28 days to change my life

[Pearlington27]

Starting today I am going make a number of small daily changes to improve areas of my life that I am not happy with. My relationships, drinking, exercise, self-care and diet are all areas that I need to work on.
Today I am feeling particularly fragile after having too much wine last night, after 3 weeks of not drinking at all. I worry that I behaved like a twit, and I have terrible anxiety about it all, as well as an awful headache and hangover (which I deserve).
I am not expecting a miracle but I am hoping small changes over next 28 days will establish good habits to help me feel better about myself.
I will do at least one thing from each area everyday and report back here daily to keep myself accountable.
Anyone who would like to join me is very welcome.

It's a constant battle to feel good about yourself to many people for different reasons.
Today I finally put the charity shop clothing into two black bin bags ready to go. Instead of it languishing in my wardrobe. I'll vacuum it all out tomorrow and get a pristine bedroom ready for me to enjoy.
It's the little things. 🌻

Monty27, thank you for your comment. I do agree it is the little things. I bet your cleared out and vacuumed wardrobe makes you smile each time you open it 😊. I also have a few bags for the opshop in my hallway.
As promised (to myself) reporting in Day 1 efforts and I have:

• used my rebounder and vibration plate (exercise)
• made a healthy dinner, drank 2 litres of water and had 2 cups of green tea (diet)
• arranged to see my adult child tonight after work (relationships)
• read a few chapters of my book, scalp massage and oil, exfoliating serum, red-light mask and moisturiser, remembered to take my vitamins and iron (self-care)
• no alcohol.

I still haven't vacuumed but I deep cleaned the bathroom 😀
I hope you've had a good day 😊

A clean bathroom is even better 😊. It was a good day thanks, I hope the same for you too.
A check in of Day 2 efforts (mostly the same):

• used my rebounder and vibration plate (exercise)
• made healthy food choices all day with a focus on getting enough protein, drank 2 litres of water and had 2 cups of green tea (diet). I also prepared my lunch for Day 3 and dinners for the rest of the week
• saw my child tonight after work and had a cuddle with my grandbaby who was not that happy about it 😂(relationships)
• read a few chapters of my book, scalp massage, derma-rolled, red-light mask and moisturiser, remembered to take my vitamins and iron (self-care)
• no alcohol. This should really be first on the list!

My exercise needs improving. I would like to add in 12000 steps per day, and hand weights at home, so will work towards that this week.

Great idea but it seems an awful lot of changes to make in 28 days. Be careful not to get despondent if you can’t do everything you set yourself every day. Good luck

I would like to join you! I have so many things I need to fix in my life 🫠. I think I’ll try and stick to the following:

• a walk a day
• stay under my calorie deficit
• drink 1.5l + of water
• gym 3 times per week
• do some housework every day so it doesn’t get on top of me
• read 10+ pages of a book
• put my phone away and watch a movie or some of a series once a week
• phone each of my two best friends once a week

Thanks for starting the thread 🙂

Thank you Cornettoandbust, some days have been a push to do at least one thing from each 'category' especially on days 2 and 3 when I had commitments after work. I feel like I can do a minimum of 5 things for myself each day for 28 days (and hopefully beyond).
Yay to MessyNDepressy for joining me! Thank you, welcome and I like your list! I've been inspired by yours and added a few more things that I will start from this weekend ☺️. Very best of luck to you!
My belated Day 3 efforts:

• rebounder, vibration plate and added some handweights (exercise)
• healthy food choices all day with a focus on getting enough protein, drank 2 litres of water and had 2 cups of green tea (diet)
• had dinner with old friends (relationships)
• read a few chapters of my book, scalp massage, red-light mask and moisturiser, (self-care). Forgot my vitamins and iron tablet - drats!
• no alcohol! I drank cooled herbal tea with soda water at dinner

Day 4 efforts:

• rebounder, vibration plate and handweights but still no walk grrr (exercise)
• healthy food choices all day with a focus on getting enough protein, drank 2 litres of water and had 2 cups of green tea (diet)
• organised a lunch with work colleagues (relationships)
• read my book, dyed my hair, applied a very light overnight self tanner on my face, red-light mask and moisturiser, remembered to take my vitamins. I forgot my iron tablet again - I need a better system for remembering to take (self-care)
• no alcohol!

Keep your iron tablets next to your toothpaste! Keep up the good work.

@Pearlington27 It sounds like you’re doing great! The red light masks look amazing and it’s a simple way to get some self-care in. It’s taken me so long to get into the habit of taking my vitamins etc everyday but now I don’t tend to forget. I used to have reminders on my phone that went off just after my alarm, that helped a bit (if I didn’t just ignore them 🥲).

• I went for a walk this evening, it was actually really nice now that the evenings are getting lighter.
• Cleaned the kitchen, had a general tidy up and did three loads of laundry.
• Drank 1.5l of water exactly (I now have a can of zero sugar fizzy juice but I only have that once or twice a week)
• Stayed under my calorie deficit (1600 today, aim is under 1800)
• I’m just about to get some reading in before bedtime

What book are you reading at the moment 😊?

