Service

"The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. "

- Albert Einstein 

Overview

In this page we will deal with the following topics.

• What is Service

• Service to yourself, family and friends

• Skills you need to become a successful volunteer

• Personal qualities that will fail you as a volunteer 

• Service Rules

• Service Duties

What is Service?

Service is the act of helping others, often without expecting anything in return. It involves performing tasks or providing assistance to benefit others. 

Service is heavily misunderstood in this world. When a mother cares for the child; its a service. When the brother cares for brother or sister, it is a service. When you care for your friend's mental wellbeing, its a service. When you let a helping hand to some one at work or outside its service. When a stranger at station, bus stop or in  the super market offers some unintended help to another stranger, its service. When a staff goes out of their way to please you and provides assistance, its service. 

In a way the Government does work for people is also a form of service. As government is not a physical entity so they hire public servants do the work for its citizens. While the public servants are not doing service because they get paid by the government; the government itself is doing service to citizens, through public servants. The people in leadership roles in government are accountable for the quality of service they provide to citizens. Although the citizens pay tax which helps the government run itself not all citizens pay tax. So, many citizens get service for free and that is why the job of Government is also a service.

When you do service you do not get anything tangible in return from the person receiving your service. What you get is that nice cosy feeling in your heart that you helped someone have a better moment in life. Its due to you that this person enjoyed the moment a little more than what they would have without your help.

Our body generates these hormones when we do service:

• Dopamine: Known as the “reward” hormone, dopamine is released when we experience pleasure or satisfaction. Acts of kindness can stimulate dopamine production, creating a “helper’s high” that reinforces the desire to do good deeds.

• Oxytocin: Often called the “love” or “bonding” hormone, oxytocin is released when we connect with others. Volunteering promotes a sense of trust and social bonding, especially in activities involving direct interaction, which increases oxytocin levels and enhances feelings of connection.

• Serotonin: Known as the “mood stabilizer,” serotonin is released when we feel valued and purposeful. Helping others can give us a sense of accomplishment and social belonging, boosting serotonin levels and contributing to mood improvement and resilience.

• Endorphins: These are the body’s natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. Engaging in meaningful activities like volunteering can lead to endorphin release, which can reduce stress and create feelings of joy, even euphoria.

• Cortisol Reduction: Although cortisol is not a "positive" hormone, it is worth noting that volunteering and helping others can reduce cortisol levels. Lower cortisol leads to reduced stress and a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Service helps you develop empathy, it gives you immense happiness from inside when you do social service. You feel more energised and develop an optimistic outlook to life. There are many benefits to doing service, both for the individual and for the community. Here are some of the key benefits:

For the individual:

• Personal growth: Service can help you develop important skills such as empathy, compassion, team working, leadership and problem-solving. It can also help you learn new things and gain new perspectives.

• Improved mental and physical health: Studies have shown that volunteering can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. It can also help you live longer.

• Increased happiness and life satisfaction: Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It can also help you connect with others and build stronger relationships.

• Career development: Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience and skills that can be beneficial in your career. It can also help you network with people in your field.

• Community engagement: Volunteering can help you become more involved in your community and make a positive impact.

For the community:

• Improved well-being: Service can help improve the well-being of individuals and families in need.

• Stronger communities: When people work together to help others, it can strengthen the bonds between them and create a more cohesive community.

• Positive social change: Service can help address social problems and create a more just and equitable society.

Service to yourself, family and friends

Here are some ways to do service to yourself and your family: 

Service to yourself:

1. Engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated are all ways to serve your physical self. 

2. stablish limits around your time, energy, and resources to prevent burnout and over-commitment. This could mean saying “no” more often, limiting screen time, or creating dedicated relaxation time. 

3. Mindfulness and meditation can be a self-service practice to cultivate awareness and presence in the moment, focusing attention inward to relieve stress and find inner peace. 

4. Dedicate time to learning new skills, setting personal goals, or engaging in creative activities that bring joy. This might include taking a course, learning a language, or reading. Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it's reading, exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. 

5. Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. 

6. Reflect on the positive aspects of your life, fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation. 

7. Take up new hobbies, learn new skills, or read books to expand your knowledge and horizons. 

8. Take steps to support your mental well-being, whether through journaling, speaking with a therapist, or developing a gratitude practice. 

9. Even when practicing self-care, connecting with people who lift you up is essential. Spend time with friends or family, or cultivate meaningful relationships that bring joy and support. 

10. Treat yourself with kindness, especially when facing challenges or making mistakes. Practicing self-compassion—acknowledging your emotions and accepting them without harsh judgment—fosters resilience and reduces stress. 

11. By helping others and working toward a common good you will feel more connected to the world and experience deeper fulfilment. Trust me.

Service to Family: 

1. Give your undivided attention to your family members, validating their feelings and perspectives.

2. Schedule regular activities that strengthen your bonds, such as game nights, family dinners, or outings.

3. Perform small gestures of love and support, like cooking a favourite meal, helping with chores, or offering words of encouragement.

4. Engage in activities that foster shared memories and create a sense of togetherness.

5. Encourage honest and open dialogue within your family, addressing conflicts and concerns with respect.

6. Actively listen to your family members when they are talking to you. Make eye contact, nod your head, and ask questions to show that you are interested in what they have to say.

7. Be there for your family members during both good times and bad. Offer them support, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on when they need it.

