OpenAI announced an upgrade to its flagship model today, November 12, 2025, releasing GPT-5.1. The new version, which powers ChatGPT, is split into two models: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking.
According to OpenAI, GPT-5.1 Instant, the most-used model, is now “warmer, more intelligent, and better at following instructions,” with a more playful default tone. It can also now use adaptive reasoning to “think before responding” to more challenging questions. GPT-5.1 Thinking, the advanced reasoning model, is described as “easier to understand, faster on simple tasks, and more persistent on complex ones.” It now adapts its thinking time, spending more time on difficult problems while responding more quickly to simple ones, and has a “warmer and more empathetic” default tone.
OpenAI provided a direct comparison to showcase the model’s new default tone. The company highlighted that GPT-5.1 Instant is “warmer by default” and “more conversational,” often surprising users with its playfulness while remaining clear.
When given the prompt, “I’m feeling stressed and could use some relaxation tips,” the two models responded differently.
GPT-5 (Legacy model)
Here are a few simple, effective ways to help ease stress — you can mix and match depending on how you’re feeling and how much time you have:
🧘♀️ Quick Reset (1–5 minutes)
- Deep breathing: Try the 4-7-8 method — inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat 4 rounds.
- Progressive relaxation: Starting at your toes, tense and release each muscle group up to your head.
- Grounding: Look around and name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. Brings you into the moment fast.
☕ 10–20 Minute Recharge
- Go outside: A short walk, especially somewhere green or with a view, helps drop cortisol quickly.
- Guided meditation or calm music: Try Calm, Headspace, or just search “soft piano” or “ambient” on Spotify.
- Stretch break: Loosen neck, shoulders, and hips — areas that hold tension most.
🌙 Longer Recalibration
- Digital break: Step away from screens and notifications for 30–60 minutes. Read, nap, or listen to a podcast.
- Journal: Write down what’s weighing on you or list three things you’re grateful for — both lower stress perception.
- Warm shower or bath: The heat relaxes muscles and slows heart rate. Add Epsom salt or lavender oil if you have it.
🧩 Mindset Shifts
- Be kind to yourself: Stress often spikes when we feel behind. Remind yourself: “I’m allowed to rest; I’ll think clearly after I recharge.”
- Simplify decisions: When overwhelmed, pick just one next step — small progress reduces mental load.
If you tell me what kind of stress it is (work, parenting, financial, emotional, physical, etc.), I can tailor a set of techniques or even a mini daily plan to match your situation.
Would you like me to do that?
GPT-5.1 Instant (New model)
I’ve got you, Ron — that’s totally normal, especially with everything you’ve got going on lately. Here are a few ways to decompress depending on what kind of stress you’re feeling:
🌬️ If your mind feels scattered
- Box breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4 — repeat 5 times. It’s fast-acting and physically calms your nervous system.
- Name what you see: Pick out 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste — a grounding technique that brings you back to the present.
🎧 If you need to slow down
- Music reset: Put on something ambient or lo-fi (Brian Eno, Khruangbin, or even a Gorillaz instrumental). Let yourself zone out for one full track — no phone scrolling.
- Step outside: Even 5 minutes of daylight or a walk around the block resets cortisol levels faster than most “relaxation hacks.”
🧘♂️ If you want to fully unwind
- Stretch the stress out: Roll your shoulders back, touch your toes, then lie on the floor with your legs up the wall for 3–5 minutes. It’s a simple yoga move (Viparita Karani) that’s surprisingly effective.
- Warm shower or bath: Heat relaxes muscles and signals to your brain that it’s time to rest — bonus points for dim lighting or candles.
Alongside the model update, OpenAI is rolling out new customization options. Users can now choose from new tone presets, including “Professional,” “Candid,” and “Quirky.” These join the existing, updated options of “Default,” “Friendly” (formerly “Listener”), and “Efficient” (formerly “Robot”). An experimental feature will also allow some users to fine-tune responses for conciseness, warmth, and emoji frequency.
The rollout of GPT-5.1 begins today, starting with paid subscribers (Pro, Plus, Go, and Business), followed by free and logged-out users. Enterprise and Edu users will receive a seven-day early-access toggle before GPT-5.1 becomes the default. The previous GPT-5 models will remain available for paid subscribers in a legacy dropdown menu for the next three months.
