Fancy sharing your 'atomic habits'* for inspiration for a September reset?

[LadyMaria]

Hello everyone

I love a clean slate and making resolutions. I've been making (and breaking) resolutions since I was little. I always considered September to be a second January, and in that spirit, I want to take advantage of the fresh-start atmosphere that comes with the back-to-school season. My goal is to start implementing small changes that will help me reorganise my life and regain the sense of control that I absolutely crave.

I'm here to ask you lovely ladies to please share with me (and anyone interested in doing the reset) the tiny changes that helped you start transforming your lives for the better.

• Atomic Habits

Great tips. I use email alot for work so even personal stuff I send myself an email on delay send. Really organises me.

Forgot to add I try and pull out 10 weeds a,day. Have big back and front garden. Makes lawn mowing easier as no weeding.

Forgot to add putting phone on grayscale really helps it be less alluring. Keeping it on grayscale is tricky bits. I want to set up shortcuts so it’s on grayscale for set hours of the day

Oh wow. I'd be happy if I did 2 hours of proper sport a week. How did you get in the habit?

I know what you mean. But I'll need willpower to start something that I'm not naturally inclined to do. It's the starting that's hard. Although I am (used to be?) generally fit, my inclination would always be to curl up on the sofa with a book rather than go hiking for eg.

Are they proper swimming lessons or did you mean sessions?

I agree, swimming is a lovely activity.

I think I will steal this one! Thank you!

I heard about this tip. You're braver than I am :)

Don't have much spare time once kids go back to school. I've had a few days off so I'm currently batch cooking meals to restock the freezer for those dark nights and run up to Christmas madness. Stops us from eating badly when nobody can be bothered.

I've also had a mass chuck out of some of our living spaces today and will be starting on my wardrobe shortly. Linen cupboards have been sorted.

I find life so much easier when the clutter is gone and everything has a place. I need new mugs and cushion covers and I'm sorting out my book list.

I'm decreasing caffeine now and working on a better diet. I'll be getting the vitamins into the dc and us after payday.

@LadyMaria
I have adhd so I think doing the sport helps self medicate but to be honest I think it's al about finding a sport you love- there's one for everyone.

I love grappling / wrestling / Brazilian juijitsu as it's chess of the body, and intense exercise

I also compete as a goal both for training and weight

The gym I go to with my dd so it's as much for her as for me

What do you enjoy sport wise if exercise wise

They are adult improver lessons but basically the class is an hour long and you swim whatever and however you want and now and then ask for tips from the lovely instructor on the side and get some things to help. It’s meant I’m improving loads every week it’s not boring because you can have floats and flippers as you work on arms or legs etc. I couldn’t cope if regimented 6lengths of backstroke etc. it’s a real gem of a class and I got twice a week. It’s £9 a session and I’m really pooped after. I have tried so many exercise classes but this is only thing I have stuck to. I also go for a run/walk with a pal every Sunday morning. Trying to build that up

Last September i got a diary with monthly plans. I spent some time filling out monthly annual stuff so I reuse it again. It's just things to do, for example September has:
Anniversary present / card
Millies birthday
Rachel's birthday
Renew pet insurance
Car service
Etc

I'm sure many have been doing this for years but it's helped me. I now do things like buy birthday cards in time and post in advance.

I add in household one off things like declutter Paul's wardrobe, buy new desk for Beth etc.

For me anything on a screen seems to only pass through my brain without sticking. I need to write it down.

I suggest you pick a time that you have 10 mins and read this again with a pen and hardback notebook. List all the things you would like to implement as you go, then re read a few times and pick a few to start with (make a new short list on another page). This short list of 3 or 4 things is your phase 1. Keep that visible or take a photo if you prefer screens and do these things every day, using reminders if you need them.

Set a reminder in your diary for a week and review. Make tweaks, rethink timings etc. But keep at it.

After a month revisit the original list and add a few more if you feel you are ready, phase 2. Otherwise repeat phase 1.

I use the Notes App on my phone every evening to plan for the next day, so even for days I wake up exhausted / unwilling I have a simple list of things to follow. I love checking things off and advise not deleting the things on the list once you’ve done them for a greater sense of accomplishment!

My list always starts:
. Get up
. Breakfast
so I always have something to check off even if not much else gets accomplished that day 😁

^ Just realised I’ve never even told DH i do this. Mumsnet confessional.

Surprisingly, it doesn't smell: the dirty water tank doesn't smell great after a few days, but it's all sealed so doesn't stink the place out. I rinse out both tanks each time I need to empty/refill them and that does the trick.

Following for ideas!

I've added flossing with the little wire brushes when I clean my teeth at night. It's surprising how you quickly get into a routine when tagging new tasks on to something else.

Tell Alexa to add items to the shopping list so it's all on my phone when I go to the supermarket or order a delivery.

Put my meds by my toothbrush to remind me to take it every morning and evening.

Alexa alarm goes off at 8pm every night as a reminder to stop eating until the next day. Too much food has been going in and it's usually night time snacks that get me.

@motherofkevinnotperry
"I find life so much easier when the clutter is gone and everything has a place."
100% agree.

Oh wow you must be very fit. Well done you 👏

I don't have a specific fitness/ exercise routine but I always try to be at least moderately active.

The swimming lessons sound fantastic.

Nothing better than an old fashioned planner! I use apps on my phone. I love ticking tasks off.

Oh yes! I love it too!

Thank you! I will definitely look into getting one then.

I used to use those interdental brushes. I need to start cleaning my teeth properly again.