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The impact of community service – a deep dive into the power of giving back to society.

Community service essay

Community service essays serve as a powerful tool for individuals to reflect on their experiences, values, and impact on the world around them. Through the process of writing about their volunteer work, students are able to articulate the positive changes they have made in their communities and explore the lessons they have learned along the way.

Community service essays also play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of giving back to society and fostering a sense of empathy and compassion in individuals. By sharing personal stories of service, students can inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their own communities.

Moreover, community service essays can help students gain valuable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, as they reflect on the challenges and successes of their volunteer experiences. By documenting their service work, students can also showcase their commitment to social responsibility and community engagement to colleges, scholarship committees, and potential employers.

Why Community Service Essays Matter

In today’s society, the importance of community service essays cannot be overstated. These essays serve as a platform for individuals to showcase their dedication to helping others and making a positive impact on their communities. Through these essays, individuals can share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the value of giving back to society.

Community service essays also play a crucial role in raising awareness about different social issues and encouraging others to get involved in volunteer work. By sharing personal stories and reflections, individuals can inspire and motivate others to take action and contribute to the betterment of society.

Furthermore, community service essays provide an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and goals. Through the process of writing these essays, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, leading to personal growth and development.

In conclusion, community service essays matter because they have the power to inspire change, raise awareness, and promote personal growth. By sharing their stories and insights, individuals can make a difference in their communities and create a more compassionate and giving society.

The Impact of Community Service Essays

Community service essays have a profound impact on both the individuals writing them and the communities they serve. These essays serve as a platform for students to reflect on their experiences and articulate the lessons they have learned through their service work.

One of the primary impacts of community service essays is the opportunity for self-reflection. Students are encouraged to critically analyze their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments during their community service activities. This reflection helps students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their role in the community.

Another significant impact of community service essays is the awareness they raise about social issues and community needs. By sharing their stories and insights, students can shed light on important issues and inspire others to get involved in community service. These essays can also help community organizations and stakeholders better understand the needs of their communities and how they can address them effectively.

Overall, community service essays play a vital role in promoting social responsibility, empathy, and civic engagement. They empower students to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Guidelines for Writing Community Service Essays

When writing a community service essay, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that your message is clear and impactful. Here are some tips to help you craft a powerful and compelling essay:

  • Start by brainstorming ideas and reflecting on your community service experiences.
  • Clearly define the purpose of your essay and what you hope to convey to your readers.
  • Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Use specific examples and anecdotes to support your points and showcase your personal growth.
  • Highlight the impact of your community service activities on both yourself and others.
  • Showcase your passion and dedication to serving your community.
  • Be authentic and honest in your writing, and avoid exaggerating or embellishing your experiences.
  • Edit and proofread your essay carefully to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper grammar.

Examples of Effective Community Service Essays

Examples of Effective Community Service Essays

Community service essays can have a powerful impact on the reader when they are well-written and thoughtful. Here are a few examples to inspire you:

1. A Well-Structured Essay:

This essay begins with a compelling introduction that clearly articulates the author’s motivation for engaging in community service. The body paragraphs provide specific examples of the author’s experiences and the impact they had on both the community and themselves. The conclusion ties everything together, reflecting on the lessons learned and the importance of giving back.

2. Personal Reflection:

This essay delves deep into the author’s personal experiences during their community service work. It explores the challenges they faced, the emotions they encountered, and the growth they underwent. By sharing vulnerable moments and candid reflections, the author creates a connection with the reader and demonstrates the transformational power of service.

3. Future Goals and Impact:

This essay not only discusses past community service experiences but also looks toward the future. The author shares their aspirations for continued service and outlines how they plan to make a difference in the world. By showcasing a sense of purpose and vision, this essay inspires the reader to consider their own potential for impact.

These examples illustrate how community service essays can be effective tools for conveying meaningful stories, inspiring others, and showcasing personal growth. By crafting a compelling narrative and reflecting on the significance of service, you can create an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

How Community Service Essays Empower Individuals

Community service essays provide individuals with a platform to express their thoughts, share their experiences, and make a meaningful impact on society. By writing about their volunteer work and the lessons they have learned, individuals can empower themselves to create positive change and inspire others to do the same.

  • Through community service essays, individuals can reflect on the importance of giving back to their communities and the value of helping those in need.
  • These essays can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for individuals to continue their philanthropic efforts and make a difference in the world.
  • By sharing their stories through community service essays, individuals can raise awareness about social issues and promote greater empathy and understanding among their peers.

Overall, community service essays empower individuals to take action, advocate for change, and contribute to building a more compassionate and equitable society.

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Why Is It Important to Help Others? (18 Reasons)

Whether it’s holding the door open for someone or offering a shoulder to cry on, there’s something inside us that wants to reach out and make a difference in another person’s life. And when we act on that feeling, something amazing happens—we start to feel good, too.

But it’s more than feeling good; it’s about creating a community where kindness is like a language we all speak.

