Make A Difference Day is one of the largest annual single days of service nationwide. Thousands of volunteers across the country unite with a common mission: to improve the lives of others through a wide range of community-driven service projects. Make A Difference Day began in 1992 and takes place annually on the fourth Saturday in October.
Why do we help others? Yes, it is the right thing to do. But did you know that it also makes you happier and healthier? I know it may be a bit selfish to look at how being kind to others is beneficial to us personally, but the recent science surrounding kindness is so fascinating that we can’t ignore it. Plus, it is important for parents to understand why we want to instill kindness in our children so that we can provide all the reasons for them when they question it.
Benefits Of Making A Difference
Our brain chemistry actually changes when we do something nice for another person. Studies show that thinking about, watching, or practicing kindness stimulates the vagus nerve, which is linked to the production of oxytocin in our brain. Oxytocin is a hormone that soothes us, making us feel calmer and happier. Kindness also triggers the production of dopamine, the hormone responsible for positive emotions and that natural high feeling we get. As a result, we experience positive health changes including:
- Increased life expectancy
- Feeling less lonely
- Stronger immune system
- Fewer aches and pains
- Decrease in stress and anxiety
- Less depression
How To Make A Difference
To celebrate this special day of service as a family, check out these ideas:
Learn about the science-backed benefits of giving to others. Check out these posts:
Find ways to volunteer as a family. I encourage all of you to explore volunteer opportunities in your local community that you can do as a family. There are so many ways that you can give together. You can plan a community service play date, organize a school fundraiser, or add good deeds to your family dinner time. And if you don’t find something that you love, create it yourself! Your children and the people you help will thank you.
Learn how to choose the best volunteer activities for your family.
Teach your children how to balance giving with receiving. Review these lessons with your children, especially as you prepare for the holiday season.
Help protect the environment. Both volunteer work and spending time in nature help reduce stress in our lives, so why not combine these ideas by participating in community service projects that help our environment? Check out these hands-on project ideas.
Read books about giving and kindness to your children: Enjoy My Welcome Book: Bringing Children Into This World With Kindness.
Teach your children lovingkindness meditation. We must love ourselves before we can offer kindness to the world around us. Prepare your family to help others by practicing lovingkindness meditation together.
How will your family make a difference today and every day?
Wow! I love the blog, reminds me of all the things I did when my children were younger and has inspired me to do more again now with my grandson. It’s time to step out a bit more and not just for myself. Thank you!!
Debbie
First time I am hearing about this day but it is a great idea. Serving others and taking care of the environment are two of the best things we could ever do in life
Louise
I love this post! It’s so heart warming to do for others and particularly to see a group of people doing for others. Volunteerism is the heart of love!
I’m aware that tomorrow is Make a Difference Day! Great ideas. We can do simple activities to make a difference in the lives of others. I’m grateful you are spreading the word!
I really like the idea of this and think incorporating it into my life on a regular basis will be really beneficial. Thanks for the ideas too!
eazy technical help
amazing love the way you think