10 daily habits that have drastically improved my mental health (to my great annoyance)

Thoughts on small habits, big shifts, and building a better baseline

Jul 10, 2025

✨Welcome to Follow Through—essays on showing up, staying the course, and building something that lasts.

💭 Thursday Thoughts

This year, I’ve faced more challenges than I can count on my fingers, from family emergencies to getting laid off at the end of May. There’s been a fair share of wallowing in the group chat and re-watching my comfort shows (Ugly Betty will forever be my go-to), but I’ve also taken this year as an invitation to get to know myself better.

Before I moved, I was going to contrast therapy weekly—30 to 40 minutes in the sauna, followed by a cold plunge. (Damn, I miss it. SWTHZ, please open a location in Champaign!!) I completed The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron to reconnect with my inner artist. I started therapy again. I tried EMDR. I started gardening. My wife and I built a ritual of going to the local pool most evenings.

On top of all this, I’ve been intentional about lowering my screen time. I used to average 10-ish hours of time on my phone per day, and I’m down to 4, so I consider that MAJOR progress.

This accidental self-care journey has helped my mental health in so many ways, but it’s also become a running joke in my household.

“Isn’t it so annoying that taking care of yourself actually makes you feel better?”
I groan every time I do something painfully obvious like drinking water, taking my meds, or eating a vegetable and IMMEDIATELY feeling a little rush of happy hormones.

I saw this note the other day and couldn’t help but laugh because... yeah. This exactly.

While contrast therapy, EMDR, and taking time off from work have been MAJOR luxuries, I’ve honestly found that it really is the little things that end up being the most effective—especially when compounded over days and months.

So, in the spirit of that cursed truth, I’ve put together a roundup of the habits I’ve found most effective below.

10 daily habits that have drastically improved my mental health... to my great annoyance:

Taking lukewarm or cold showers—especially when I don’t feel like it
Drinking at least 32 oz of water—ugh.
Doing my hair and makeup—even if I’m not leaving the house
Getting outside for at least 20 minutes—especially in the sun
Prioritizing protein, fruits, and veggies—this is NOT a diet btw! I like to focus on adding rather than subtracting.
Moving my body—walking, running, biking, yoga, weights, wading at the pool
Journaling—Julia Cameron really knew what she was talking about here
Keeping my phone out of the bedroom—I notice a HUGE difference in sleep quality on nights where I don’t do this
Tidying my space—shocking, right?
Prioritizing fun—work hard, but play HARDER.

None of these things are revolutionary. In fact, they’re frustratingly simple. But the compounding effect is real, and the more I treat myself like someone worth caring for, the more I actually feel like someone worth caring for.

Crazy, right? 😉

What are the small habits that make a big difference for you (even if you kind of hate how well they work)? Let me know in the comments 💬

🗞️ Good News!

Flint has replaced nearly 11,000 lead pipes, a historic milestone after over a decade. This marks the completion of the court-mandated lead line replacement program, benefiting around 28,000 properties. While some vacant homes remain, and community mistrust persists, this achievement represents essential progress toward safer drinking water for residents. read more
The Seine is officially back open for public swimming for the first time since 1923. Following the 2024 Olympics–inspired €1.4 billion cleanup, three bathing zones near landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and eastern Paris now welcome up to 1,000 swimmers daily until August 31. Lifeguards and daily water testing are in place to ensure safety and continued enjoyment. read more
Norway has enacted an “only yes means yes” consent law, making explicit agreement required for sex. Effective June 6, 2025, this landmark law ensures that any non‑explicit consent is legally considered rape, bolstering protections for survivors and promoting affirmative consent across Europe. read more
Albuquerque is converting old motels into affordable, supportive housing.
Projects like Adobe Manor are transforming underused Route 66 motels into new rental units on former motel sites such as The Sundowner and Luna Lodge, providing much‑needed stability for those facing housing insecurity. read more
The Artistic Freedom Initiative is helping Afghan artists reclaim their creative voices. Despite Taliban censorship, AFI has provided pro bono legal support, resettlement aid, and advocacy to at-risk Afghan creators, preserving cultural heritage and enabling artists to continue their work abroad. read more

🍿 A Few Pop Culture Bonuses

Jonathan Bailey’s “slutty little glasses” have sparked queer joy and charitable impact. The “SLGs” went viral during his Jurassic World: Rebirth press tour, leading Bailey to partner with Cubitts on limited-edition “Loomis” sunglasses. Profits from the collab support LGBTQ+ causes via his Shameless Fund. read more
Cynthia Erivo announces she is set to publish Simply More, a debut book of self‑belief and growth. Due November 18, 2025 from Flatiron Books, the collection of personal essays and vignettes reflects on being “too much,” encouraging readers to embrace their own fullness, tenacity, and worth. read more