As this year closes and the next begins, most people think about new goals. However, a recent study found that about 64% (or two-thirds) of people abandon their New Year’s resolution within a month.  But one lasting practice is extending kindness to others on a daily basis. It takes such little effort.

“The New Year serves as a cyclical marker of time during which we reevaluate and take inventory on our lives” says Sabrina Romanoff, PhD clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University in New York City. 

Mariana Strongin, PsyD said “A New Year gives us a sense of renewal, which causes us to think about areas in our life we want to improve upon or change and the start and stopping of a clock always feels like the natural time.” Sweep the old behind us and start fresh.

Britt Frank, a trauma specialist and author of The Science of Stuck, says: “The cycle of making and breaking resolutions boils down to one core issue: honesty.” She also says that “Without examining where we are resistant to change, the cycle of resolve, relapse, repeat continues year after year.”

Just one act of kindness would be to become present to someone who is suffering or having a difficult experience is so beneficial.

Make and effort to smile at others, compliment someone, and say “Thank You” and “I’m Sorry.” Be kind to yourself.

In terms of kindness it can be contagious and something that benefits us all. From and early age, we are often taught to be kind, compassionate and treat others the way we want to be treated. The response is beneficial to our health as well. It lowers pain levels. Relieves stress and anxiety. When we show kindness we are healing others and ourselves at the same time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!