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Defeating Dementors #2: Doing Good for Others
By Serena Towers
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There is a lot of research into how doing something good for other people can help you feel good. This is one of the benefits of volunteering in the local community, being kind to people or donating money to charity - the feel-good factor. |
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This is a bonus because you’re also making others happy as a result of this action - as well as yourself - and allows you to feel more connected to people in general. However, doing good is not limited to volunteering or finances. |
It was possible to spread kindness and joy in any capacity. |
These actions of kindness and love do not need to be large. They do not need to take up most of your time or require you to give up a significant portion of your finances. Even doing small acts can make a huge difference. Just smiling at people can make a difference in someone’s happiness!
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| ─. | Just smiling at people can make a difference in someone’s happiness! | ── |
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When was the last time you did something nice for someone else? How did it make you feel? Here are a few ideas that you could do right now to help do something for others:
 | xx | 1. Offer to help someone
2. Give someone a sincere compliment
3. Reach out to someone you know who has been struggling recently - have a chat with them or offer your help, show that you care
4. Ask a friend how they are and listen to them without judgement
5. Offer directions to someone who seems lost (this applies well if you see any first years, especially at the start of the year or third years looking for their new classes!) |
6. Share a skill that you have with someone
7. Make someone smile
8. Do a random act of kindness
9. Pick up litter on the Grounds or by the Great Lake
10. Sit with someone who seems lonely in the Great Hall | xx |  |
 | xx | 11. Send a letter to someone telling them how much they mean to you
12. Leave random notes to strangers with positive messages
13. Share your Honeydukes candy with people
14. Forgive someone for what they’ve done
15. Offer to help carry someone’s heavy school bag |
Try at least one of these every month until the next Headliner issue and see how you feel - and how it feels to help others! Does bringing a smile to their face make you happy? Does knowing you have done something good for the school, your friends, the environment or a random stranger make you feel better - even if it was anonymously done? If you have any other ideas and actions where you’re giving your time, energy and love for others then feel free to try those instead!
Until next time, my Sunshine Seekers, go defeat your dementors.
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