12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast

Acts of Kindness, Bags of Trash & 12 Inches of Hair: The Service Degree

Service wellness is about contributing to the well-being of others and giving back to the community through volunteer work, advocacy, and acts of kindness. Engaging in service fosters personal fulfillment, social connection, and a sense of purpose, benefiting both the giver and the recipient.

You don’t need a sign-up form to make a difference. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna invite you to rethink what it means to serve. From smiling at a stranger to writing a review, donating blood, or letting someone cry without trying to fix it, they explore how small, everyday acts can nurture both personal and community wellness. You’ll get heartfelt stories, research-backed insights, and a ton of accessible, real-life strategies for giving back—without burning out or buying matching volunteer T-shirts.

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Real-Life Strategies for the Service Degree of Wellness:

• Redefine Service – Acts of service don’t have to be big or formal to matter. Holding a door, running an errand, or checking in on a friend all count.
• Send Kind Words – Write a thank-you note, message a favorite author, or leave a review for a local business.
• Support Creators & Helpers – Take five minutes to review a podcast, leave a tip for a street artist, or send snacks to nurses or teachers.
• Volunteer from Your Couch – Can’t leave home? You can still tutor, mentor, run a support line, or write cards for elders, soldiers, or incarcerated people.
• Offer Your Gifts – Use what comes naturally—repair something, offer tech help, bake for a neighbor. When service aligns with your energy and strengths, it becomes more sustainable.
• Carry Extras for Care – Keep things like granola bars, socks, or bottled water in your car or bag to share with people experiencing homelessness or hardship.
• Hold Space, Not Solutions – Let someone cry or vent without rushing to fix it. Try asking, “Do you want support, distraction, or just a listener?”
• Smile with Intention – A genuine smile can improve your mood and someone else’s.
• Donate Beyond Dollars – Give blood, grow your hair for donation, or declutter by setting out free yard sale items—every offering helps.
• Balance Generosity & Boundaries – Protect your energy. Choose service that fits your bandwidth and brings joy, not depletion. You can’t pour from an empty cup.