Paying it forward: How giving back to your community can be good for you

There aren’t many people out there who don’t like the idea of community. Being part of a community – a group of people who share something in common, such as where they live, their interests, or their attitudes – makes us feel good, right?

When you have a solid squad around you, you feel more connected, and like you belong. You know that someone’s got your back, and that you’ll have someone you can count on if you need support (and vice versa). And that’s not all – actively giving back to your community can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health too.

Human beings are inherently social creatures. We work better together. And now, in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, feeling socially connected is more important than ever.

Social connectedness might sound like a fluffy catchphrase, but the benefits to our physical and mental health are huge. When people have a sense of belonging, evidence suggests it may lower mental health issues, heart disease mortality, strengthen the immune system, and lower the risk of dementia. It also contributes to lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and more empathy and trust. In a nutshell? A strong connection with our community directly contributes to better overall health.

You don’t automatically get the benefits of community just because you live or work somewhere. You need to actively work to build those connections.

It might be knocking on your neighbour’s door and introducing yourself, or asking the guy who runs your local fruit shop what his favourite way to cook potatoes is. It might be opening yourself up to more meaningful conversations, or proactively inviting people into your home for a meal.

You don’t have to become best friends with everyone. It’s more about making connections with people you can reach out to if and when you might need help, whether that’s borrowing a couple of eggs from a neighbour when you’re baking a cake, or giving someone a ride to the doctor when their car’s being serviced. It’s about building a network and sharing the load – and helping others along the way too.

Are you starting to see a pattern here? When you give someone something – be it a cup of sugar, a meal, or your time – you reap the rewards too.

It’s called the Helper’s High, and it’s been shown to boost physical and mental health. It makes sense. Think about how it feels to give a gift to a friend, donate to a charity, or volunteer your time to help someone in need. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy, right? Altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain, which accounts for that ‘warm glow’ feeling we get in our chests.

Giving also promotes cooperation, encourages social connections and strengthens our ties to others. Another thing? It’s contagious. Who received a homemade gift from someone during the COVID-19 crisis, and then returned the gesture by making a cake, jam or bread? Giving sets off a ripple effect that benefits you, and your community.

So how do you, you know, connect to your community?

Start with finding things that interest you – it could be joining the local basketball team, going to language classes, or volunteering with a local organisation. When you find people who like the same things you do, you’ve got an almost immediate support network, and they’ve expanded theirs, too. And if you’re new to New Zealand, recently moved regions/towns, or would just like more info on how to connect to your community, check out the Newcomers Network.

If you’re interested in helping your local community grow and connect, check out our AIA Vitality Business and Community Grant initiative and contribute an idea to our nationwide Think Tank on Instagram. Your idea could be picked up and given up to $50k to make it happen. We’ll be choosing ten of the best ideas and investing $50k each to make a positive difference to kiwi communities! Find out more HERE. Entries close July 19^th 2020.