THE BEAST

Photo Creedit: Gantas Vaičiulėnas

As you probably know at this point, the start of a new year comes with that familiar buzz of optimism, doesn’t it? A blank slate, fresh goals, and all the Pinterest-worthy ideas to "be your best self." But by mid-January, the gym memberships are forgotten, and the pressure to stick to big resolutions leaves most people stressed out rather than thriving.

But here’s something to remember; improving mental health doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. Technically, if you think about it, it’s the same for physical health too. So, the most effective changes often come from overlooked, subtle shifts in daily habits. 

These aren’t your typical “meditate more” or “get enough sleep” tips. Instead, think of them as little “mental hacks” to make 2025 the year you truly feel better, with no overwhelm required (as small changes are always the best ways to go for long-term improvement).

Use Devices With Intention

For starters, phones and tablets often get blamed for wrecking mental health, but they’re not the villains they’re made out to be. It’s how they’re used that matters. For example, if you’re just endlessly scrolling through negative news or comparing your life to influencers on Instagram? Well, of course, you’re going to feel bad, and this definitely not helping when it comes to better mental health. But your device can actually support your mental health when used with purpose.

For example, a game like Solitaire on your personal device offers a calming escape without the mental overload of social media. Most people go on social media for that little hit of satisfaction, but small mindful games here and there can go that too. But even beyond games, you can think about downloading apps that inspire creativity, help you track gratitude, or teach something new. Plus, technology isn’t the enemy, using it without intention is.

Try "Micro-Journaling"

Journaling always sounds like a great idea until it feels like homework, right? Well, writing page after page of reflections can feel overwhelming, but you don’t even have to do that if you don’t want to. Some people just do micro-journaling, and yeah, it helps.

Basically, each day, jot down just one word, sentence, or feeling. It could be something like “Grateful for sunshine” or “Enjoyed a quiet coffee.” But there’s no pressure to be profound, this is about noticing the small, good moments that often get lost in the shuffle. Over time, these tiny reflections build a treasure trove of positivity, showing that even on tough days, there are things worth smiling about.

Turn Transitions into Mental Health Moments

Okay, now this one might sound off, but just bear with it! So, most people overlook the in-between parts of their day. Those little transitions, like getting out of bed, driving to work, or preparing dinner, often happen on autopilot. But these moments can become opportunities to ground yourself.

Ideally, you should! So, just take three slow breaths before stepping into a meeting, savoring the sound of running water while washing your hands, or noticing the colors outside during a commute. But why bother? Well, these tiny mindfulness breaks can completely change your day.

Just Learn to Love Doing Nothing

Sure, it can definitely be agreed that society loves to celebrate productivity, but constantly being busy isn’t sustainable. But doing nothing, and actually enjoying it, is one of the most overlooked habits for better mental health. No, seriously, this does get overlooked! 

Just think of it this way; some unstructured time allows the brain to wander, recharge, and get creative. You’ve done nothing before plenty of times, like laying in bed and staring at the ceiling, looking out the window, drinking some tea on the sofa. Just do that, don’t multi-task.

Build a Personal "Mood Playlist"

Music is powerful, but too often it’s just background noise. So, instead, create a playlist tailored to shift your mood when you need it. Include calming tracks for anxiety-filled moments, nostalgic songs that bring comfort, and upbeat hits that make you feel unstoppable.

Practice Kindness Toward Yourself

Actually, for a lot of people, this is going to be the hardest of them all. Nowadays, there’s this push to be mean to yourself, and be hard on yourself for not being perfect. Overall, self-talk is sneaky. Those little comments you make about yourself throughout the day, “Why did I mess that up?” or “I’ll never get this right”—add up. Instead of critiquing every mistake, approach yourself with curiosity and kindness.

Now, here’s an example, instead of “Why am I so bad at this?” try “What could I learn from this?” It’s not about toxic positivity or ignoring challenges. It’s about treating yourself like you would a good friend . with patience and understanding.