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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:
haba · 31/12/2021 10:27

Tbh @FindingMeno last one I found that was fab, I bought two exactly the same, as it's 30° only wash which I only get to about every 3 weeks, and I want to wear it more often Blush
My idea was to dye it (only came in one colour) but frankly, the colour is so lovely (a rich teal) I've left the second as it is

haba · 31/12/2021 10:30

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie

Thanks *@haba* I'm a podcast virgin but will have a search.
@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I'm afraid I'm not the most technical person! I get my podcasts via iTunes, as I use an iPod for them. There are a number of long, helpful threads about podcasts, and using them on phones, if you use advanced search they'll come up.

Which language were you thinking of learning?

MintMe · 31/12/2021 10:30

No SM after 9pm. Up the stairs with a book in bed to finish off the day
Make mundane tasks more enjoyable by adding a bit of luxury - I treat myself to nice shower gel
In the winter months, light a scented tea light on my desk in the afternoon
Not answering emails straight away - I can't remember who said it but by starting the day answering emails, you're getting someone else's work done rather than your own
Daily yoga. Failing that, a quick child's pose before bed

haba · 31/12/2021 10:32

@pinkhousesarebest Did you have to go to a Meet me at the barre class first? Or do you just use a YouTube video for that?

FindingMeno · 31/12/2021 11:23

Oh, and the other things are:
Actively seeking clothes with pockets
Having a handbag organiser to swap from bag to bag
Wearing an apron when doing mucky stuff/ splattery cooking.

LaBellina · 31/12/2021 11:24

Get up early
Try to be kind to anyone you meet
Have clear boundaries in place for anyone that isn’t kind to you
No chocolate during weekdays

user1471554720 · 31/12/2021 11:35

Drink lots of water. Some fresh air and a walk every day, even if it is only a 15 min walk. Make sure to get proper downtime each day especially if you have a young family and work fulltime. I spend an hour each evening watching tv and reading. I ignore SM and texts during this time.

felulageller · 31/12/2021 14:04

Floss teeth everyday. I haven't needed a filling for 26 years! I've never had tartar and never needed a hygienist.

HideRanger · 31/12/2021 14:17

Love this thread.

I have remembered some more.

I gave away all the shoes - however beautiful - which hurt my feet. I used to put myself through agonies for a night out, and then one day I realised I would never let someone deliberately stand on my toes to hurt me, so why was I letting my shoes do it?

Taking Vitamin D3 daily between the autumn and vernal equinox.

A long walk daily. I don’t have a dog and live in London so prior to Covid it was a rare event. Transforming.

MeredithMae · 01/01/2022 10:49

This thread is excellent, I've read every post.

I laughed out loud at the poster who said they swapped their shoelaces for elastic ones! Me too! And I love them!

coodawoodashooda · 01/01/2022 10:58

Spend a bit more on the weekly shop rather than be too frugal. It keeps me out of top up shopping and buying snacks I was in denial about eating.

MindTheChristmasGap · 01/01/2022 11:03

Vitamin D daily from end September to April/May, then occasionally if I'm not getting in the sun much.
I think it has stopped me succumbing to so many winter colds and my body aches less.

hivemindneeded · 01/01/2022 13:49

@coodawoodashooda

Spend a bit more on the weekly shop rather than be too frugal. It keeps me out of top up shopping and buying snacks I was in denial about eating.
That is a good tip
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 02/01/2022 17:58

I read that earlier @RedHot22 and meant to post it on here, so thanks for doing it.

Plantsandpuddlesuits · 02/01/2022 20:25

I try to read for 20 minutes in bed every night don't always manage it though!

specialsauce · 02/01/2022 21:25

Sorry if someone's already posted this but Michael Mosey's 'Just One Thing' radio series is really good - in just 15 mins and he describes a small thing you can add to your routine and how it benefits. Lot'sd of scientific data to back up what he says so its very motivating.

However, if you did all the 'just one thing' s everyday that would add up to dozens of things - you'd never fit it all in!!

hilda41 · 03/01/2022 10:51

Love this thread!
Mine are order books from the library (free service at ours) that I really want to read and leave around house so I doom scroll less
Listen to audible / radio 4 while doing housework / driving.

Loved the tips about waiting before saying yes to a favour and trying to do something new every day.

FlowerFlour · 03/01/2022 11:05

I love this thread!

My small tips are:

  1. Every morning as soon as you get up, chug down two big glasses of water. It takes less than a minute, rehydrates you and helps your body to wake up. If I miss it now I feel sluggish all day.
  1. Have your morning shower, then at the end, turn the temperature to 'freezing cold' and stand under it for 30 seconds. You will gasp and maybe even scream at first! But it boosts circulation and has lots of benefits for your body and mind.
JasmineGarden · 05/01/2022 20:55

@FlowerFlour

Does it work if you put it to warm/hot after, or do you need to get out cold?

I want to do yoga, but I can't 😔. My knees are fucked I cannot kneel on them at all. After an accident last year, I have very very little use of one arm I cannot lean on it or put any pressure through it 🙄🙄

bringiton23 · 05/01/2022 20:59

My 2021 new tips

  • candles on while working or in tj bedroom different scents
  • subscribe to iTunes and listen to music slot whenever walking and chill tunes in evening
  • made kids so far more chores without guilt I work full time why should I have to do it
  • bought loads od house plants and put in most rooms
  • got two adorable fluffy cats
  • go swimming x3 per week, if energetic / not unwell gym x2 same days. At weekend pay £25 and kids go in climbing wall while I'm there
  • have regular Pizza Hut & salad & film night parents and kids. Everyone loves it and is relaxing and we only get two slices each so can't b that bad for us
EBearhug · 05/01/2022 22:04

I want to do yoga, but I can't. My knees are fucked I cannot kneel on them at all. After an accident last year, I have very very little use of one arm I cannot lean on it or put any pressure through it

Have you looked at chair yoga, @JasmineGarden ?

JasmineGarden · 06/01/2022 01:50

@EBearhug

I want to do yoga, but I can't. My knees are fucked I cannot kneel on them at all. After an accident last year, I have very very little use of one arm I cannot lean on it or put any pressure through it

Have you looked at chair yoga, @JasmineGarden ?

@EBearhug

Thanks for your message. I did try chair yoga by a couple of different people, but my knees are fucked & it's just too painful or impossible to do most of the exercises 😔

I miss being flexible and stretchy/bendy. I'm only bloody 52! Not 92. My 92 yo Aunt is more flexible & has fewer health issues. 🙄🙄

Thanks for the suggestion though. I probably need to give up on the idea of yoga, I just really don't want to!

JaneJeffer · 06/01/2022 08:14

What about Tai Chi instead @JasmineGarden?

cloudjumper · 06/01/2022 08:35

Drinking at least 2 L of water a day.
Plan exercise in every week, 3-4 sessions.
Online food shopping.
Having a cleaner 😁

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