Here’s something I’ve noticed over the years as both a relationship counselor and a curious observer of life:
Happiness doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes a bit of effort, some introspection, and the willingness to adopt fresh perspectives.
With 2025 unfolding before us, we have a unique opportunity to build on our experiences and try new approaches to emotional well-being.
These 10 psychological “hacks” are simple, doable, and might just give your happiness a sizable boost this year.
Let’s jump right in.
01 Create small “purpose triggers”
A “purpose trigger” is a gentle reminder that brings you back to the reasons you get out of bed every morning.
I set them around my home and workspace—little Post-it notes or phone reminders that say things like “Remember why you started” or “Check in: how’s your heart doing?”
Researchers from Bangor University in the UK found that brief visual cues can help reinforce goal-directed behavior. These triggers work because they’re short, sweet, and stir a little spark of motivation.
They keep you connected to your “why.”
I’ve personally found that once I see them, it’s easier to maintain positivity and not get too lost in the hustle.
02 Embrace the “2-minute kindness rule”
You may have come across the “2-minute rule” in productivity circles.
I’ve adapted it to a “2-minute kindness rule”—if it can be done in two minutes or less to help brighten someone’s day, I do it.
It might mean leaving a quick encouraging voice note for a friend or sending a silly meme to a colleague who’s had a rough week.
This small action can significantly raise your mood.
In fact, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that people who performed brief acts of kindness over 10 days experienced greater life satisfaction.
Kindness, in my experience, is contagious. Once you start, it becomes second nature, and there’s a strong chance you’ll feel happier and more connected.
03 Practice flexible thinking
I learned a hard lesson when I was working with a client who just couldn’t accept change at work—her inflexible thinking left her anxious and irritable.
When I started applying mental “stretching” exercises, she found it easier to adjust.
For instance, we tried a simple technique where she listed three different ways to interpret a challenging situation. This helped her see multiple angles rather than clinging to just one narrative.
Flexible thinking is backed by experts like Daniel Goleman, who emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence. He has noted that self-awareness and empathy aren’t just about reading others; they’re also about being open to new perspectives.
When you train your mind to see alternate possibilities, you free yourself from rigid expectations and open up to more joy.
04 Experiment with “mindful micro-breaks”
Whenever the stress of the day threatens to get the best of me, I take what I call a “mindful micro-break.” It could be as simple as stepping away from my computer, closing my eyes, and tuning into the sound of my own breath.
Sometimes, I’ll let my mind rest on something peaceful, like a warm memory from my last yoga class.
As mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn has famously said, “Wherever you go, there you are.” A short pause can help break anxiety loops, gently bringing you into the present moment.
A 2014 study published in Frontiers in Physiology suggested that brief relaxation exercises—done consistently—improve emotional resilience over time.
Little breaks can yield big results if you do them regularly.
05 Curate a positive mental “diet”
In one of my older posts—you might have read my piece on setting healthy boundaries—I touched on the effect of your surroundings on emotional well-being. This extends to media consumption too.
If you spend all day reading negative headlines or diving into endless social media arguments, your outlook is bound to take a hit.
Cal Newport, known for his insights on “digital minimalism,” has emphasized the benefits of a curated online environment. I experimented with this myself by limiting my scrolling time and consciously picking uplifting or educational content.
The result?
A lighter, more optimistic mind. You’re not shutting out reality, just balancing it with positivity.
06 Leverage “self-talk rewrites”
I used to be pretty harsh on myself, especially when I made a mistake. Eventually, I realized my internal monologue was fueling my stress rather than helping me learn.
Self-talk rewrites involve catching a negative statement (“I messed up; I’m terrible at this job”) and immediately reframing it (“I’m learning; I’ll do better next time”).
However, more adaptive self-talk can reduce stress and increase emotional well-being.
This is backed by experts like Brené Brown, who has said, “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” If you’re gentler with yourself, you clear the path for more consistent happiness.
07 Acknowledge your achievements daily
Last year, I started writing down three things I accomplished each evening. Not major milestones—sometimes it was finishing a load of laundry or texting that friend I’d been meaning to check in on.
This simple practice had a wonderful by-product: it boosted my sense of competence.
Steven Covey often spoke about “sharpening the saw”—taking stock of where you’re growing and acknowledging your own progress.
This habit encourages you to see the positives you might otherwise overlook.
In my counseling work, I’ve seen many clients realize how strong and capable they truly are, simply by reflecting on small wins.
08 Build stronger connections
A longitudinal study about adult development found that strong relationships are key to long-term happiness. And as a relationship counselor, I’m definitely a believer in that conclusion.
When I was younger, I assumed happiness came from achievements and personal milestones. Over time, I realized it’s equally important to invest in meaningful connections.
This doesn’t mean forcing yourself to attend every social event.
It might look like scheduling a quick video call with a loved one or planning a weekend trip with close friends.
09 Adopt a “play project”
Sounds a bit funny, I know, but bear with me.
A “play project” is anything you do purely for enjoyment—no productivity spin, no monetary goal. I have a friend who decided to learn the ukulele simply because it looked fun.
I’ve dabbled in painting, and let’s just say I’m no Picasso. But I loved how freeing it felt to create without judgment.
Susan Cain, author of “Quiet,” has highlighted how personal projects can nurture your inner world. Play is where we let our minds wander, and in that space, we often find unexpected joy and even new insights into ourselves.
It also alleviates stress, giving your mind a healthy break from daily responsibilities.
10 Savor the “small happy”
Looking back, this one probably deserved a higher spot on the list.
Anyway… let’s shine a spotlight on those small, everyday moments of delight. It might be the warmth of the sun on a cold morning or the satisfying crunch of your favorite snack.
I make it a point to pause and say, “This is a tiny but real burst of happiness.”
Life’s not guaranteed to be one big parade of positivity, but these “small happy” moments add up to something significant when you consciously recognize them.
Final thoughts
Happiness is something we can encourage by incorporating small shifts in attitude and behavior. These 10 ideas can all play a part in brightening your perspective.
Here at Blog Herald, I’ve always believed in practical steps that readers can implement right away. These aren’t grand gestures or radical lifestyle changes.
They’re gentle invitations to see life through a more compassionate lens. Each one is a chance to nourish the mind and heart in 2025’s fast-moving landscape.
I hope you find a gem in these suggestions and give at least one a try. Let me know how it goes, because our collective experiences and shared lessons have the power to uplift us all.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of counseling and writing, it’s that there’s real courage in seeking genuine happiness—on your own terms and at your own pace. You’ve got this!