Imagine if we all did just one kind gesture every day—how much brighter could our world be? Let’s explore the incredible impact of helping others, both for those we help and for ourselves.

Table of Contents

Helping Others Boosts Your Happiness

Helping others improves your mental health, helping others promotes social connection, helping others increases your sense of purpose, helping others enhances your self-esteem, helping others supports those in need, helping others cultivates gratitude in your life, helping others encourages a positive outlook on life, helping others fosters empathy and compassion, helping others encourages personal growth, helping others creates a ripple effect of kindness, helping others can open new opportunities, helping others can improve relationships, helping others provides a sense of belonging, helping others breaks down social barriers, helping others promotes a culture of giving, helping others empowers the disadvantaged, helping others strengthens values in younger generations, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.

When you lend a hand to someone in need, it’s not just their day that gets a little brighter—you also light up from the inside. It’s like when you surprise a friend with their favorite snack. You can’t help but smile at their joy, right?

The “ Happiness Boomerang “:

  • You do something kind for someone.
  • Your brain releases happiness chemicals .
  • You feel motivated to perform more kind acts.

It’s a cycle that benefits everyone involved. Think of it like helping your neighbor carry in their groceries. It might seem like a small act, but it can significantly impact your day. You start off wanting to help, and in return, you end up feeling happier and more fulfilled.

When we focus on the needs of others, we’re taking a break from our own troubles. This distraction can be a powerful tool in managing stress and anxiety. It’s a sort of mental vacation where we get to leave our worries behind and immerse ourselves in acts of kindness.

Engaging in volunteer work or simple acts of helping can:

  • Lower stress levels by diverting our attention from our own problems.
  • Increase our sense of belonging, making us feel more connected and less isolated.
  • Boost our self-confidence as we recognize our ability to make a difference.

Consider the example of joining a community clean-up. Not only are you contributing to a greener planet, but you’re also engaging with others who share similar values, reinforcing your sense of purpose and belonging. This collective effort to make a difference can significantly elevate your mental well-being.

One of the beautiful things about helping others is the bridges it builds between people. Whether it’s through community service or simply lending a hand to a neighbor, these acts of kindness forge bonds that might not have existed otherwise. It’s all about creating a network of support and understanding among individuals.

  • By reaching out to help, you’re likely to meet new people with similar interests.
  • Working together on a common goal brings a sense of camaraderie.
  • These connections can turn into lasting friendships.

A simple example could be organizing a clean-up day at a local park. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also brings together people who care about their community. By the end of the day, participants often feel more connected to their community and to each other, having shared not just work but laughter and stories.

Feeling like you have a purpose in life is like having an inner compass that guides you. Helping others can make that compass point even clearer. When we help someone else, we see firsthand the impact we can have. This makes us realize that what we do matters and that we have a role to play in the world.

This sense of purpose comes from:

  • Knowing we can make a difference.
  • Seeing the positive change in others’ lives.
  • Feeling we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

For instance, when you help younger people navigate challenges and watch them grow and succeed, it reinforces your sense of value and purpose. You’re not just moving through life; you’re making a difference in someone else’s life, and there’s nothing more purposeful than that.

When you help someone, you’re also giving yourself a powerful gift: a boost in self-esteem. Every act of kindness you perform is like a small reminder that you have the power to make a positive difference. This can be incredibly affirming and uplifting.

Consider this simple scenario: Helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries may seem like a small act, but it’s a significant affirmation of your ability to contribute positively. You walk away feeling better about yourself, not just because you did something good but because you were able to impact someone’s day positively.

This increase in self-esteem comes from:

  • Recognizing your own value through your actions.
  • The appreciation and thanks you receive from those you’ve helped.
  • The personal satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a positive impact.

Whether it’s emotional support during tough times or physical assistance to get through the day, we all find ourselves in need. This is where the power of community and generosity comes into play. By offering our help, we’re not just doing a good deed; we’re providing a lifeline.

  • People facing financial hardships might need basic necessities.
  • Individuals going through emotional distress might need a listening ear.
  • Communities struck by natural disasters require hands-on assistance to rebuild.

Imagine you’re part of a group that helps rebuild homes after a natural disaster. The gratitude and relief in the eyes of the homeowners not only fuel your motivation to keep helping but also remind you of the tangible difference your actions make.

Supporting those in need reinforces the idea that, collectively, we have the power to overcome substantial challenges.

When you step out of your world to help someone in theirs, something magical happens: you start to see the abundance in your own life. This isn’t about comparing struggles; it’s about recognizing the gifts you have and understanding how you can share them with others. This process naturally leads to a stronger feeling of gratitude.

Gratitude emerges when you:

  • Witness the immediate impact of your help on someone else.
  • Reflect on your ability to contribute positively to someone’s life.
  • Realize the interconnectedness of our experiences and the power of giving.

