Your Wellbeing Bank Account
The last couple of weeks I’ve been going through an interesting shift as I’ve been helping my father-in-law recover from a serious operation. While I’m not a parent, parts of my day to day routine have started to resemble what I imagine looking after a child is - complete service to another person (albeit that this one is definitely more capable of gratitude than your average toddler). Even though my task load has been heavier than usual, I’ve found it very rewarding to be able to take care of someone for no other reason than that I care. It got me thinking about the act of service.
Did you know that acts of service are scientifically proven to increase feelings of wellbeing across populations of any age? A 2023 study covered by Time magazine found that kids who had taken part in community service in the previous year were significantly more likely to be in very good health, 66% more likely to be considered “flourishing” (a positive measure of overall well-being), and 35% less likely to have behavioral issues. In older adults, performing unpaid acts of service is also associated with an increased sense of purpose, releases dopamine, and nurtures social relationships.
If you work for a larger company, there’s a possibility that you already take part in volunteer away days but even if you don’t, service can take many forms. Checking on an elderly neighbour or sharing a school run with another parent who works challenging hours are equally valid ways of lending a hand to your community. We can also think about random bite-sized acts of kindness such as holding the door open for a mom with a stroller or offering to help a stranger who looks like they need a hand on the street. Whether big or small, being helpful makes us feel more connected to the people and world around us.
So: smile at someone you pass on the street or consider offering to mentor someone who might need your wisdom. Think of these acts like paying into a wellbeing bank account. The return on investment will be worth it.