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Original poster

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

389 replies

Bookbooks · 14/04/2023 18:04

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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Belmondo · 14/04/2023 20:58
  • Stick-on gift labels when wrapping presents - not as stylish as tied card ones but much quicker and more secure
  • Four-slice toaster
  • Keeping spare clothes for the kids in the car
  • Emma Bridgewater pint mug for tea
  • Those tubs of fried crispy onions - incredibly delicious on absolutely anything
  • Feel obligated to say pilates as every bugger else has mentioned exercise 😂 to be fair I do one hour a week and it's by far the best-spent hour of my week, in terms of cost/benefit ratio
PlainSkyr · 14/04/2023 21:02

Swimming once a week every week for the last 10 years - never more/never less

OhThatChicken · 14/04/2023 21:03

Signed up for a yoga app at around £7 a month. Lost four stone, no more lower back twinges, feel so much happier in myself.

thefactsarefriendly · 14/04/2023 21:07

ThreeRingCircus · 14/04/2023 18:28

Taking my vitamins!

I take a multivitamin, omega 3 supplement and collagen supplement every day. It may be a placebo effect but I genuinely feel better than I did.

Well, mine is not cheap at all, but I have started taking Athletic Greens and it has really boosted my immune system among other things.

MyBloodyMaryneedsmoreTabasco · 14/04/2023 21:09

@Krustykrabpizza am also v interested in the name of your facial yoga app please!

CobraChicken · 14/04/2023 21:13

BenCoopersSupportWren · 14/04/2023 18:33

Not saving nice things “for best”.

Use your prettiest china, wear the expensive perfume, light the posh candle you were given as a present. You’re a long time dead!

Thanks! Good timing to have posted this. My adult DC bought me an extravagant gift for my recent birthday. We're going to travel overseas as a family soon and I was thinking that I shouldn't take it along in case it got damaged, but the risk of that is small and the pleasure he'll get from seeing me actually using it, rather than it being stuck in a closet and only brought out for "special occasions", outweighs any risk.

SheSaidHummingbird · 14/04/2023 21:15

ASMR on Youtube

drawingmaps · 14/04/2023 21:16

Started a commitment to read a tiny bit of theology every day. Admittedly that was for lent and I've been a bit lax on it since, but it did really make a difference to my bedtime routine and sleep and generally learnt some interesting stuff. If you're not into theology then any topic that interests you and a book that you can read in small doses to learn.

CobraChicken · 14/04/2023 21:19

ThreeRingCircus · 14/04/2023 18:30

Also, going to bed 30 mins earlier and reading a book. I was in a bad habit of staying on my phone til late then falling into bed and being tired but wired. Getting away from screens and reading my book in bed is far more relaxing.

Yes, that's a good one that I've started recently and it's definitely improved my sleep quality. Unfortunately I've swapped one problem for another. I have zero willpower to stop reading after the 30 mins is up so, yes, I do sleep more deeply (and I fall asleep as soon as I try, rather than lying awake for ages) but I quite often find I'm still reading two hours after turning in.

Jagoda · 14/04/2023 21:20

Quitting alcohol. Completely changed my life for the better.

Makewayforsummer · 14/04/2023 21:20

stayathomegardener · 14/04/2023 18:42

I saw this today.

Oh this is interesting. I think I will give it ago. I can’t guarantee 8 hours sleep (small children) but I can do a good evening routine for myself.

thefactsarefriendly · 14/04/2023 21:22

Oh, the magnesium spray I put on my feet means I sleep really well now. That and my knee pillow. 😁

ThereIbledit · 14/04/2023 21:22

Using an app to limit my time on social media (I use Lock Me Out but there are others.

Hot wheat bags for pain. Better than serious prescription painkillers most of the time.

Grounding: going barefoot on grass or soil, even just for a few seconds.

