2026 New Year’s Resolution—Kindness to Self and Others

Oftentimes, in the mental wellness sphere, it can feel like there are a multitude of healthy behaviors we are supposed to practice. This seems to reach a zenith as we consider New Year's resolutions. It can feel overwhelming. It can feel like we can never do enough. Even worse, it can cause self-blame if we don’t act in the prescribed ways.

Let’s simplify this.

What would happen if we streamlined our New Year's goals? Instead of all the self-improvement, increased productivity, or wish fulfillment, what if we just focused on one thing: being kind?

I’m talking about simple acts and words of kindness, to self and others. Neuroscience has taught us that acts of kindness release several helpful brain chemicals that boost our mood, calm us, and create deeper connections to others. I don’t mean doormat or boundary-less “kindness” as those end up being unkind in their own way. I also won’t cover grander acts of kindness as they tend to be more individual. Here are some ideas that most of us can benefit from:

Source: Miriam Garcia, used with permission

Simple Acts of Kindness to Self

• Let yourself relax and hang out when you need a break.
• Put your phone away and give yourself time to focus on a hobby that brings you joy.
• Let water relax you: Swim outside if you are in a warm climate, take a warm bath if you are lucky enough to have access to one, or walk by a body of water or a fountain.
• Plan your day and evening so that you can have a good night’s sleep.
• Hang out with an animal (either your own, a friend’s, or at a shelter) and focus on them and nothing else

Simple Words of Kindness to Self

• Work to correct negative self-talk to kinder self-talk—for example, instead of "I can't do anything right," you might say, "I made a mistake, but I can learn from it."
• Take the time to recognize your daily wins, no matter how small.
• Count your blessings rather than enumerate your deficits—keep the focus on the good things you already have.
• Talk to yourself like you are your 5-year-old self: “I am doing my best” or “I deserve kindness and respect.”
• It never hurts to repeat the classics, such as “I am enough as I am” or “I love and accept myself.”

Source: Miriam Garcia, used with permission

Simple Acts of Kindness to Others

• Let someone go ahead at the checkout.
• Smile at passersby while you are out walking or shopping.
• Hold a door open for someone who could use a hand.
• Offer up your seat on public transport or in a waiting room.
• Hold up your hand in thanks when other drivers let you through in busy traffic.

Simple Words of Kindness to Others

• Ask your barista or any customer service person how they’re doing, and then take the time to listen.
• Give a compliment, especially if you don’t know the person very well.
• Say a friendly please and a heartfelt thank you.
• Say "I love you" with meaning, and include a hug or even a pat on the arm if the person is comfortable with it.
• Send a text to a friend you miss, let them know that you’ve been thinking about them.

My New Year’s wish this year is that we can collectively create a world where we treat our fellow humans, and other living beings, for that matter, with kindness and respect. Here’s to a compassionate 2026.