8. Try to see things from your family members' perspectives. Be understanding of their feelings and motivations, even if you don't agree with them.

9. Be willing to forgive your family members when they make mistakes. This will help to create a more positive and loving environment in your home.

10. Let your family members know how much you appreciate them. Tell them how much you love them and how much they mean to you.

Service to Friends: 

1. Be there for them during tough times, whether it's a listening ear or practical help. 

2. Offer to help with tasks, such as running errands, moving, or babysitting. 

3. Be there for their special occasions, offering support and celebrating their successes. 

4. Surprise them with a small gift, a handwritten note, or a thoughtful act. 

5. Give your undivided attention when they're talking, and validate their feelings. 

6. Spend quality time together, engaging in activities you both enjoy. 

7. Be honest and open with them, fostering a strong and trusting relationship. 

8. Understand and respect their needs and limitations. 

9. Cheer them on as they pursue their dreams and aspirations. 

10. Offer constructive criticism and honest feedback. 

11. Acknowledge and celebrate their successes, no matter how big or small. 

Remember, the key to serving your family and friends is to be genuine, compassionate, and understanding. By putting their needs before your own, you can strengthen your friendships and make a positive impact on their lives. 

Skills you need to become a successful volunteer

• Empathy

• Communication Skills

• Time Management

• Organization

• Patience

• Flexibility

• Problem-Solving

• Teamwork

• Reliability

• Enthusiasm 

Personal qualities that will fail you as a volunteer 

• Lack of Empathy

• Poor Communication Skills

• Unreliability

• Lack of Commitment

• Negative Attitude

• Disrespectful Behavior

• Arrogance

• Selfishness

• Poor Time Management

• Lack of Initiative 

Service Rules: 

• Service is a two-way street, and while serving others is important, it's equally important to allow yourself to be served.

• Small acts of kindness, like a listening ear or a helping hand, can make a big difference, and service isn't always about grand gestures.

• Taking care of your own needs, both physical and emotional, enables you to better serve others, making self-service essential.

• Acts of service often come with a sense of fulfilment and purpose, and serving others can bring unexpected rewards.

• Helping others strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of community, and service builds strong relationships.

• Leading by example can encourage others to give back, and serving others can inspire others to serve.

• Helping others can boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase your overall well-being, making service a form of self-care.

• Set a clear intention for your service, focusing on the positive impact you want to make.

• Recognize your limitations and the contributions of others.

• Focus on the positive aspects of service, even in challenging situations.

• Take care of your own needs, both physical and emotional, so you can better serve others.

• Express thanks for the opportunity to serve and for the support of others.

• Understand and share the feelings of others, putting yourself in their shoes.

• Be patient with yourself and others, especially during challenging times.

• Let go of resentment and forgive others, allowing for healing and growth.

• Treat others as you would like to be treated, showing kindness and compassion.

• Give what you wish to receive, recognizing that service is a two-way street.

Service Duties: 

• Be patient, understanding, and compassionate with everyone you encounter.

• Be reliable and dependable, always following through on your commitments.

• Be respectful of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.

• Be proactive in identifying and addressing the needs of others.

• Be willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need.

• Be grateful for the opportunity to serve others.

• Be honest and transparent in all your interactions.

• Be a good listener, actively paying attention to others' needs and concerns.

• Be a team player, working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.

• Be adaptable and flexible, willing to adjust your plans and approach as needed.

• Be positive and optimistic, inspiring others with your attitude.

• Be humble and recognize the contributions of others.

• Be willing to learn and grow, continually seeking new knowledge and skills.

• Be a role model, demonstrating the values of service and compassion.

• Be a source of support and encouragement for others.

• Be grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference.

• Always communicate with others in a respectful and considerate manner.

• Prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to ensure timely service.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and personal details.

• Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times, even under pressure.

• Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude, even when facing challenges.

• Approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset.

• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

• Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and requirements.

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals.

• Take responsibility for your actions and the quality of your work.

• Treat others as you would like to be treated. 

• Give what you wish to receive. 

• Express thanks for the service of others. 

• Understand and share the feelings of others. 

• Be patient with yourself and others. 

• Let go of resentment and forgive others. 

• Recognize your limitations and the contributions of others. 

• Focus on the positive aspects of service. 

• Take care of yourself so you can better serve others. 

• Set a clear intention for your service. 

Service Don'ts: 

Do not do  these things:

Service Don’ts

• Don’t expect anything in return for your service; it should be selfless.

• Don’t impose your help or advice on someone who doesn’t want it.

• Don’t let ego or arrogance drive your actions; service should come from humility.

• Don’t judge or criticize those you are helping; show compassion and understanding.

• Don’t make commitments you can’t keep; be realistic about your abilities.

• Don’t neglect your own well-being while serving others; balance is key.

• Don’t exploit the opportunity to serve for personal gain or recognition.

• Don’t invade others’ privacy or overstep boundaries while trying to help.

• Don’t discriminate or be selective in your service based on biases.

• Don’t ignore feedback or the actual needs of those you’re helping.

• Don’t complain or show resentment about the effort or time spent on service.

• Don’t overlook safety or ethical considerations when engaging in service activities.

• Don’t focus solely on the big gestures and neglect small, meaningful acts of kindness.

• Don’t create dependency by solving problems that others can handle themselves.

• Don’t take on too much at once, leading to burnout or compromised service quality.

• Don’t dismiss the contributions of others while serving collaboratively.