Let’s say you’ve helped tutor a student for free, and they pass an important exam. The joy and relief they feel are shared with you, and suddenly, the hours spent tutoring seem like a small price for the huge reward. This scenario fosters a deeper appreciation for your own skills and circumstances, embedding a profound sense of gratitude in your daily life.

Engaging in acts of kindness is a beautiful way of lifting our spirits and cultivating a more optimistic view of the world. When we commit to helping others, we’re often faced with situations that challenge us to look for the good in life, even during tough times.

This positive outlook is not just about wearing rose-colored glasses; it’s about recognizing that every act of kindness makes a difference and that goodness abounds.

By focusing on what we can do for others, our own problems can seem more manageable and life’s challenges less daunting. We start to see the world as a place of opportunities to make a positive impact rather than a series of obstacles.

This shift in perspective can have a profound effect on how we approach our daily lives, making us more resilient, more hopeful, and more inclined to see the good in people and situations.

When we step into the shoes of another person, especially those who are struggling or experiencing hardship, it naturally nurtures our sense of empathy and compassion. These aren’t just fancy words; they are the feelings that connect us deeply to others and motivate us to offer a helping hand.

For example, consider a situation where you help out at a shelter for the homeless. As you listen to their stories, you begin to understand their challenges from a personal perspective.

This experience can transform the way you view the world and your relationship with those around you. By:

  • Understanding their situation  – You gain insights into their struggles.
  • Feeling with them  – You share in their emotional experience.
  • Acting to help  – You’re motivated to make a positive difference in their lives.

This cycle of empathy and compassion enriches our interactions and makes us more humane and caring individuals.

Engaging in acts of kindness and support for others isn’t just about the good we do outside ourselves; it’s also about how these actions transform us.

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Every time we help someone else, we’re stepping out of our comfort zones and facing new challenges. This pushes us to grow in ways we might not have expected.

Here’s what happens:

  • We learn new skills, like leadership or communication , which are invaluable in personal and professional life.
  • We’re confronted with situations that challenge our perspectives, making us more open-minded .
  • We discover strengths we didn’t know we had, building confidence in our ability to make a difference.

Imagine organizing a fundraiser for a local charity. From planning to execution, you’re not just raising money; you’re learning project management, team coordination, and public speaking.

As we reflect on these experiences, we realize that every act of giving and helping not only impacts the lives of those around us but also shapes us into better, more capable individuals.

Your act of kindness doesn’t end with the person you help; it inspires them and others who see or hear about your deed, to pass on kindness in their own ways.

Here are some ways this ripple effect can manifest:

  • A story shared:  Your act of kindness becomes a story that the person you helped shares with others, inspiring them.
  • An inspired observer:  Someone who sees your act of kindness is motivated to perform their own act of kindness.
  • A community movement:  A small act of kindness within a community can inspire a collective effort, fostering a culture of support and generosity.

An example of this effect in action could be as simple as paying for the coffee of the person in line behind you. This small gesture can make someone’s day brighter, encouraging them to help another and continuing the chain of kindness.

This ripple effect has the power to transform communities, making the world a kinder, more compassionate place for all.

When you step out to help others, you’re also opening doors for yourself in ways you might not expect. Volunteering, mentoring, or even just being there for a friend in need can lead to meeting new people, learning new skills, and sometimes even discovering new career paths.

Helping others can lead to:

  • Networking:  You never know who you might meet while volunteering. It could be someone who introduces you to your next job opportunity.
  • Skill Development:  Many volunteer positions offer training in areas you might not have explored otherwise.
  • Career Exploration:  Helping in different fields can give you a taste of careers you might want to pursue.

The act of giving not only enriches the lives of those you help but can also carve paths you never expected to explore, making your own life richer and more fulfilled.

Have you ever noticed how sharing a task or working together to help someone else can make you feel closer to the people you’re with? This is because helping others often requires communication, empathy, and cooperation—key ingredients for strong relationships.

For instance, when a group of friends comes together to organize a surprise birthday party for another friend, they share experiences, work towards a common goal, and ultimately strengthen their bond.

Similarly, when family members support each other during tough times, their relationship deepens through the shared experience of giving and receiving help.

These shared experiences can lead to:

  • Deeper understanding and empathy between individuals.
  • Increased trust and mutual respect.
  • Memories and experiences that form the foundation of long-lasting relationships.

One of the beautiful things about helping others is that it gives us a sense of being part of something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s participating in a local fundraiser, joining a community clean-up, or supporting a global cause, these activities connect us with a community of people who share similar values and goals.

  • Community Engagement:  Being active in community efforts.
  • Shared Goals:  Working towards a common purpose.
  • Mutual Support:  Giving and receiving help.

Engaging in acts of service allows us to experience a strong sense of unity and camaraderie, reminding us that we are not alone. It highlights the importance of community and the role each of us plays in fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Acts of kindness and support have the powerful ability to transcend the boundaries that often divide us. Whether these are based on race, nationality, age, or socio-economic status, helping each other allows us to see beyond these differences.

