hey, hold on a second! Before you scroll any further…………..
Just pause for a moment, and dig deep into your memory.
Recall that one instance when you helped someone and felt that glow of warmth inside you. Yes…..that’s the one – the joy of making someone’s day a little brighter. Perhaps it was a simple gesture—a smile shared with a stranger, lending an ear to a friend in need, or dedicating your time to a cause close to your heart. In these seemingly ordinary moments, lies the extraordinary secret to happiness.
That feeling might have made your day, didn’t it? It’s the magic of lending a hand – volunteering. The transformative power of volunteering and the profound joy it brings not only to those we serve but also to our own lives cannot be expressed enough through mere words.
Volunteering comes in different forms, including the simple things that we tend to do on a daily basis, which can make a big difference, such as helping someone carry their heavy shopping bags, tidying garbage off the sidewalk, or even a blood donation.
Engaging in volunteer work doesn’t require overwhelming commitments. The key is to contribute the amount of time that aligns with your comfort level. Volunteering ought to be an enjoyable and fulfilling pursuit, like a leisurely hobby, rather than an additional task burdening your agenda.
Believe me, volunteering is an adventure unlike any other! It’s a journey where you meet diverse people from all walks of life, each bringing their unique experiences to the table. It opens your eyes to new perspectives and humbles you in ways you never imagined. By being part of positive change, you become more selfless, tolerant, and curious. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s about finding purpose and pride, stepping out of your comfort zone, and discovering a newfound confidence. It’s a chance to make a real impact while making friends, expanding your network, and honing your social skills—after all, we’re all social creatures at heart!
In addition to the typical small acts of kindness, consider taking a step further by joining a volunteer organization, thus allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Joining forces with other volunteers, can enable you to collectively achieve more than you could on your own. Volunteer organizations often have access to resources, funding, and partnerships that enable them to address larger-scale issues and create lasting change in the community. They often have ongoing projects and initiatives that require dedicated volunteers over extended periods, allowing you to make a continuous and meaningful contribution to causes you care about.
On the other hand, several researches and psychological statistics have ardently proved that volunteering keeps us happy also known to create the happiness effect. Getting a bit scientifically – helping others, releases “feel-good” neurotransmitters such as oxytocin and vasopressin. This keeps you buzzing in a high of self-satisfaction and contentment. Another interesting fact is that this is contagious. When one person feels good about giving, it rubs off on others nearby, inspiring a ripple effect of generosity. Moreover, when helping others we’re more likely to feel good about ourselves which is a positive contributor to mental health. Mental and physical health are highly correlated so when we’re psychologically well, we’re also more likely to be physically well.
So, next time when you’re feeling down, why not spread a little happiness by lending a hand? It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
The ability to make a difference is within you ! Be Happy and make others Happy too!
Written by
Rtr. Abirame Ganeshamoorthy