We like to think of a new day and a new year as an opportunity to learn from our past experiences and prepare for an even better future. We told you in our last newsletter that we are planning new programs and events for 2025. We are so excited about these new plans as we embrace new ideas and engage with new people all the time to make Athenie’s Angels bigger and better than ever! Stay tuned – there will be more news and announcements in upcoming newsletters.
The Pursuit of Happiness
You may have read a lot in recent years about the importance of happiness and how to find it.
Researchers tell us it can come in two ways:
Addition (adding to our lives) and
Subtraction (eliminating things from our lives).
Here are some proven behaviours and techniques that you can embrace.
- Gratitude – Tell someone that you are grateful to have them in your life. You can do this in person, on the phone, in writing – whatever method suits you. It will benefit that person and give a boost to their own sense of well-being.
- Be More Social – spend more time with loved ones when you can. Even connecting with strangers through smiles and kind words have a lot of power to make your world more pleasant.
- Make a happy face – A natural smile is a natural boost for you and those around you. And it can be contagious!
- Increase Novelty into your activities – everyday events can be more satisfying and fulfilling if we give that extra inch to make them more special. Something as simple as drinking coffee or tea in a favourite cup can turn it into an occasion!
- Help Others – With a kind gesture, a small gift, a helping hand to someone in need. We all win in the happiness arena when we do this.
Now for Subtraction:
- Do less of the things you find unpleasant. Or do them right away to remove the dread of doing them and freeing yourself for more positive activities.
- Manage your phone/social media/screen time – only you know what it necessary and what is too much. Try to reduce your time in this area and free up your time for something that adds more value to you and those around you.
Try something new this year. Instead of struggling with new year’s resolutions that you most likely won’t be able to sustain, try this instead.
List the things you did in 2024 that made you feel good. It could include concerts, walks in the park, reading a good book, coffee with a dear friend. You know what works for you if you think about it a bit. Then try to book some of these activities/behaviors for 2025. It will get you off to a good start and the more you do it the easier and more natural it will be. This is a way of honoring the real you!
Tips for a healthier You
- Move your body – extra blood flow helps brain health
- Manage your anxiety – focus on your personal values and try to reduce worrying
- Challenge your brain – learn a new language, play a new board game, read more
- Sleep – get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis
- Quiet your inner critic – give yourself credit every day for something positive
- Take care of your physical health – healthy bodies support healthy minds
- Reach out – make a new friend, reconnect with an old friend
Story update:
Let’s revisit Harry – you make us proud!
In 2024 we featured Harry Garside – his career, his successes, his struggle with mental health issues.
Harry is stronger today than ever. He didn’t win at the Paris Olympics but he grew and learned from the experience there. In Harry’s own words:
“I really appreciate the support I have had since I fought, and it has been unbelievable. I feel so grateful to be Australian right now but it’s a failure, and I really want young people especially to see that life’s hard sometimes.
It’s tough but it is always our choice what we do next and how we react to hard times.”
The boxer said the next period of his life would be “really challenging”, but he was going to “try to have a better relationship with (himself)”.
Health trends emphasizing Mental Well-being as we start the new year.
Google search shows that in 2025, several health trends are gaining prominence, reflecting a holistic approach to wellness:
- Brain Food: There’s a rising interest in nutrients and foods that support cognitive function and mental health, such as iodine, choline, and psychobiotics. Additionally, brain-training apps are gaining popularity.
- Rethinking Metabolism: Emphasis is being placed on boosting metabolism through exercise, especially weightlifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), along with monitoring metabolic markers for tailored health approaches.
Physical Activity Linked to Reduced Depression
A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open found that taking at least 5,000 steps per day is associated with reduced symptoms of depression, with benefits increasing up to 10,000 steps. For every additional 1,000 steps, there was a 9% reduction in depression risk. Experts suggest that even small increases in step count can contribute to improved mental health.
Power of Gratitude
Dr. Murphy, coach of the 40 Day Health Challenge, highlights the impact of gratitude on improving mental health. Supported by evidence-based research, gratitude can enhance emotional well-being, boost resilience, improve relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Dr. Murphy outlines strategies such as reflecting on what matters, developing a positive mindset, practicing self-care, aligning actions with values, and creating meaningful memories.
Youth Mental Health Trends
Research further shows that Jed Foundation anticipates several trends shaping youth mental health in 2025, including increased awareness, improved access to care, and a focus on holistic well-being. Despite challenges, there are promising signs of progress in addressing youth mental health concerns.
These developments highlight a growing emphasis on mental well-being and integrated health approaches as we begin the new year.
If you or anyone you know needs skills and tools to deal with life struggles, please contact us.
As always, we strongly encourage you to seek help for yourself and your loved ones as soon as possible. Here at Athenie’s Angels, we provide conventional and holistic support to our members and to anyone who is struggling in their journey. We invite you to embrace YOU!
More information is available on our website at www.atheniesangels.org.au.
Exciting News! Our 2025 Mental Wellness Program has been approved, and it includes:
- Financial Health
- Stress Management
- Mental Wellness Book Club
- Resiliency Building
Please go to our website and register for the program that suits your needs. We will get in touch with you with the program details.
Reach out!
We are a space of hope!
Writers, Researchers
Denise Gillen
Aya Thomas