Solutions Chatswood

25  Mental Health Tips for 2025

 Adapted from Let’s Talk About Mental Health is an independent program proudly produced by Reconnaissance Media. 

knowing what matters most to you helps focus your time and energy more effectively; after all, there are only so many hours in the day… plus you need to have a really clear understanding of where your energy should be going (because there are plenty of unimportant things to distract you!).

your wellbeing matters, and prioritising your needs isn’t selfish; it’s self-preservation. Take time to understand what you truly need to feel balanced, healthy, and fulfilled, whether that’s rest, connection, personal space, whatever. By putting your needs first, you’re better able to show up for others and you can handle life’s challenges with a lot more resilience and calm

take a few moments at the start of each day to reflect on at least three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, and that promotes a much more positive mindset; remember that whether you look for the positive or the negative, you tend to find more of what you’re focused on. You can reinforce the habit of noticing the things you’re grateful for by writing them down or saying them out loud;

social media can be a great tool for connecting with others and for finding inspiration… but it can also be overwhelming, and negatively impact your mood (especially thanks to some of the absolutely toxic rubbish that some people post). Set healthy boundaries for yourself to manage your usage, like limiting your time on certain apps or taking a day off each week, and use that time instead to engage in real-life activities that energise you.

ecause the news you consume impacts your mental health much more than you might realise. Constant exposure to negativity can leave you feeling drained or anxious, so be intentional about what you watch, read, or listen to. Limit your news intake to reliable sources and set boundaries, like avoiding it first thing in the morning or before bed, to protect your peace of mind.

because simplicity makes it easier to feel calm and peaceful. Declutter your space to reduce any physical clutter as well as mental clutter. Donate or recycle items you no longer need, and focus on keeping only what serves a purpose or brings you joy. 

designate a small area in your home as a retreat where you can relax and recharge. You can add calming elements like soft lighting, cosy blankets, or plants, and use this space for quiet reflection or meditation (or even just for unwinding when you need to!).

because good communication is the foundation of healthy relationships. Express your thoughts and feelings honestly, while also listening to others with care and empathy, focusing on understanding rather than reacting. Share your perspective without blaming, avoid assumptions by asking questions, and be mindful of your tone and body language. Better communication leads to better connection, and it reduces misunderstandings, which creates a healthier and more supportive home environment.

because healthy relationships thrive on clear boundaries. Identify what your limits are and communicate them kindly but firmly, and don’t be afraid to reinforce them. Saying no isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your wellbeing… and boundaries are how you teach people how to treat you. 

small issues can grow into big problems if left unaddressed, so tackle them early. When something bothers you in a relationship, bring it up calmly and constructively before it festers. Use a solution-focused approach, aiming to understand and resolve the issue together. Addressing your concerns early helps to maintain trust and it prevents unnecessary tension.

because your job is a part of your life, not your whole life. Prioritise a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and making time for activities and relationships that fulfil you outside of work. Remind yourself that your worth isn’t tied to your job title or productivity. Embracing this mindset helps you avoid burnout and create a more satisfying and well-rounded life for yourself.

there are only so many hours in the day, so be clear and realistic about what you can (and can’t) achieve in a day. Overloading yourself leads to burnout, so set priorities and let go of perfectionism — because progress is better than perfection. Remember that you don’t have to do everything yourself; if you’re struggling, ask for help. If that help isn’t forthcoming, then you need to seriously think about whether or not your workplace is a healthy place to work.

your work is important, but it doesn’t define your worth… and there are plenty of other jobs out there. And the same goes for your employer; if they don’t treat you with respect, you can always go and find someone else to work for (or work for yourself, like I do, although my boss is pretty demanding!). Avoid letting your job consume your identity or overshadow other areas of your life. Focus on doing your best during work hours, but set boundaries to protect your personal time. A healthier perspective on work helps reduce stress and leaves room for what truly matters outside the office. And if your job is making you miserable, find a different one and leave. 

step away from your work every hour or so, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Stretch, move around, or simply breathe deeply; it reduces stress and boosts your productivity. And you know that paid time off you get as a basic entitlement? Use it. Use all of it! Slowing down helps you to reset and recharge, both of which are essential for avoiding burnout and staying healthy.

resist the urge to check emails or think about work tasks outside office hours; turn off notifications, and don’t have work accounts on your phone. If you work at home, have a designated space for work and walk away from it at the end of each work day (or put everything away if it’s a multi-use space). Creating a clear boundary between work time and personal time helps to protect your mental health.

because good sleep is the cornerstone of mental health. Aim for 7–9 hours every night by maintaining a consistent bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a calming pre-sleep routine. Your brain needs rest to function at its best, and so does your body. 

what you eat and drink affects how you feel and how much energy you have, physically and mentally. Prioritise nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed snacks and sugary drinks that can cause anxiety spikes or energy crashes; and remember that dehydration can affect your mood and focus,

exercise isn’t just about physical health; it boosts your mood and reduces anxiety as well. Aim for at least 20 minutes a day, whether it’s walking, dancing, yoga, whatever; choose something you enjoy to make it sustainable. 

having downtime isn’t lazy; it’s essential. Schedule time to unwind with activities you love, like reading, listening to music, writing, or simply daydreaming, because balancing rest with activity is the key to your long-term wellbeing

spending time outdoors improves your mental clarity and reduces stress. Go for a walk in the park, sit under a tree, or take a hike; even 15 minutes a day outside can make a huge difference to your mood.

take a moment every morning to decide how you want to show up for the day. Focus on a single intention, like being patient or staying positive, and remind yourself of it throughout the day. 

before you go to bed, think about what went well that day, no matter how small, and what you learned. This type of practice helps you focus on the positives and builds your resilience for the challenges ahead.

your inner voice shapes your reality… so stop bullying yourself, and start being nicer to yourself. Replace harsh self-criticism with encouraging words, like you would for a good friend. Practice using positive statements like, “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.” 

take up a new hobby or skill to challenge yourself, because learning keeps your mind sharp and it builds your self-confidence. Find something that excites you — whether it’s a language, cooking, painting, interpretive dance, whatever! — and make time for it regularly. The more you learn, the more you grow… and the more you grow, the more satisfied you’ll feel with your life

nstead of just focusing on ‘What next? What next?’, recognise and reward your efforts and progress, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s completing a project or surviving a tough day, acknowledge your progress, because it fuels your motivation.