What is a cheap/ simple/ uncomplicated habit (or thing) that you started following (or bought) that dramatically changed your life for the better...

[Bookbooks]

That's it really.
Same if you had the same effect with abandoning a habit or a thing.
Looking for inspiration.

I just posted on another thread similar as the skipping ropes i bought for me and DS a few years ago, are now a huge part of my daily workout routine. And there are sooo many skipping tutorials online and challenges to master. I‘m 35 but have to say and i know it sounds pretty crazy but its skipping thats changed my life 😂

Storing tupperware/takeaway boxes stacked with the lids ON.

For 30 odd years I stored them nested with the lids alongside because that way I could fit more in the tupperware cupboard of doom. 30 years of trying random lids which look identical but aren't before finally, maybe, finding the one that fits. Now I get a little shot of joy being able to take one out and use it immediately.

I need to get out more.

@ClaraBourne thanks a lot! 2 mnts is very doable! So 4 mnts/ day and you started seeing a difference after how long please?

Loving this thread - finding it very inspirational. Thanks for all the useful suggestions

@morejumpingfrogs that sounds delightful! Are you able to give an idea of price please?

It's £175 a year - they have a monthly option too if you want to that first before you commit to a year. Link here (I hope, first time adding one)

www.themoderncalligraphyco.com/product-page/club-membership-gift-voucher

@Belmondo
Yay link worked 😁

Such great advice. Thank you.
How many times a week do weights?

Understanding that if you don't have a dream, how can your dreams come true?

Understanding that the biggest obstacles to doing what you want in life are in your mind.

Trust your gut instinct.

If you are unhappy, unfulfilled, or have any negative emotion whatsoever, understand that it's your gut instinct shouting at you to change, so listen carefully, do not ignore or sooner or later it will make you mentally or physically ill.

You will then start to see that having a negative emotion can be a positive catalyst for change or a new direction.

Your body and brain is like a complex çomputer system so make sure you feed it well and look after it carefully and give it a reboot if things go wrong and give it an annual MOT 🤠

So many great ideas here.

I have a deep desire to look after my body and mind more. I want to eat well, I want to exercise, I want to use my (albeit very limited) 'me' time more wisely - you know, meditating or journaling instead of scrolling tik tok.

But i can't seem to stop myself binging on junk and failing to exercise or do anything that might actually make these goals possible. I really annoy myself.

Yes agreed !

Buying an electric bike - its transformational. Cuts out short car journeys and I love looking at the world. Also great not to freak out about hills ! The trick id share is go out once a day even for 5 mins. 21 days creates a new habit 😀

Reserving all my mindless tv for doing chores. I just watch on my iPad with wireless headphones while I’m washing up etc. It actually makes me look forward to cleaning!

Also, daily journaling! Started in 2018 and absolutely love reading back over entries.

Wow so many relate to no or low alcohol and mostly to do with some form of physical activity.

Very interesting thread.

I think I'll draw a plan to mix a variety of the exercises mentioned on here to cover during the week.

Wish I could reduce my screen time - that a tough one.

What podcasts do you listen to, @thetheheights ?

Keeping all bedding inside a pillowcase - ie the sheets, duvet cover and other pillowcases- so I can just pick up one case when changing the bed instead of scrabbling around to see what matches and which fitted sheet is a double and which is a king size!

@teraculum29 thank you for your insight. I am trying to find a healthy natural substitute for sugar rather than a man made one. I remember I started using agave nectar many years ago after reading about it in a book by a French doctor. Since then I read many mixed reviews about it but still continue to use it as I need my coffee sweetened and it doesn't change the taste like stevia for eg. I wish I could forgo the sugar altogether but that is impossible for me.

@Kate0902900908 a huge bravo 👏 I imagine the real sense of achievement you must be feeling. I wish I could be as brave and try my hand at doing things in my house, but I am so perfectionist that I always stop myself from such undertakings by telling myself a professional would do a better job. This is exactly why the better is the ennemy of the good.
BTW I love panelled walls too. Please share with us the final result!

@LuckyDipsy there are some threads recommending
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/crime/4772705-true-crime-podcasts-recommendations-please?page=2&reply=125419024

Myself I love It's a fair cop https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b060fj66
and Life Lines https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000bcm4/episodes/player

A lot of us are very good at self criticism and self sabotage and are better at looking after others than ourselves.

The solution?

Imagine our inner selves as a neglected pet that needs rescuing.

Give it warmth, love, tlc, suitable daily food, exercise and encouragement; and watch it recover and blossom 😊

That inner self that needs rescuing might be a child or inner person who's voice is not heard.

I remember reading about the story of an obese woman who wrote that she was a slim, fit and active person trapped in a fat casing.

That resonated with me and I wondered what it would be like to listen to that inner person and give her a voice and set out to rescue her 😊

@GrandIllusion that really resonated with me.

I had an abusive “childhood” with a narc mother and counsellors have repeatedly told me I need to look after “little Jagoda” the child who lived in fear of everything and was never good enough.

I am 57 now and still working on it!

I work with people who feel/ are damaged beyond repair and nearly all are kind to others and not themselves.

I like that! Thank you.

I generally do two Reformer Pilates classes a week, they are 50 minutes each (and quite expensive so that's all I can afford), and then I will do maybe two 20. -25 minutes weights workouts at home, usually just following a youtube video. It depends though, if I'm having a busy week or on my period or something I will just do one.

I try and take a day off in between each to let my muscles recover, so I'd try and go for a walk or at least stretch or something on those days.

If you're starting out, don't try and do too much too soon - just do maybe twice a week and build up from there. They key for me was making it something I could fit around my actual life, otherwise I would just give up when other stuff gets in the way.