Consider a community meal program where people from all walks of life come together to cook, serve, and share a meal. Such moments remind us of our shared humanity and the things we have in common rather than what separates us.

By uniting to support one another, we can:

  • Overcome prejudices and misconceptions.
  • Foster a better understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
  • Build inclusive communities where everyone feels respected and valued.

This breaking down of barriers not only enriches our personal lives but also strengthens the social fabric of our communities, creating spaces where compassion and understanding prevail over division and isolation.

Creating a culture where giving and supporting one another is a norm can transform communities. By setting an example through our actions, we encourage others to do the same, leading to a domino effect of kindness.

Schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods can all play a role in fostering this environment. For instance, a company could implement a program that matches employee donations to charities, or a school might organize a service day where students and teachers come together to work on community projects.

These are ways how we can create a culture of giving:

  • Lead by Example : Show others the joy and value of giving.
  • Encourage Group Efforts : Team up for larger community projects.
  • Celebrate Acts of Kindness : Recognize and appreciate the efforts of others.

This collective effort not only addresses immediate needs but also builds an enduring ethos of care, support, and generosity that can last for generations.

When we extend our hand to help those who are disadvantaged, we do more than just provide aid; we empower them. This empowerment can come in many forms, from educational support that opens up new opportunities to financial assistance that helps start a small business.

Such acts of help can change the trajectory of someone’s life, providing them with the tools they need to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Consider a mentoring program for young people from underprivileged backgrounds. By offering guidance, support, and resources, we can:

  • Boost their confidence in their abilities.
  • Help them set and achieve personal and professional goals.
  • Provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

This kind of assistance goes beyond temporary relief; it lays the foundation for lasting change, enabling individuals to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage.

By actively engaging in kindness and philanthropy, we demonstrate values like compassion, empathy, and responsibility. These values can deeply influence young minds, instilling in them a strong moral compass and a willingness to contribute positively to society.

For instance, involving children in community service projects, such as a charity walk or a food bank drive, offers valuable lessons in teamwork and generosity. It helps them understand the importance of looking out for others and the impact that collective efforts can have on addressing community needs.

Through these experiences, kids learn that:

  • Helping others is a rewarding and fulfilling part of life.
  • They have the power to make a difference in the world.
  • Kindness and compassion are strengths that bring people together.

As these values take root in the younger generation, they grow up equipped to face the challenges of their time with empathy and action, ensuring a legacy of kindness and mutual support for years to come.

What if my help is rejected?

If your offer to help is rejected, respect the other person’s decision and don’t take it personally. People have various reasons for declining help, and it’s important to honor their autonomy. You can let them know you’re available if they change their mind and look for other ways or people who might benefit from your support.

How can individuals overcome the fear of reaching out to help?

Overcoming the fear of reaching out to help involves recognizing the value of your contribution, no matter how small, and understanding that everyone has something valuable to offer.

Starting with small, manageable acts of kindness can build confidence, and witnessing the positive impacts of your actions can motivate further efforts.

Are there any risks involved in helping others?

While helping others is generally a positive experience, there can be risks, such as overcommitting oneself, encountering emotionally distressing situations, or unintentionally upsetting the recipient of help.

Mitigating these risks involves being mindful of your limits, seeking guidance when dealing with complex situations, and always respecting the wishes and autonomy of those you are assisting.

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a larger wave of goodwill that benefits everyone involved. It reminds us that at the heart of it all, we’re not so different; we’re all just people looking to make life a little brighter for someone else.

So, let’s take this to heart and look for chances to be kind every single day. It doesn’t have to be something big. Sometimes, the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone. By committing to spread kindness, we’re not just helping others; we’re shaping a world that’s a little warmer, a little kinder, and a lot more connected.

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Bea Mariel Saulo

Bea is an editor and writer with a passion for literature and self-improvement. Her ability to combine these two interests enables her to write informative and thought-provoking articles that positively impact society. She enjoys reading stories and listening to music in her spare time.

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Essay on Helping Someone

Students are often asked to write an essay on Helping Someone in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Helping Someone

What is helping.

Helping means giving aid or support to someone who needs it. It can be as simple as sharing your lunch with a friend or as big as helping a neighbor fix their house. When we help, we make someone’s life a little easier.

Why Should We Help?

Helping others is a good thing to do. It makes us feel good about ourselves and brings happiness to others. It also strengthens our connections with people. We learn to understand and care for others when we help them.

Ways to Help

There are many ways to help others. You can give your time, share your skills, or donate things you don’t need. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Helping and Learning

When we help others, we also learn new things. We learn about people’s lives and their problems. This helps us become more understanding and compassionate. It also helps us grow as individuals.

250 Words Essay on Helping Someone

The joy of helping someone.

Helping someone is a noble act. It brings joy not only to the person who gets help but also to the one who offers it. It’s a way of showing kindness and love to others. It can be as simple as lending a pencil to a friend who forgot theirs or as big as helping an old person cross the street.

