Event Recap: Mental Wellness Through Small Habits

This spring, UWIB partnered with Manhattan Wellness for a powerful, practical conversation on how tiny, intentional habits can support your mental health—even on the busiest days.

Our panel of licensed mental health professionals, including Manhattan Wellness founder, Jennifer Teplin, and her team members Cecilia Pollock and Emily Fiorelli shared their favorite low-lift rituals for boosting your mood, navigating stress, and staying grounded during life's highs and lows with moderator Emily Elizabeth. Here are a few key takeaways from the night:

Small Shifts = Big Impact

  • Even waking up 30 minutes earlier can set a better tone for your day. Need a quick mood boost? Try FaceTiming a friend, queuing up a “snap out of it” playlist, or stepping away from your screen instead of reaching for your phone.

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Be Gentle With Yourself—But Also Honest

  • We talked about managing your inner critic and learning the balance between self-compassion and self-discipline. The same way our colleagues don’t thrive on tough love, neither do we.


Make It Easy, Make It Stick

  • If a habit feels daunting, break it down. Ask yourself: “Would this be easy enough for a child to adhere?” Often, the challenge isn’t doing the thing—it’s showing up.

Pause Before You Say Yes

  • Before committing to a new task, event, or obligation, give yourself five minutes to check in on your capacity. Just because something is exciting doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your current bandwidth.


One of our favorite reminders?

  • You don’t have to do it all—just show up for yourself in small ways, consistently.

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Leading with Heart: My Journey from UWIB Member to National President

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The Power of Showing Up: Lessons from My Journey as a Founder