April 29, 2020

Looking for More Happiness? Try Volunteering

In a quest to achieve a happy life, many people look towards books, blogs, influential speakers, and even meditation. While these are good options, there is one specific activity that is proven to increase happiness: volunteer work.

That’s right: volunteering makes you happy. In fact, Happify.com reported that 94 percent of people who volunteer say it improves their mood, and 78 percent agree that it lowers their stress levels. It could be due to the three main benefits of volunteering: an improved connection to those you serve, a boost in your mental and physical health, and a release of healthy mood-altering endorphins.

Connect with Others

Cultivating strong relationships isn’t an easy task, especially when you’re new to an area or looking to explain your social circle. Volunteering is a wonderful way to form new connections within your community.

If you love animals, for example, and long to build friendships with other animal lovers, or you want to meet someone whose dog can become your dog’s new best friend, why not volunteer at the local animal shelter? “[Volunteering] strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities,” according to HelpGuide.org .

Boost Mental and Physical Health

Volunteering requires mental and physical activity. Serving food at a soup kitchen means you will have to stand for a long time. Planting a tree in a neighborhood park requires that you listen to directions carefully so you can set your new tree up for success. And cleaning out your house to donate unused items requires enough mental exertion to organize your items neatly and efficiently.

All that moving and thinking leads to a healthier lifestyle, which explains why volunteers report better physical health than those who don’t volunteer.

Boost Your Mood Naturally

During your last act of service, did you walk away feeling happy? Psychologists have labeled this euphoria the “ Helper’s High .” Participating in charitable activities releases pleasure-inducing endorphins into your body. These endorphins boost your mood and make you happier.

If you want to create a happier life, the three reasons above should be enough to motivate you to volunteer your time to help others. Volunteering will help you form more connections, experience better health, and reap the benefits of happy endorphins.

Improve Your VIP Experience: Flexible Ways to Pay Rent and Build Credit at Lakewood Manor

April 15, 2026
At  Lakewood Manor Apartments  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Lakewood community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  Lakewood Manor Apartments  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.
Girl playing softball

All the Best Holiday Events in Lakewood, California, This Year

By Camille Hardy • November 23, 2023
If you have plans to spend time at home in Lakewood, California, for the holidays, or if you’re coming in for a visit, you won’t be disappointed. Lakewood has a variety of fun holiday events and activities to help you celebrate the season.

The Best Spots for a Spring Photo Shoot Near Lakewood, CA

May 2, 2023
If you're searching for the best spots for a spring photo shoot in the Lakewood area, we've got you covered. Here are five of the most photogenic places in which to strike a pose and smile for the camera.