Helping in Everyday Life

Helping others is part of our everyday life. At school, we can help our classmates understand a hard topic. At home, we can help our parents by doing small tasks like cleaning our room or washing dishes. We can help our friends by listening to them when they are sad. All these acts of help make us better people.

Helping Builds Relationships

When we help someone, we build strong relationships with them. People remember those who help them in their time of need. They feel grateful and are likely to help us back when we need it. It’s like a circle of kindness that keeps going.

Helping Makes Us Happy

Helping others also makes us feel good about ourselves. It gives us a sense of purpose and satisfaction. When we see the smile on the faces of those we help, it makes us happy too. It’s a feeling that money can’t buy.

In conclusion, helping someone is a beautiful act of kindness. It brings joy, builds relationships, and makes us happy. So, let’s always be ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

500 Words Essay on Helping Someone

Understanding the act of helping, the importance of helping others.

Helping others is important for many reasons. Firstly, it makes the person you’re helping feel good. When someone is in a tough spot and you lend a hand, it can make their day a little brighter. It can give them hope and show them that they are not alone.

Secondly, helping others can also make you feel good. It can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel happy. Studies have shown that people who help others often feel happier and more satisfied with their lives.

Ways to Help Others

One way to help is by listening. If a friend is having a hard time, simply being there to listen can be a huge help. You don’t always need to offer advice or solutions. Sometimes, people just need someone to hear them out.

Another way to help is by doing small acts of kindness. This could be helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries, picking up litter in your local park, or making a card for a sick friend. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

The Impact of Helping Others

Helping others can also help to build stronger relationships. When you help someone, it shows them that you care. This can strengthen your relationship with that person and build trust.

In conclusion, helping others is a powerful act of kindness. It can make a big difference in someone’s life and can also make you feel good. There are many ways to help others, from listening to doing small acts of kindness. Helping others can create a ripple effect of kindness in your community and help to build stronger relationships. So, the next time you see someone in need, don’t hesitate to lend a hand. You never know what a big difference it could make.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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Essay Samples on Helping Others

How can you help your community: a pathway to positive change.

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Helping Others as the Main Goal of Volunteering Activities

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The Philosophical Term Altruism in Psychology

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The Working Poor: Helping The Poor And Needy

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Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

Helping Others Can Help You Feel Better During the Pandemic

In many ways, the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the extent to which we rely on others. This year, we’ve been forced to find new ways to stay connected, whether that’s signing up for virtual volunteering , organizing Zoom happy hours, or using resources like Nextdoor’s Help Map to obtain essential supplies.

How are these new ways of connecting impacting our well-being during the pandemic? According to a new research paper published in The Gerontologist , all the help that we’re giving and receiving may be serving to brighten our days and keep our relationships strong.

As shelter-in-place orders were issued in March, a team of researchers began asking participants to complete surveys each night for a week. In total, over 1,000 participants in the United States and Canada responded in the spring and summer. In the surveys, participants were asked if they had helped anyone that day—either as part of an organized volunteer activity or by providing help more informally (for example, by offering emotional support to a friend or bringing a neighbor groceries). In addition, participants also reported on their positive and negative emotions, indicated whether they had received support from anyone that day, and rated how they felt their relationships were going.

helping others is important essay

The researchers found that participants who helped others more often—whether through formal volunteering or providing more informal types of help—reported higher positive emotions, lower negative emotions, and more satisfaction with their relationships. In addition to these differences between people, the researchers also observed people’s well-being fluctuate over time: On days when participants helped others, they felt greater positive emotions and were happier with their relationships, compared to days when they didn’t help anyone else.

Additionally, providing emotional support (that is, providing a listening ear rather than trying to fix someone’s problem) had a unique benefit: On days when participants offered this kind of support, they reported lower negative emotions.

During the study, older participants (ages 60 and up) were the most likely to participate in formal volunteering activities, and they were the most likely to receive emotional support from others. Older participants also reported the highest levels of well-being, in terms of positive and negative emotions and satisfaction with their relationships. Volunteering and staying socially connected—albeit at a distance—may play a role in helping older adults stay well during the pandemic.

In fact, receiving help seemed to be beneficial for everyone, not just older people: On days when participants received support from others, they reported higher positive emotions and more happiness with their relationships.

While this might seem intuitive, it actually differs from previous research, which has found that receiving help from others can sometimes backfire. For example, receiving support we didn’t ask for can be an unpleasant experience, since it can make us feel like our competence is being called into question. Research also suggests that feeling incompetent or powerless as a result of receiving support is linked to negative consequences, such as having more symptoms of depression.

Why didn’t receiving support have adverse consequences in the present study? Nancy Sin, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and lead author of the study, explains that one reason may have to do with the nature of the pandemic. Since all of us are going through a huge, collective stressor, reaching out for help is, in a sense, normalized.

