As we nurse our hangovers from a night of fireworks, reflections, and resolutions, the time gradually arrives when we must set aside the more distant goals and prepare ourselves for the daily acts of getting on with what needs to be done. As the news cycles through the standard topics of natural disaster, economic collapse, or political scandal in the background, 2025 seems set to be a year of awakening class consciousness and a general vibe of indifference toward the media’s valiant attempts to make people care about the struggles of billionaires facing the consequences of their own actions. So as we welcome in the new year, here are some fun tricks to help make the year go down a bit smoother.
- Designate a “Weeping Closet”
Whether it is job insecurity, rapid erosion of personal rights and freedoms, or just finding out that your preferred candidate wasn’t as xenophobic as you’d hoped, everybody is going to be facing disappointments this year, but that doesn’t have to be something that permeates your entire home. Why not designate a special place in your home where you can lock yourself in, curl into the fetal position, and wail in frustration without being interrupted? Some good options to create a weeping closet are the laundry, a backyard tool shed, a crawlspace, or if you are living in your car now, maybe you could use one of the back seats.
Setting up a weeping closet can be pretty easy. Personally, I recommend pressing a single mattress from the side of the road between the washing machine and the wall for a little bit of comfort, and then drape a thick blanket over the top to make it feel a bit like a pillow fort. Once you’ve finished establishing the perimeter of the closet, you can begin stocking it with snacks, tissues, and other essentials. You can keep a small makeup fridge to store a few beverages and to prevent the chocolate from melting as we experience the hottest summer on record for the seventh year in a row. For a bit of extra luxury, you can invest in a spare phone charger and a hands-free mount for when your hands are shaking too much to keep your news feed visible. Consider adding a whiteboard for motivational messages like “It’s fine, probably” or “Crying burns calories.”
- Develop a “Laugh or Cry” Reflex
When yet another world leader tweets something absurd, when the stock market “corrects” your retirement back another decade, or when the sky turns an unsettling shade of orange, you’ll sometimes face a choice paralysis of whether to laugh or cry. Just remember that whatever you choose isn’t going to change anything, so why not get creative with it? Both at once is a solid option, as is rocking back and forth while mumbling incoherently. If you’re artistically inclined, channel the emotional turmoil into interpretive dance or a surrealist painting. There’s really no wrong choices at this point, and who knows, maybe you’ll accidentally create the next viral trend.
- Reconnect with Nature
As the reason for political inaction on climate change shifts from pretending it isn’t real to pretending it is too late to prevent, now’s the perfect time to appreciate the great outdoors—while it still exists. Go for a hike, enjoy the fresh air, and maybe learn to identify edible plants for when the supply chain collapses. Don’t forget to pick up a sturdy field guide and a good pair of hiking boots—you’ll thank yourself when wild foraging becomes less of a hobby and more of a necessity.
If you’re looking to set up a small farm for when shops are no longer able to import vegetables, consider organizing a co-op farming community with friends and neighbors. Reclaim some of that wasted space provided by houses left empty so landlords can artificially elevate local rent prices. Not only does it give you access to fresh produce, but it also builds a sense of camaraderie and defiance. Plus, nothing bonds people like collectively fending off raccoons or dealing with an overzealous zucchini crop.
- Get Vaccinated
In this fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget about adult vaccinations, but now might be a good time to act on getting that booster you’ve been putting off while you have the chance. You never know what preventative medical interventions are going to be made illegal or fall out of coverage, so best to act sooner rather than later. Even if you’re not planning a trip overseas, why not pick up a few travel vaccinations just in case you find yourself in need of a quick border crossing in the near future? A little foresight could make all the difference when “fleeing to Canada” turns from a joking threat to a logistical priority.
- Don’t Forget Self-Care
In the midst of chaos, it’s easy to neglect yourself. Make time for the little things that bring you joy: a good book, a favorite playlist, or a hot bath (assuming water rationing isn’t in effect). Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Develop rituals that ground you, whether it’s morning yoga, evening journaling, or screaming into a decorative pillow embroidered with “Live, Laugh, Love.” Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, especially when that cup is also being used to catch drips from a leaking ceiling.
The world may be spiraling into chaos, but that doesn’t mean you have to. With a little preparation, a lot of humor, and maybe a bottle of wine, you can face whatever 2025 throws your way. And who knows? Maybe the apocalypse won’t be so bad. If nothing else, it’s bound to be memorable.
Church of Jaminology 
I missed this at the start of the year bit as we hurtle towards 2026, I realise it’s never too late to take this advice. (Well, maybe the healthcare one…)
LikeLike