Giving myself permission to have microwavable veg packs despite the guilt over the single use plastics. Getting the veg into this human is more important.

alabamathunderpussy · 14/04/2023 21:22

@SheSaidHummingbird any recommendations?

CobraChicken · 14/04/2023 21:22

NameChange2589 · 14/04/2023 19:16

Limiting phone use/screen time to when in the living room only. I leave devices there to charge etc. Have a smart watch so will still know when I’m getting a call or important message but has helped me to limit the mindless scrolling and be more present.

Oooh, I think I'm going to try that one!

booboobear33 · 14/04/2023 21:24

Following with interest. I need a serious life overhaul but don't know where to begin.,

Hardtopickaname · 14/04/2023 21:24

Have been a terrible sleeper my whole life. Last year I started using white noise which quickly sends me off into a deeper slumber much quicker and don't wake up as often during the night.

Fillmyheartwithsong · 14/04/2023 21:25

Mine was a change of mindset, as in "I'm enough, The End."
Spent a lot of time and energy working on constant self improvement, mentally, physically and emotionally over the years until l realised actually I'm pretty ok with who l am, and where l am.
Self acceptance is pure freedom.

threecupsofteaminimum · 14/04/2023 21:27

Giving up drinking and learning not to react to things that annoy me.

Just letting things go.

TheGirlWhoLived · 14/04/2023 21:31

Might not be your thing but I play games! Video games- so sims, world of Warcraft, switch, Xbox- all sorts 😁

Lifeomars · 14/04/2023 21:32

BenCoopersSupportWren · 14/04/2023 18:33

Not saving nice things “for best”.

Use your prettiest china, wear the expensive perfume, light the posh candle you were given as a present. You’re a long time dead!

Same here, I wear perfume and jewellery every day, change my earings often, use my nice china, wear my "best" clothes and burn those candles! I also use all the nice bath stuff I get given instead of hoarding it. A lovely scented bath before bed, slip into a made bed with fresh bedding and read my book until I fall asleep. For me it's about feeling that I am worth all these small treats

MedievalMadness · 14/04/2023 21:33

Selling most of my clothes and accessories on eBay and having a wardrobe that consists of 4 sweaters, 2 pairs of jeans, 4 shirts, 2 pairs of dungarees, 2 sweatpants, 3 jumpsuits and 3 long sleeve t shirts, 5 short sleeve tee shirts, 1 pair of boots, 2 pairs of trainers, 1 pair of sandals. 1winter coat, 1 rain jacket, 1 scarf, 1 pair of gloves. I have 2 pairs of earrings, 1 necklace, 1 bracelet. This is all I need for my lifestyle.

Same approach with possessions. I’ve gone the full Marie Kondo. I don’t have anything I don’t use or need or love. I keep very few things of sentimental value. Everything is organised and I know where everything is. If I had to move I could pack in a day. It feels very liberating. It’s also very easy as I live alone.

For the last 12 years I’ve listened to ASMR at bedtime. I struggle to get to sleep and it really helps me relax and I often fall asleep listening to it.

Tacocatgoatcheesepizza · 14/04/2023 21:36

@Krustykrabpizza I too would love to know the name of this app!!

GarlicGrace · 14/04/2023 21:37

Fillmyheartwithsong · 14/04/2023 21:25

Mine was a change of mindset, as in "I'm enough, The End."
Spent a lot of time and energy working on constant self improvement, mentally, physically and emotionally over the years until l realised actually I'm pretty ok with who l am, and where l am.
Self acceptance is pure freedom.

This is great Flowers

GarlicGrace · 14/04/2023 21:42
  1. Getting a dishwasher 🤗 OK, it's not that cheap, but it is one of the household appliances that really do change your life - especially if you have a family.
  2. Using Nivea Soft for body, hands and face. I already used it as a body moisturiser. Now I'm old with wrinkles, I decided to give it a try on my face & neck. It's way better than those 50+ skin creams, and about a 20th of the price!
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