If you’re reading this, you probably know that there’s no shortage of advice in our digital landscape — good, bad, mediocre. Influencers are always running a weird trick to help you “hack” your health; Many people on the internet won’t blink an eye before telling you to “divorce her,” and Reddit has become the de facto destination for saying you’re an ass (and for actually honest reviews). Of course, if you’re a regular Vox reader, you’ve probably noticed our practical guides on topics from personal finance to friendships to health and wellness.
As we close the book on 2024, I’ve rounded up some of the best tips and tricks the experts gave to Even Better this year. From small changes to major reappraisals, therapists, researchers, dating coaches and more have shared their insights with us throughout the year. Here’s a cheat sheet for all the best tips we’ve learned and will take with us into 2025.
Get out of the chair once an hour
If, like me, you have a job that requires you to sit for long hours, Keith DiazDaily exercise isn’t enough to offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting, says an associate professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. (This includes negative effects high risk Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early death.)
Experts say you should get up from your chair at least once an hour. To remind you, Diaz recommends using the normal break points in your day as a way to move. Have a one-hour meeting? Then go for a walk. Need to refill your water bottle? Take the long way to the kitchen.
Use past regrets to inform your future
Regret comes to us all at some point in life. Instead of getting stuck in the “what ifs,” regrets can actually teach you about how to move forward in life. In his report, contributor Charlie Locke found it helpful to “put your choices in context”. Why did you choose what you did? What pressures or constraints influenced your decision? Ask yourself what you can learn from regrets: What do you wish you’d done differently — and how can you turn those past dreams into reality now?
Make a specific observation to start a conversation
There are few things more awkward than attending a party where you don’t know many people. Who do you talk to? what do you say What should you do with your hands? Well, I have some suggestions that might help: make an observation or a compliment. Talk to a stranger about the host’s impeccable design preferences, or approach a person wearing a Phillies hat and chat about baseball – you have a lot in common. What to do with your hands, I’m still figuring it out.
Don’t be afraid to let your kids experience the full range of emotions
Parents are appropriately protective of their children – after all, it’s their role to try to protect them from life’s misfortunes. But parenting experts warn against solving problems too quickly—when your child is experiencing emotional pain, social conflict, and even boredom. Give children space to process their emotions on their own terms, says Dorsa Amiris an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University who studies children and culture.
Boys, in particular, hear messaging that reinforces the importance of toughness and anger. “But part of being a full human being is being able to access and express a full range of emotions,” Christopher Pepper, author of the forthcoming book Talk to your boyssaid my colleague Karen Landman. “So for adults, it’s important to make sure it’s safe for boys to do this, that you’re not criticizing them or judging them.”
Get specific about your financial goals
Most people would probably say that they want to earn and save more money. But why are they completely honest with themselves? Advice columnist Nicole Dicker Finley recommends setting specific and realistic financial goals. Think more granular than “I want to save more.” Even “I want to save more so I don’t have to worry about losing my job.” “I want to save more because I want a financial cushion so I can start my own business.” Once you’re specific, you can start creating an actionable plan, writes Dicker Finley.
Find out what you are really fighting about
Not that anyone plans to argue, but if you do, keep this tip in your back pocket. Beneath the seemingly trivial disagreement is a deeper issue at play over who takes out the trash. Influential couples counselors John and Julie Gottman Call it “dreams in conflict.” To get to the heart of an argument, they suggest asking the person you’re arguing with questions like, “Tell me why this is so important to you,” or, “Is there a story behind it for you?” Listen to them and then answer these questions for yourself.
Don’t believe every health hack you see online
TikTok is full of tricks and hacks to improve your health. Some of these are messy and others can be downright harmless. Vox’s Karen Landman — an actual doctor — has some sage words for the health content consumers among us: “If a wild health claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is. … Does the person sharing the information tell you something about the health claim? Trying to sell? If so, that’s a concerning sign, and you should be especially careful to check the accuracy of what they’re saying.” Be careful and don’t believe what you hear.
To meet potential romantic interests IRL, take romance off the table (at first).
Many singles, unnerved by dating apps, are taking a tried-and-true approach to dating: meeting potential romantic interests in the wild. But there’s a lot of ambiguity in the real world — unlike dating apps, it’s not clear whether that person across the yoga studio is into you, or even single in the first place. To relieve some stress, relationship experts Susan Winter Says to avoid flirting from the jump and enjoy pleasant conversations with new people. “If you get boxed up, forget that they’re a romantic prospect,” says Winter. “Actually tell yourself they’re a human being and your job is to engage with this human being.”
Thinking about starting therapy? Don’t be afraid to shop around.
As with any personal or health relationship, fit is everything. A therapist may be exceptional, but if you don’t enjoy their style or personality, they are not the right mental health professional for you. Jeff AshbyA psychologist and professor at Georgia State University, says you shouldn’t be afraid to shop for a therapist. After trying a mental health professional for a while, you may decide to go to another one. My colleague Karen Landman writes, “You’re still perfectly within your rights — and haven’t broken any rules — to approach someone who’s a good fit.
Don’t go looking for news that makes you angry
Cable News, X, That Facebook Group That Makes You Crazy: Lots of sources of crazy information. You probably don’t need me to tell you how damaging it is to live in a perpetual state of anger. But part of breaking that cycle is avoiding looking for news or posts that make your blood boil. Use enough where you feel informed and avoid falling prey to anger on social media. “I’m going to choose not to look for things that drive me crazy,” says the psychologist. Ryan Martinits author How to deal with angry people And Why We Get Mad: How to Use Your Anger for Positive Change. “Honestly, it’s no different than choosing not to watch a scary movie.”
Keeping your phone out of sight will help you embrace the little moments of connection
Even the smallest, most mundane kind of social interaction has the power to brighten your mood and make you feel more connected: a quick hello with a neighbor, a brief exchange in an elevator. It’s hard to engage in these moments of humanity when you’re staring at a phone. Nicholas EpleyA professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, says we should be more intentional about living in a way that promotes sociability — and that might mean ditching your phone as a distraction. “I, for example, don’t put my phone in my pocket unless I want to talk to someone,” Epley says. “I have it in my backpack. It makes it easier for me to engage with other people when they’re around.”
Be skeptical of products that make big health claims
Whether it’s full-body deodorants, energy drinks, or the growing number of “functional drinks” now available in grocery stores, it’s good practice to be cautious when a new class of products makes big health promises – and the potential awareness damage they can cause. It’s also wise to think about whether the product is just a solution looking for a problem. As Sarah Everts, author of The joy of sweatingKaren told Landman about the plethora of full-body deodorants introduced this year: “No one is being fooled into thinking you’re a citrus fruit.”