Additionally, people may be more likely to receive the kind of helpful, effective support that they want right now. Participants in the study were especially likely to receive emotional support , and, when we’re facing an uncontrollable, unpredictable event—like COVID-19 is—being able to vent is sometimes more effective than having someone jump in to fix whatever’s wrong. It also helps that a lot of the support happening right now is reciprocal: In a conversation with a friend, we might find ourselves taking the role of both support provider and support recipient.

helping others is important essay

Make Giving Feel Good

How to encourage kindness in ways that also boost happiness

Sin’s advice for people who are feeling lonely or disconnected right now? Seek out opportunities to connect with others, whether through formal volunteer organizations (many of which are offering virtual or socially distanced opportunities to help) or by simply reaching out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

Another way to help out is to get others connected to the digital resources they need to set up Zoom calls or do virtual volunteering. While more and more older adults are connected to the internet, not all are (and socioeconomic inequalities can exacerbate this issue). Helping to bridge this digital gap will have a meaningful impact on people’s sense of connectedness right now.

Sin also suggests that the efforts we’re making now to cultivate our social networks can have long-reaching consequences. The volunteer networks, community groups, and mutual aid organizations we’ve built up while social distancing are resources that we can carry forward, even after the pandemic. She explains, “What I hope is that, by people becoming more active in helping other people, in maybe becoming more involved in their communities, that this will build resources that people can still rely on in the future even after the pandemic is over.”

About the Author

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Elizabeth Hopper

Elizabeth Hopper, Ph.D. , received her Ph.D. in psychology from UC Santa Barbara and currently works as a freelance science writer specializing in psychology and mental health.

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The Power of Serving Others: How Empathy and Learning Can Create a Positive Impact

Serving others is one of the most important things you can do as a human being . it involves putting the needs and well-being of others ahead of your own. and making a positive impact on the world. i’ll explore what it means to serve, why it is important, and how you incorporate this mindset into your life., recently i read a book about how someone sold over 100,000 copies of a book because of three words. the three words he was referring to were to serve the reader. that really got to me, and i’ve been thinking about service, and in what ways i can serve others. when i read the book, i was in the middle of writing leadership reading: spilling the tea on how top leaders read..

I took the author’s message to heart. When I was titling the chapters, I constantly asked myself how I was serving my readers. Would they know what to expect from the chapter based on the title? I’ve also been thinking about how you can serve others and serve yourself. I think that’s important as well.

The Definition of Serving Others

Serving others can be defined as taking action to help others expecting nothing in return. This involves a wide range of activities, from volunteering at a local charity to helping a neighbor with their groceries. Serving others is about being compassionate, and selfless, and doing what you can to make a positive impact on the world.

My Experience with Serving Others

I have always felt a strong sense of purpose when I am serving others. Whether it's  helping a friend in need or creating a product or service to help others. I have found that serving others is one of the most rewarding things I can do. It has helped me to build stronger relationships, develop new skills, and make a positive impact.

Why Serving Others is Important

There are many reasons serving others is important. It helps to make the world a better place. By taking action to help others, you create a ripple effect of positivity and kindness that inspire others to do the same. Serving others helps you develop new skills, build stronger relationships, and improve your overall well-being.

The Role of Empathy in Serving Others

Empathy is a key component of serving others. By putting yourself in someone else's shoes, you better understand their needs and how you can help them. Empathy allows you to connect with others on a deeper level, creating a sense of compassion and understanding that makes a huge difference in someone's life.

The Power of a Positive Attitude

Maintaining a positive attitude is also important when serving others. By staying optimistic and hopeful, you inspire others and create a more positive and supportive environment. A positive attitude helps you stay motivated and overcome any obstacles or challenges that may arise.

How to Incorporate Serving into Your Daily Life

Incorporating a serving mindset into your daily life is easier than you may think. Start by looking for small ways to help others, such as holding the door open for someone or offering to carry their groceries. Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community or donate to a local charity. By making serving others a habit, you create a positive impact on the world around you.

The Ripple Effect of Serving Others

One of the most powerful aspects of serving others is the ripple effect it creates. When you take action to help others, you inspire them to do the same. This creates a chain reaction of positivity and kindness that spreads far beyond your initial actions. By serving others, you create a better world for everyone.

Serving Others as Planting Seeds

Serving others is like planting seeds. When you take action to help others, you’re planting seeds of kindness and compassion that grow and spread. These seeds  inspire others to do the same, creating a beautiful garden of positivity and kindness.

serving others

Serving others is about putting the needs and well-being of others ahead of your own. And creating a positive impact on the world. By developing empathy, maintaining a positive attitude, and looking for ways to help others, you create a ripple effect of positivity and kindness that changes the world. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply being kind to those around you, you have the power to make a difference.

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10 benefits of helping others

28 April 2020

Volunteering your time, money, or energy to help others doesn’t just make the world better—it also makes you better. Studies indicate that the very act of giving back to the community boosts your happiness, health, and sense of well-being.

