The 2026 Healthy PR Professional

Despite what you might hear from detractors, our profession is very much alive. 2026 is PR’s year to shine. I know it in my heart.

But I need you to be selfish.

You are needed now more than ever. Constant, head-swiveling information and misinformation coming at you is challenging you to respond with confidence and conviction every day. 

We’re taught to lean in, go above and beyond, do what it takes, and be always on and available. 

Acting selfishly goes against the very fabric of our profession.

However, to show up for your teams, clients and publics, your well-being must be optimal.

Optimal well-being means putting yourself first.

I’m sharing 10 ways to prioritize your well-being in 2026.

1. _{Start three daily non-negotiables.} You will be proud of focusing on what’s in your control. Here are mine: Exercise immediately after I wake up, 30 minutes of listening to a non-work-related podcast and taking a 15-minute intentional no-phone walk with my family. 
2. _{Schedule your entire 2026 time-off calendar this week.} We face challenges in proactively taking time off. Nearly half of workers with paid time off say they usually take less leave than their employer offers. Please refer to my guide for tips on how to address this issue. Doing so in January helps you get excited about taking the time off you have earned and deserve. 
3. _{Enjoy distraction-free weekly coffee chats with friends you haven’t seen in a long time.} Afterward, you will be positively reflecting, feeling connected and happy that you’ve set up your next coffee date.
4. _{Go on a meeting diet.} Identify standing meetings that are too long, and if you can shave off 30 minutes of meetings per day, then that adds up to three weeks of extra time to focus on other tasks. Review this quarterly.
5. _{Be vulnerable enough to lean on close confidants} when your confidence might drift and be there for them when they need you as well.
6. _{Learn something new,} whether it’s visiting a gallery or museum, engaging in a creative activity, or cooking, which are examples of activities that can help maintain good mental well-being.
7. _{Read fiction books that take you away to a faraway land.} Did you know that reading fiction when emotionally transported into the story, is a great way to increase empathy?
8. _{Install a habit the next time you receive an addition to your to-do list} that goes “yes, happy to take this on, what should I deprioritize as a result?”
9. _{Create a 30-minute evening wind-down before going to sleep.} Phone- and TV-free, blissfully writing in your journal, meditating through a grateful day, while faint white noise in the background helps you drift away before feeling refreshed in the morning.
10. _{Finally, embrace the global community of thousands in PRSA} here to support you in your personal and career ambitions. Offer to volunteer with your local Chapter, region or Section. Share your wisdom by hosting a professional development event and connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar interests.

Here is to a very special 2026 for the PR profession and professional. Thank you for your role in making that happen by prioritizing your well-being.