Family, friends, pets, and even community connections are more than just "nice to haves" — these relationships ground us, support us, and bring meaning to our lives.

The most compelling feature of kindness is its reciprocity. Acts of kindness inspire a "pay-it-forward" effect: when one person experiences kindness, they’re more likely to pass it along to others, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits entire communities.

Spirituality or belief systems can be way to anchor yourself in the present, reconnect with your values, and cultivate resilience regardless of external demands.

As you approach this year’s end, let’s try something radical: letting go. Releasing what no longer serves you isn’t just an emotional detox—it’s a practical way to make space for growth, clarity, and health in the year ahead.

Research has shown that cultivating a sense of purpose can play a vital role in both preventing and recovering from burnout.

It’s not about plastering on a positive attitude or trying to hustle your way out of despair—rather it’s reconnecting with what truly matters to you in a way that anchors and sustains you, even in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

For those experiencing burnout, finding ikigai—"the reason for being" or "that which makes life worth living"—can serve as a powerful antidote to the exhaustion and detachment often brought on by work-related stress.