What things do you do to improve your life?

[spectrumzx]

I'm adjusting to a new life (divorce, relocation). I am definitely happier on my own (have DC too) in a general sense but I am sure there are more proactive things I could be doing to improve life and make it better/easier/healthier/happier - from tiny little things like having a long soak in the bath to a brand new challenge (no idea what though).

Any tips?

Volunteering? If you have time. It helps with meeting people, getting plugged into the local community, feeling that you are contributing to something worthwhile.

I'm much better if I make time to exercise. I would rather walk the two miles into town than go to the gym, and it makes me more likely to do it. I am trying the 80/20 food thing, ie trying to eat healthy 80% of the time.

I second exercise. I try to do an hour every day when dd is down for her nap, if she sleeps longer that its a bonus. Currently doing this now whilst cooling down with aerobics

Definitely exercise. It makes me feel better, sleep better and move better. Also the daily dose of fresh air helps to.

I'm at something of a crossroads in my life and I have found great comfort in going back to something that was a focus of my younger years - playing a musical instrument. It brings me great peace. Is there something like that you could do? I'm amazed at the effect it has had on what is a shit situation

Volunteering, exercise and stretches. They keep me on an even keel and are all scientifically proven to make you happier.

Another vote for exercise. I love walking and swimming. I love feeling fit and active.
Eating proper food. It doesn't have to be fancy, but no takeaways or things like frozen pizzas.
I feel better when I don't drink (alcohol), but I might be in a minority there, lol.
Buying new clothes now I've lost weight. I haven't got much money but I got a couple of new outfits from Primark. I feel great when I wear them.

Exercise in the fresh air is brilliant. If you live near a dog's home, you can take an ownerless dog for a walk - that ticks the volunteering box too!

Little things that make me happy and improve my life - having a cleaner in occasionally for a big clean. Likewise a gardener to do the heavy stuff for half a day twice a year.

Also, regular haircuts/dye, and eyebrow shaping.

Depending on the age of your children and your budget, travel! Whether local or further afield go on mini adventures with your children wherever you fancy and whatever you think will pique their interest.

Get them involved in choosing where you go whether it’s weekend day trips or weekends away subject to what you can afford. Save up for trips and make it something you do with your children as a project or goal.

It’s an exciting time for you, no need to compromise on destinations and where to go, the world is your oyster!

I also meant to say, indulge in really lovely bath stuff, decent bottles of wine or mini bottles of fizz and a bath tray for really decadent baths!

I started slimming world and that's been helping me also the walks I've been taking with my DH and we went swimming last week and I felt amazing afterwards,it was the first time I'd been swimming in 2 years,I need to try and make that a more regular past time in my life.

Also treating myself to new underwear and new clothes and shoes and boots,all of my adult life I've struggled with being alright with buying myself things that I want or need.

I’ve started taking proper care of my skin- taking off my makeup properly at night and not just rubbing a makeup wipe quickly over my face. Makes my skin healthier and I look better and it feels nice taking 5mins just to concentrate on me and relax.

I’ve also started taking lessons in DPs native language. He speaks perfect English and his family speak very good English as well so I don’t NEED to learn it but I have been really surprised by how much I am enjoying it. I don’t need to use my brain much at work and it feels really good to stretch my mind a bit. (Particularly surprising is that I’m quite good according to my teacher- even though I studied this language at school and was rubbish and hated it)

Daily yoga, regular pedicures and face waxing, study, holidays.

Read and listen to music rather then watching TV every night.. sounds silly but I've loved turning the TV off and curling up with a good book and some nice music :)

Things that make my life good ( apart from DP and the kids)

Lots of plans, even if it is just days out hiking or other relatively inexpensive things. I have a poly pocket wallet and I put things in date order for gigs, theater tickets, up coming travel documents etc.
Having good friends around. I like them coming to the house so that everyone knows everyone from DP and the kids even though they were initially 'my friends'. It's all nice and informal, a few mezzes, a couple of beers or mocktails, some music in the background and it's a nice chilled vibe for everyone.

I also like time by myself. I know you are single now but I am married. Some evenings DP will want to watch tv, which is fine but I will take myself to the other living room or bedroom just to read or play about with my music on the computer or whatever. Just time to be alone without someone needing something from you is great.

Read this book: How to do everything and be happy by Peter Jones (not the dragon). It changed my life.

Take up a musical instrument. Get a dog. That'll cover 2 basic needs, learning and exercise.

Another one saying exercise! There are so many benefits to it.

Also bullet journaling. Don’t be put off by the ridiculously elaborate ones you’ll see if you google it, the concept itself is very simple and I find it really effective for organising myself and setting goals.

I go for walks and listen to audio books or podcasts.
I do a home mani, pedi and face mask weekly
I go to a gym class at least once a week
I read

I just try and have a little bit of me time a week

Exercise. I signed up for a hugely challenging walk and got fit(ter) and lost some weight for it. A goal helps but isn't essential.

I would say be careful about getting a dog. They are a horrendous tie, especially if you are the only adult. If you like dogs try asking around for anyone who wants their dog walked weekly or whenever.

I learnt to recognise when I'm happy, and say to myself "Right now, in this second, I'm really happy". It doesn't have to last, but recognising it makes me feel great!

Pilates! Just once a week, but it makes me feel so much better. Gardening for all sorts of reasons - gets you out in the fresh air, exercise, connection with the natural world. And the intense pleasure you get when eating something you've grown... Actually I'd probably add some sort of connection with the natural world is almost essential to me. I also think planning a few things, however small - so you've always got something to look forward to.

Exercise
Holidays
Cat
Cooking and eating nice food
Getting back into reading

Here is my list:

-Declutter
-Streamline your life by placing/storing as many objects as possible to the place you use them most
-Take walks
-Stick to my own schedule regarding sleeping, eating, groveries, etc.
-Meet up with people I like as often as possible.
-Go to events
-Practice hobbies
-Learn new skills

I could probably go on, but I think you get the drift.

After having my health problems dismissed as 'depression', I went on a crusade to become happy. I am still ill, but very happy :)

What I did was:
As others said, exercise - something small, every day - for me that's walks and tai chi as soon as I wake up
Meditate - this has been amazingly helpful. I've missed maybe 3-4 days of meditation over the past 4 years; I only do 10-15 min a day, but I'm positive it's made a difference.
Practice gratitude - I regularly remind myself about what I apprecaite. I keep a 'gratitude journal' where I write what I'm grateful about every day plus weekly lists of just generic things (doesn't have to have happened that week - like running water! Although the week the water was out for 4 days I was very grateful on the 5th day for running water and for several days after.... just good to remember what strong positives there are in life).
Keep up with a hobby - finding something for myself that gives me a sense of achievement and satisfaction.