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The holidays often evoke mixed feelings. While some people experience connection and warmth, others feel pressure, loneliness, or overwhelm. Often, all of these emotions coexist. According to research, what helps us most during this period? Kindness, both toward yourself and others.
It is free, accessible, and has a proven positive impact on well-being.
Why kindness is such a powerful end-of-year gift
Kindness means consciously doing something that is good for yourself or someone else. It can be big or small: paying attention, offering support, being gentle, taking a break.
Important: kindness starts with you.
It's difficult to be empathetic and patient with others when you're constantly putting pressure on yourself. Self-kindness is a skill — and the more you practice, the stronger it becomes.
Some ways to do that:
- Speak to yourself as you would to a friend.
- Make time every day for something small that is just for you: a cup of tea, a walk, a moment of silence.
- Set boundaries that protect your energy.
The benefits of kindness, scientifically proven
Research shows that kind acts:
- improve your mood
- reduce stress
- boost your self-esteem
- enhance connection and social support
In a period when loneliness and pressure are becoming more prevalent, kindness acts as a kind of mental buffer. Small gestures lower the threshold for reaching out to each other again, which helps both individuals and teams in the workplace.
When small signals become important for HR
Kindness also has a surprisingly large effect at the organizational level. Teams in which kindness, empathy, and setting boundaries are encouraged show fewer signs of stress and build resilience more quickly. For HR, these are often the first indicators of what employees really need.
We see with many clients that moments of kindness, such as a colleague who listens, someone who honestly indicates that something is becoming too much, or a manager who makes room for recovery, are often the start of more open conversations about well-being. It is precisely these signals that show where prevention can have the most impact.
With an approach based on early detection, thematic campaigns, and tailored support, HR can turn those small signals into lasting change. In this way, kindness becomes a lever for a stronger, preventive well-being policy.
The kindness tool: a ripple effect that extends beyond yourself
Kindness is contagious. One small act can be the starting point for a whole chain of positive interactions. At home, at work, or in your community. Try these simple actions:
- Listen with full attention
- Donate something you no longer need
- Give up your seat on the bus, train, or tram
- Send a message to someone you haven't heard from in a long time
- Give an explicit, sincere compliment
Setting boundaries: an act of self-kindness
Without boundaries, kindness quickly becomes self-sacrifice. Healthy boundaries help you conserve energy, keep relationships clear, and protect your mental health. Setting boundaries can mean:
- Saying "no" to invitations
- Limit your time at family gatherings
- Ending a conversation when it becomes too much
- Not drinking alcohol, despite social pressure
- Setting budgets for gifts
- Making time for self-care
Tips for doing this in a way that builds connections:
- Determine what is important to you during this period
- Communicate clearly, honestly, and kindly
- Practice what you want to say beforehand.
- Stay calm and make eye contact
- Listen to the other person as well
Warm wishes for the end of the year
We wish you a gentle, peaceful period.
For yourself, your team, and everyone around you.
At BloomUp, we believe that small, everyday actions, such as kindness, awareness, and timely care, form the foundation of mental resilience. This applies to individuals, but just as much to organizations.
Would your organization like to focus more on prevention, resilience, and early detection next year? We would be happy to help you develop a strategy.
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