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Original poster

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

128 replies

ClandestineAdulation · 28/12/2021 23:00

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.

OP posts:

MissBattleaxe · 29/12/2021 23:36

I find a routine very grounding and comforting. Every day I do 11k steps and at least 15 minutes of Duolingo French and I always put my pyjamas under my pillow ready for bed time. It makes me feel nurtured and looked after. It also reminds me that however bad my day gets, my pyjamas are waiting.

SquirrelFan · 29/12/2021 23:45

Oh, @MissBattleaxe, that's a lovely thought. I do get comfort from the small things that I've done for myself. Sometimes, as I take out a lunch I've made myself or find a task I've done already at work, I'll say, Thanks, Old Me! and I get the benefit of the thing and the pat on the back.

IDKAYBIF32 · 30/12/2021 03:11

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?

Getting up as soon as my alarm goes off, rather than having a snooze.
Making my bed.
Taking a multivitamin and high strength vitamin D every morning - definitely increased my energy levels.
Standing on one leg while I brush my teeth in the morning.
Putting SPF on my face every morning.
Taking a bottle of water with me to work so that I actually drink it.
Following the organised mum method to keep on top of housework.
A daily walk.
Yoga with Kassandra on YouTube.
Spending 10 minutes in the evening to properly cleanse, tone, moisturise my face and floss and brush my teeth.
Making a note of one nice thing that happened today before I go to bed.
Having a digital detox on a Sunday: no phone or internet for the day.

Little habits can really add up. I don't think anyone has mentioned Atomic Habits by James Clear, it's worth a read or a listen on audible. It's all pretty obvious stuff, but he explains it well, and listening to it made me realise that it's better to focus on little steps, rather than setting myself a big goal, not achieving it and then punishing myself for it.

This thread has more inspiration:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_classics/3978071-AIBU-to-ask-you-if-a-daily-habit-has-transformed-your-life?msgid=98611554

IDKAYBIF32 · 30/12/2021 03:30

@ReadtheFT

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 !

Either a sunrise alarm, it is meant to mimic the sunrise light and help you wake up gradually, or a much cheaper option is a plug timer on your bedside lamp. I've tried both and didn't notice much of a difference tbh, if you use an energy saving bulb which takes a while to light up it's fairly similar. I also find it helps to set a vibrate only alarm 5 minutes before a noisy one, helps me wake up more gently rather than abruptly which tends to make me immediately reach for the snooze button. Or if you're awake and not getting up because you're on your phone, maybe leave your phone in another room and use an alarm clock?

secretrugbyfan · 30/12/2021 04:00

For me it's swimming. I do 32 lengths of our pool (sounds like a lot, but I built up to this gradually, starting at 1 length then resting, increased to 2 lengths, then 4 and now I have a breather every 8 lengths) and try to do this 3-4 times a week.

The swim now only takes 20 or so mins and the main benefit to me is getting out of bed is now so much easier....no aches and pains in a morning.

There's a bit of a social side as well, chatting to people benefits my mental health.

Swisscheeseleaves · 30/12/2021 08:30

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

I need to do this!

TheOccupier · 30/12/2021 08:51

@Justyouwaitandseeagain

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

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

Thank you so much for this @Justyouwaitandseeagain

I have just registered with DKMS! Always wanted to do this but am too old for Anthony Nolan.

wetpebbles · 30/12/2021 08:57

Kegels whilst browsing Mumsnet
Eat more cheese

covetingthepreciousthings · 30/12/2021 09:08

@AngryWithH

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

I like this idea of just doing something small, but you still get the satisfaction from it.

Great thread. Placemarking!

TiredMummyZZZ · 30/12/2021 09:19

@Justyouwaitandseeagain

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

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

Thanks for this - I’ve just registered as a stem cell donor

Unescorted · 30/12/2021 09:19

I write my work to do list the day before. The last 20 minutes of the day are used to work out what to do the next day. That way I can leave work at work and in the morning I can do a couple of the quicker jobs to create a sense of productiveness for the day.

ChicCroissant · 30/12/2021 09:32

Get as much ready for the following day the night before - so all clothes out, bags packed as much as possible - makes the day start smoothly and means I turn up for work ready to start and in a good mood.

Not letting the little things pile up into big things - so fill the car with petrol before any low fuel warning sensor starts beeping at you and you have to disrupt a journey or leave earlier to do it. It's often the small things that make life easier.

Purpleavocado · 30/12/2021 09:47

@Gettingthereslowly2020

5-10 minutes of Duolingo a day. Once I've done the 5-10 minutes, I often want to do more. I do it in bed when I wake up in the morning.

me too, I'm on day 447 (with a few streak freezes) and my understanding of French is so much better than when I started. I normally do it in the day when I want a quick break from work.

Wizzbangfizz · 30/12/2021 11:17

Placemarking for ideas

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/12/2021 12:29

I hate Duolingo. Can anybody recommend a better program?

CrimbleCrumble1 · 30/12/2021 12:39

My number one thing by a long way is seeing my friends. I have 2 friends I see frequently and when I return home after spending a few hours with them I’m always grinning ear to ear for hours.
My other top tip is regular orgasms, they make me feel truly wonderful and a better version of myself.

Confusedteacher · 30/12/2021 12:45

I made a conscious effort to make more effort with friends, and it has paid off. Just remembering to text to see how they are, making an effort to meet up even though it’s so easy to get swamped with partner/family/work commitments.

Liverpoolarefab · 30/12/2021 12:56

I bought a sistema 1 litre bottle and every morning when I make my coffee I fill it up with water and make sure that I drink it every day. I also drink herbal tea on top of that.

I also prioritise sleep - it's so important for your health - and makes your whole day so much better if you've had enough. I don't set the alarm at the weekends to get up early if I don't need to.

hivemindneeded · 30/12/2021 13:09

@Confusedteacher

How has it paid off? I am not as good with friends as I'd like to be. That's a NY resolution I'd like to try.

haba · 31/12/2021 00:22

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie

I hate Duolingo. Can anybody recommend a better program?

Memrise? Tbh, I like podcasts for learning languages, OU have some, but there are literally hundreds out there.

deeplyambivalent · 31/12/2021 05:42

When I've worried about something and it hasn't happened, instead of just forgetting about it and moving on to the next worry, I stop and celebrate the fact that it went ok and try to hold on to the feeling of relief and gratitude for a bit.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/12/2021 08:39

Thanks @haba I'm a podcast virgin but will have a search.

pinkhousesarebest · 31/12/2021 08:52

What a lovely thread. I do Meet me at the Barre every day. I never feel tired any more, it has changed the way I move ( and carry stuff, endlessly) up and down the stairs.
Making my bed and cleaning my sink always make me feel that I am in charge.
Off to peruse the rest.

FindingMeno · 31/12/2021 08:58

Picking a dress that flatters me and buying it in several colours.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 31/12/2021 10:15

@FindingMeno Yes! Ditto with well fitting and comfortable shoes or boots.

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