From lowering stress levels to boosting immune systems, your happiness can have a powerful influence on your health. Here our members share their top hacks to boost your health and happiness, and why the new year is a great time to start. 听听

The pursuit of happiness

鈥淎 major factor of improving your happiness involves getting to know yourself and understanding what鈥檚 important to you,鈥� shares accredited therapist 鈥淚t鈥檚 a mix of working on your self-awareness, connecting with others and having the flexibility to adapt to life changes.鈥�

If you鈥檙e willing to put in the work, registered therapist says that the new year can be a great time to start. 鈥淲hile every minute, hour or day provides an opportunity to make changes, a new year often brings a shift in mindset that can act as the motivation required to make significant change.鈥�

Accredited psychotherapist and author adds that to achieve true happiness, it鈥檚 essential to aim for balance in all areas of your life- including work, diet, and time spent online.鈥淩ecognise your limits and stay within them. Saying no is a superpower that few understand. Remember to keep a balance with screen time and social media - while it may feel relaxing, it鈥檚 hugely addictive and can lead to overwhelm, anxiety and depression.鈥�

Here are our members tips for boosting your happiness in 2025:

  1. Prioritise your emotional wellbeing

Natasha-Rae says that a great place to start is to 鈥渄eepen your self-awareness and build your emotional regulation skills.鈥� She adds it鈥檚 important to feel and articulate your emotions. 鈥淎sk yourself: what do you need to process these emotions.鈥� Vasia adds that if you need help with processing your emotions and thoughts, seeing a trained and registered therapist or counsellor can help (see therapists directory).

Vasia also recommends practicing regular mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and improve overall emotional wellbeing. Accredited therapist 听suggests that hobbies such as crochet, painting, and jigsaw puzzles promote mindfulness and can help regulate your nervous system by focusing your attention on the present moment.

  1. Cultivate meaningful relationships

Vasia believes that a key component of improving happiness is building deep connections. 鈥淔ocus on quality, not quantity,鈥� shares Vasia. 鈥淚nvest time in close relationships with family, friends, or partners. People who really make you happy. Learn to communicate effectively by practicing active listening, empathy, and vulnerability within these relationships. Seek out communities - find groups or communities that align with your interests, whether online or offline.鈥� Nikki also says that connecting with others can help combat loneliness and boost your sense of belonging. 听

  1. Find purpose and passion

Vasia says that aligning your work with your values can also help improve happiness. 鈥淚f possible, pursue a career or side project that aligns with your values and makes your 鈥榟eart tick鈥� - something that gives you a sense of motivation and excitement,鈥� shares Vasia. 鈥淩ather than focusing on superficial success, identify what you truly value in life and set goals that matter.鈥�

Bhavna agrees and suggests trying new experiences and challenges that push you out of your comfort zone: 鈥淟earn a new skill, whether it's trying something new or picking up something that you used to enjoy.鈥�

  1. Take care of your physical health

Nikki says that a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to mental and physical health. 鈥淭hese foods provide essential nutrients that support brain function. Making simple adjustments, like adding leafy greens or fresh fruit to your meals, can have a positive impact,鈥� she adds.

Physical activity has also been shown to boost mood and energy levels. 鈥淓ven in winter, spending just five minutes outside can lift your spirits,鈥� adds Nikki. 鈥淓xposure to natural light, even on cloudy days, can help regulate your mood. The longer you stay outside, the greater the benefits.鈥�

Vasia also says that prioritising sleep can help too. 鈥淎im for quality sleep. Lack of sleep affects mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being,鈥� explains Vasia.

  1. Develop gratitude practices

鈥淛ournaling is a great way to create space to reconnect with yourself and your thoughts,鈥� asserts Bhavna. 鈥淲riting is a powerful and clinically proven technique that can help you process a great deal of issues and declutters the brain..鈥�

Vasia suggests creating听a gratitude journal which involves regularly writing down three things that you鈥檙e grateful for that that days as this can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. 鈥淧racticing positive self-talk can also help too,鈥� shares Vasia. 鈥淪ay positive affirmations in front of a mirror, and the brain will believe it. Don鈥檛 forget to celebrate your small wins too.鈥�

  1. Embrace flexibility and adaptation

As the world is changing rapidly around us, it鈥檚 important to stay open to change. 鈥淓mbracing change can lead to growth, and happiness,鈥� says Vasia. 鈥淩emember to accept that mistakes and failures are part of the self-awareness process. You cannot grow and learn without making mistakes. If you do that then you can forgive yourself easier, which can boost self-confidence.鈥�

  1. Foster a growth mindset

The experts say that committing to continuous learning can improve happiness too. 鈥淎dopt a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities to grow,鈥� suggests Vasia. 鈥淲hether through formal education, reading, or learning from experiences, keep expanding your horizons.鈥�

Natasha says it鈥檚 also important to recognise when you need to slow down as well as when you need more of a challenge. 鈥淟ooking after your cognitive wellness is ultimately about recognising where your brain needs growth and where it needs a break. For some, this may be about making changes to their home environment, for others it may be seeking quieter spaces.鈥�

  1. Be kind to others

Practicing random acts of kindness and volunteering can also provide fulfilment. 鈥淪mall gestures, like helping someone or offering a compliment, can boost your mood and promote a sense of community,鈥� shares Vasia. 鈥淗elping others often leads to increased feelings of fulfilment and happiness.鈥�

  1. Plan something to look forward to

Nikki suggests considering planning an event or activity to boost your mood. 鈥淒epending on your budget, this could be as simple as planning a movie night, enjoying a meal out, or scheduling a day trip,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he anticipation itself often brings joy.鈥�

Ultimately, our therapists agree that it鈥檚 virtually impossible to provide a list of specific things that will make you happier in 2025. 鈥淚 could suggest spending time with animals, or clearing out your house, or doing a triathlon鈥ut if you don鈥檛 identify the voids that you currently feel in your life, then any of the activities I suggest will only plug that sense of unfulfillment temporarily,鈥� explains Natasha-Rae. Natasha says that the best piece of advice that she can give for 2025 is: 鈥渁sk yourself difficult questions and grow from there.鈥�

鈥淛ust remember, happiness isn鈥檛 a destination but a practice,鈥� adds Vasia.

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