What little things do you do that make a big difference?

[ClandestineAdulation]

I’m no good with new years resolutions, I don’t like them because I think big changes are unachievable for me.

So, can you tell me, what little things do you do that make a big difference, either to your mental health or physical health, or just day to day happiness?

I think one of the things I’d like to do is ensure that I make my bed every day and hit 10,000 steps.

@Skiptheheartsandflowers

Great ideas here. I need to drink more water regularly so thinking about where to fit that into a routine. Also making sure I have ice cubes ready as there's nothing so nice as a tall glass of ice cold water.

I do this by filling a big water jug and then adding sliced lime, mint, orange, cucumber, ginger or strawberries. They infuse the water and make it more appealing to drink, and I notice the jug standing in the kitchen so I bother to drink the water instead of snacking. You can do the same with a big water bottle taken into work.

[quote haba]@AmorFati may I ask which coffee machine you have? Interested in one that I can set to produce coffee at a certain time...[/quote]
Mine's a Sunbeam, which is an American brand, I don't think they're common in the UK.
But all the newer models of filter machines seem to be programmable now.
Melitta do quite a few versions, including one with a built-in grinder which I think is what I'll upgrade to, some day.

Leaving my phone on charge downstairs at night and reading for half an hour before bed

Thank you, I'll do some googling!

Never eat anything after 8pm, just drink loads of water until bedtime.
Always have bedroom window open all night, no matter what the weather!

Both of those things help me sleep better.

Some years ago I made a resolution that everyday I would go something out of my comfort zone. And I’ve kept it. But is not big! Sometimes is just listening to a different radio station. Or walking A different route to the tube. But I do get an inner glow of satisfaction for the incremental growth

10k steps before 10am each day (it helps to have a dog)
Extra exercise on top of walking 5 times a day.

Became a Naked Wines Angel 🤣

Declining meetings at work so that I can get actual work done. This has been a true game-changer for me.

Putting my clothes away each night instead of letting a mountain build up.

Daily yoga
Daily Duolingo

Started early in the year. Also: not getting stressed if I miss the odd day!

Not replying immediately when someone asks me for a favour. I always say I need to check my diary, think about it, check if I have that, etc. In the past, I agreed to so many things I didn't actually want to do because I was put on the spot and I'm a people pleaser.

If you haven't already, you could consider giving blood, registering as an organ and/or stem cell donor.

Through your New Years Resolution you could save a life (or many!)

Give blood - www.blood.co.uk

Register as an organ donor - www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Join a stem cell register -
18 - 30 years old - www.anthonynolan.org
18 - 55 years old - www.dkms.org.uk

I had a lovely habit which was rather curtailed by lockdown ... it was to try and do something I'd never done before, or very rarely do, every single day of the year. Could be as simple as buy a new product in the supermarket, make a new recipe, going into a shop I'd never been in, walk down a street I've never walked down, phone someone I usually text, even tidy out a drawer (once year thing for me usually), research a possible holiday destination, attempt a very easy DIY project ... that sort of thing. Just had to be a new sight/taste/experience/achievement every day.

Does anyone have any tips to wake up earlier in the morning? I keep putting the alarm, i do wake up but dont actually get up for another hour. Then end up rushing about all morning !

Mine are nowhere near as impressive as some on here, but:

Bras that fit really well, and comfortable knickers - make a huge difference to just feeling comfortable in one's skin!

A bath every day - usually with just bar soap or essential oils, as trying hard to cut down on plastic (occasional treat of non-plastic bottle posh bubble bath, which I try to save for weekends!)

Nice paper, notebooks and pens, even for just writing shopping lists

Nice bedding

Salt lamp - it makes my corner of the lounge feel so cosy!

No work emails on phone or Kindle

Nice boots and coats - we spend so much time in them in the UK!

These are lovely! I used to use an app called Fabulous (I think). You start with taking a glass of water to bed with you and drinking first thing, then you move on to making your bed, daily exercise and so on and so on. It was really good - until my partner moved in and it all went out the window altho I do still do the first two. All about starting the day with an achievement. Really need to get back into this!!

@RedHot22 why warm water first thing, could you explain?

Also, I'd be interested to know how people fit things in around family life. I got a 1yo and I am rubbish at making myself make time, but I really want to get healthier and generally improve my wellbeing

A while ago I read the How to break up with your phone book which has made a big difference! I do still use it (I'm on it now!) but I followed the initial month of short daily activities to cut down on use or change the way I use it and it means I'm not constantly looking for new notifications. My concentration is better too.

I've cut down the number of times I look at MN FWR (I'm Trans)

(I have AF and this has done wonders for me)

@MarvEll

Also, I'd be interested to know how people fit things in around family life. I got a 1yo and I am rubbish at making myself make time, but I really want to get healthier and generally improve my wellbeing

Do it in tiny sections of time when they nap. Or do it with your baby. There are weight lifting workouts online with the baby as the weight. They enjoy being lifted up and rocked and you get a workout. Or take them for a power walk or jog in the buggy.

Recycling every little thing I have - mostly since my local Co-op has a soft plastic recycling bin. The reduction in waste for landfill is really significant - i think Tesco branches offer the same thing.

little things=big difference if lots of people do it,

Started drinking Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water on its own, with lots of ice and lots of lime wedges, instead of a G&T. I don’t miss the alcohol at all.

Linked grocery list to Alexa, and bought Alexa smart plugs for lamps.

Started flossing and switched to an Oral B electric toothbrush.

Meditation was really great, but I need to get back into it.

@ClaudiusTheGod I’m just starting trying to do this. Warm water because the idea is that it’s body temperature so less of a shock to your system first thing. Supposed to regulate your kidneys and bowels.

Sea swimming. Well, sea dipping. In my cozzy. Have been doing it three times a week since July.

I am only managing a quick dip at this time of year but in the summer I was in for twenty minutes. Yesterday I was in for three minutes as the waves were huge!

It has made a huge difference to me mental health.