EXPERT ADVISORY – Nov. 10, 2026 — R0103

With December ringing near and festive preparations top of mind, Sandra Bosacki is encouraging people to choose kindness as their guidepost for the months ahead instead of the pressure of perfection.

The Brock University Professor of Educational Studies and kindness researcher says that in preparing for the holidays, many people place too much pressure on themselves to be social and choose the “perfect” gifts or host the “perfect” party.

“During the hectic chaos of holidays, it’s important to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion — be gentle with yourself,” Bosacki says.

She suggests taking restorative time alone to reflect and gather emotional energy instead of always being “on” and social.

Reducing stress, anxiety and loneliness during what can be a challenging and emotionally taxing time of year is beneficial for all ages, she says, though it’s particularly important for the emotional health of young people.

As World Kindness Day approaches on Friday, Nov. 13, Bosacki is shedding light on how to practice kind behaviours towards others and oneself — an approach she hopes people take 365 days of the year.

Kindness is a mindset that “starts from within and is an act done with intention and meaning,” she says.

A kind act can be any action that is done with intention and care to make another person — or oneself — feel better and improve moods, Bosacki says.

“This might be through helping someone with a task, comforting somebody facing a challenge or by being supportive and lending a friendly ear.”

Bosacki suggests being kind to family and friends by:

• Surprising them by baking or cooking their favourite food.
• Taking time to let them know why you’re grateful to have them in your life.
• Sharing a skill you have (read, teach them to play an instrument, draw, sew/knit or craft), helping them learn how to play a new game or teaching them a new recipe.

She also suggests being kind to oneself by:

• Treating yourself to a walk in the park or nature.
• Taking time for yourself to think and reflect, perhaps through drawing, reading or engaging in an activity that brings you joy and positive feelings.
• Spending time with your favourite companion animal.

Bosacki also suggests practicing kindness to strangers through smiling and saying good morning/afternoon, offering help to someone who is carrying something heavy or offering your seat to someone on the bus or train.

The impact of being kind with intention motivated by the heart and mind is exponential, she says. This leads to feelings of happiness and well-being, which in turn mitigates feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

Bosacki’s research at Brock’s Theory of Mind in Education Lab explores the impact of kindness to encourage youth, parents, teachers and all adults to act in thoughtful and considerate ways that are mindful of others.

“As we all work together towards making this world a kinder, gentler and more peaceful place to live, we can all learn to make kindness a habit of mind and way of being every day of the year,” she says.

The Theory of Mind in Education Lab conducts ongoing research and encourages any families with children aged 11 to 16 interested in participating in kindness studies to email [email protected]

Sandra Bosacki, Brock University Professor of Educational Studies, is available for media interviews on this topic.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

*Melinda Cheevers, Communications Specialist, Brock University, [email protected] or 289-241-5855

– 30 –