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Here are 10 benefits of lending a hand to those in need.  Remember, before you start any type of volunteering you should check out the advice on safe volunteering during COVID-19 from the Students’ Union.

1. Helping others feels good

There is some evidence to suggest that when you help others, it can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness.  This heightened sense of well-being might be the byproduct of being more physically active as a result of volunteering, or because it makes us more socially active.

2. It creates a sense of belonging

Helping others can help us to make new friends and connect with our community.  Face-to-face activities such as volunteering at a food bank can also help reduce loneliness and isolation.

3. It gives you a sense of purpose

Studies show that volunteering enhances an individual’s overall sense of purpose and identity.  This is because helping others can make you feel rewarded, fulfilled and empowered.

4. Giving helps keep things in perspective

Helping others, especially those who are less fortunate than yourself, can help to put things into perspective and make you feel more positive about your own circumstances.

5. It’s contagious

One study found that people are more likely to perform feats of generosity after observing another do the same. This effect can ripple throughout the community, inspiring dozens of individuals to make a difference.  

6. Helping others can help you live longer

Regular volunteering can improve your ability to manage stress and stave off disease as well as increasing your sense of life satisfaction. T his might be because volunteering alleviates loneliness and enhances our social lives.

7. It will give you a sense of renewal

Helping others can teach you to help yourself. If you’ve been through a tough experience or just have a case of the blues, the "activism cure" is a great way get back to feeling like yourself.

8. You’ll boost your self-esteem

People who volunteer have been found to have higher self-esteem and overall wellbeing. The benefits of volunteering also depend on your consistency. So, the more regularly you volunteer, the more confidence you'll gain.

9. You’ll create stronger friendships

When you help others, you give off positive vibes, which can rub off on peers and improve your friendships.  Being a force for good in a friend’s life can help build a lasting bond.

10. You become a glass half-full type person

Having a positive impact on someone else could help you change your own outlook and attitude. Experts say that performing acts of kindness boosts your mood and ultimately makes you more optimistic and positive.

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In Helping Others, You Help Yourself

The benefits of social regulation of emotion..

Posted May 30, 2018 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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Consider the positive feelings you experienced the last time when you did something good for someone else. Perhaps it was the satisfaction of running an errand for your neighbor, or the sense of fulfillment from volunteering at a local organization, or the gratification from donating to a good cause. Or perhaps it was the simple joy of having helped out a friend. This “ warm glow ” of pro-sociality is thought to be one of the drivers of generous behavior in humans. One reason behind the positive feelings associated with helping others is that being pro-social reinforces our sense of relatedness to others, thus helping us meet our most basic psychological needs .

Research has found many examples of how doing good, in ways big or small, not only feels good, but also does us good. For instance, the well-being-boosting and depression -lowering benefits of volunteering have been repeatedly documented. As has the sense of meaning and purpose that often accompanies altruistic behavior. Even when it comes to money, spending it on others predicts increases in happiness compared to spending it on ourselves. Moreover, there is now neural evidence from fMRI studies suggesting a link between generosity and happiness in the brain. For example, donating money to charitable organizations activates the same (mesolimbic) regions of the brain that respond to monetary rewards or sex . In fact, the mere intent and commitment to generosity can stimulate neural change and make people happier.

Recent research suggests yet another way our well-being can benefit from practicing pro-social behavior: helping others regulate their emotions helps us regulate our own emotions, decreases symptoms of depression and ultimately, improves our emotional well-being.

CC0/Unsplash

Regulating each other’s emotions

Our day-to-day lives offer plenty of opportunities for regulating our own emotions. When we are happy, sad, frustrated or anxious , we find ways of managing our feelings to meet the demands of our environments. At times, however, when the weight of our emotions becomes too much to bare, we turn to others for support. Social regulation of emotion is a key component of our relationships. Whenever we navigate children through tantrums, help a friend through a breakup, or rely on our partners for comfort after a challenging day, we often engage in social regulation of emotion. Whether we are the ones providing the emotional support or the ones seeking it, the 2 most common ways to help others regulate their emotions are through acceptance (showing empathy by validating their feelings) and reappraisal (helping others think about their situation in a different way). A recent study from Columbia University has revealed that when helping others navigate their stressful situations, we are enhancing our own emotion regulation skills, and thus, benefiting our own emotional well-being.

Over a three-week period, participants were provided with an anonymous online environment where they could share their personal stories of stressful life events. They could also provide emotional support to other participants by replying to their entries with short, empathetic messages. Participants helped each other by identifying potential distortions in thinking, suggesting reappraisal strategies or providing words of acceptance. Responses were rated for their degree of helpfulness and participants were given the opportunity to express their gratitude for the acceptance or reappraisal messages that they received from others.

The results showed that helping others to regulate their emotions predicted better emotional and cognitive outcomes for those participants who were giving the help. Moreover, because heightened levels of self-focused attention are common in depression , the more people helped others, the more their helping behavior predicted a reduction in their own depression, thanks to the use of reappraisal in their own daily lives. Follow-up analyses further showed that this increase in reappraisal in people’s lives also affected their mood and subjective happiness. Interestingly, messages that used other-focused language (e.g., second-person pronouns such as you and your ) were considered more helpful and garnered more gratitude from participants. In fact, using other-focused language not only helped the people in need, but also those who were helping. This finding suggests that when providing emotional support to others, trying to fully take on their perspective can increase reappraisal and lead to better psychological outcomes for those who are providing the support.

CC0/Unsplash

Next time you find yourself helping someone with regulating their emotions, consider how your efforts may be providing you with an opportunity to practice for future situations at a distance, and consequently, improving your emotional well-being. Thus, when it comes to the benefits of social emotion regulation, St. Francis of Assisi’s words ring especially poignant: For it is in the giving that we receive.

Doré, B. P., Morris, R. R., Burr, D. A., Picard, R. W., & Ochsner, K. N. (2017). Helping others regulate emotion predicts increased regulation of one’s own emotions and decreased symptoms of depression. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 43(5), 729-739.

Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687-1688.

Ingram, R. E. (1990). Self-focused attention in clinical disorders: Review and a conceptual model. Psychological Bulletin, 107, 156-176.

Jenkinson, C. E., Dickens, A. P., Jones, K., Thompson-Coon, J., Taylor, R. S., Rogers, M., ... & Richards, S. H. (2013). Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health, 13(1) , 773.

Moll, J., Krueger, F., Zahn, R., Pardini, M., de Oliveira-Souza, R., & Grafman, J. (2006). Human fronto–mesolimbic networks guide decisions about charitable donation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(42) , 15623-15628.

Park, S. Q., Kahnt, T., Dogan, A., Strang, S., Fehr, E., & Tobler, P. N. (2017). A neural link between generosity and happiness. Nature Communications, 8 , 15964.

Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: It’s good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2) , 66-77.

Van Tongeren, D. R., Green, J. D., Davis, D. E., Hook, J. N., & Hulsey, T. L. (2016). Prosociality enhances meaning in life. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 11(3) , 225-236.

Weinstein, N., & Ryan, R. M. (2010). When helping helps: Autonomous motivation for prosocial behavior and its influence on well-being for the helper and recipient. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(2), 222.

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D.

Marianna Pogosyan, Ph.D. , is a lecturer in Cultural Psychology and a consultant specialising in cross-cultural transitions.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Hobby / Helping Others

Helping Others Essay Examples

Arguments of why charity is essential for society.

To start with, in charity essay this topic is briefly discussed by an author. There are strong evidences that show donations or contributions have persisted across the stages of human species evolution. Since the beginning of time the world has become unequal in all aspects...

Empowering the Disabled Person: Extending a Helping Hand

Helping a disabled person involves a combination of empathy, understanding, and practical assistance. One of the fundamental ways to offer support is through education and awareness. By educating ourselves and others about different types of disabilities and their unique challenges, we can foster a more...

The Undeniable Value of Community Service

Community service refers to voluntary work that individuals or groups undertake to improve the well-being of their local community. It is a selfless act of giving back and supporting others without expecting anything in return. Community service plays a vital role in society, benefiting both...

Personal Experience of Helping Someone: What Drives Me to Do This

My task for this paper was to 'narrate your personal experience of helping someone', that is the main topic for this paper. Here my personal experience of helping will be introduced. Then, the motivations of helping and the reason why I would be the only...

The Multidimensional Nature of Help

The Oxford dictionary defines "help" as, a verb to which a person can, "Make it easier or possible for (someone) to do something by offering them one's services or resources." I believe that help in itself, is much more multi-dimensional. Help comes in many forms...

Pursuit of Happiness: Understanding and Helping

As of 2018, there are more than seven and a half billion people living on this Earth (World Development Indicators). Each one started out as a newborn baby, innocent and fresh. They had no perspectives, no opinions, and no experience. They were all bright-eyed bundles...

The Reasons of My Interest in Helping Others

I was around nine when my parents first took me back to Vietnam for the summer after moving to America. One of the first things they did after we landed, was take me to volunteer at a nearby orphanage for kids that were still suffering...

Why My Purpose in Life is to Help Others

Happiness starts from the moment you do something for others. Those who always help others, are happy and do not come across any hurdle in their lives. Research shows that they are less worried and experience better mental health. So let`s research why people help...

Benefits of Helping Others

Volunteering has been around for centuries and is considered a good deed that is seen as desirable by others. It has been made into a requirement by certain educational institutions to complete a certain amount of volunteer hours. Some view this forced requirement as not...

My Future in Helping People

Your dream can be your future. Since a child, I’ve had a dream to make people’s lives brighter and take care of them; which is why I want to be a doctor in my future. I also have reasons for making becoming docs my goal...

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