Thank you for the suggestions re: iron and vitamins. I am a shocker for remembering but I have now done both - set an alarm and put them on the bathroom bench 😊. And it worked for Day 5!
MessyNDepressy, go you! That is fantastic. I also read in bed, just before sleeping, and so I don't get very far 😂. At the moment, 'Sunshine Warm Sober' by Catherine Gray. What are you reading? I like, and read all sorts and have a stack of books in my TBR pile.
With the red light mask, I only need to wear it for 3 minutes a day but I would often just not do it. It is so easy to use, and now I wear while on the vibration plate.
Day 5 for me:

• rebounder x 2 sessions , vibration plate and handweights - again, no walk (exercise)
• healthy food choices, 2 litres of water and 3 cups of green tea (diet)
• lunch with work colleagues from another office + a short catch up after work (relationships)
• read my book, oiled hair, clay face mask, red-light mask and moisturiser AND remembered vitamins + iron - hurrah! (self-care)
• no alcohol!

I am in Australia, and it's the start of day 6 for me. I hope it's a good day for us all!

Very inspirational. There is a book called 52 changes. It supposed to last year. Just thought you maybe interested.

Iron tablets are only supposed to be taken every other day as this increases absorption.

@Pearlington27 I had a problem with drinking. I gave up six years ago at age 40 and all the rest of the things on your list just fell into place. I’ve never looked back and don’t miss it. Good luck!

Easylifeornot, thank you for the book recommendation. I'll check with my library!
Fibrous, thanks for sharing. I do want to give up completely. I am 47 now and only started drinking when my marriage broke down. Foolish! I hate the way I feel when I am drinking, and my depressive mental state the next day. I have had long stints of not drinking in the last 7 years too, so I know that I can do it. There is really no excuse.
My day 6 efforts:

• rebounder x 2 sessions (morning and afternoon), vibration plate (exercise)
• mostly healthy food choices, 2L water and 2 x green tea (diet)
• met old friends for coffee after work, which became dinner (relationships)
• read my book, vitamins + iron - hurrah! (self-care)
• no alcohol! I offered to be the driver and took soda water

I didn't do as much as I usually do due to the unexpected late night, but time with family and friends is invaluable to me.
It is Saturday morning here in Australia, and the start of Day 7. The sun is out, it's a glorious morning so far. I hope we all have a wonderful day 😊.

@Pearlington27 Sounds like you’re doing really well! Well done on taking your vitamins again 👏!

That book sounds interesting, my brother has a problem with alcohol at the moment, I might recommend it to him. I am reading a fantasy/“romantasy” book at moment, it’s the fourth in a series called The Plated Prisoner. The last book I read was World War Z and the next on my TBR is a Stephen King one so I bounce about a bit 😂.

I’ve done okay today!

• I went on two walks despite the rainy Scottish weather
• Drank 1.5l of water
• Cleaned the kitchen with some deep cleaning (washed the bin out etc), did four loads of laundry, big clean of the living room (took the cushions off and hoovered the sofa etc)
• I didn’t stick to my calorie deficit but it was a planned Friday night takeaway as a cheat meal so I’m okay with that now and then
• Just about to read some of my book in bed

I’ve been messaging one of my best friends on WhatsApp, she is away so I won’t be able to call her this week but I will try my other friend over this weekend and I am hoping to watch a movie tomorrow without my phone.

I’m very jealous of you being in sunny Australia! What part do you live in?

@MessyNDepressy, you did so well yesterday! Super impressed with your two walks, and the cleaning. I really have no excuse. I live on the beautiful Sunshine Coast and could walk to my office in 30 minutes. The weather is a little cooler and perfect for it.
My daughter-in-law loves romantasy books. I am in the psychological thriller phase so swap between that and the sober book. It is interesting for sure, I know how (awful) I feel when I drink but it is good to be reminded of all the reasons why I shouldn't.
Yesterday's (day 7) efforts:

• Exercise: rebounder x 2 sessions (morning and afternoon), vibration plate, hand weights AND I walked to town and back (10,300 steps)
• Diet: fasted until 1pm, healthy food choices, 2L water and 2 x green tea (diet)
• Relationships: met family for the walk into town
• Self-care: reading, vitamins + iron, derma-rolling, redlight mask, aloe vera and moisturiser, scalp massage and hair oiling
• no alcohol!

I need to do this @Pearlington27 . I used to be so good, really motivated and actually enjoyed putting in the effort and having a routine but stopped!
I’m starting with a new PT soon so should use that to kick start my looking after me phase!
I really like how you have categorised each part.
I’m going to have a think about it today.

I copied this to my clip board a few years ago but can’t remember where it came from. I used to find it helpful.

There are 8 main areas of self-care:

1. Physical self-care 🚶🏼‍♀️🛁

• Going for a walk
• Taking a bath
• Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night)
• Eating nourishing foods

2. Psychological self-care 📚

• Practicing mindfulness
• Reading a book
• Learning a new skill
• Doing a digital detox

3. Emotional self-care 😘

• Saying no
• Making time for reflecting on feelings
• Practicing self-compassion
• Being aware of your emotional boundaries

4. Social self-care 💃🏼

• Honoring your commitments to other people
• Asking for help when you need it
• Meeting new people
• Spending time with family and friends

5. Professional self-care 👩🏼‍💼

• Eating a nourishing lunch each day at work
• Negotiating your needs
• Having clear professional boundaries
• Attending professional developing opportunities

6. Environmental self-care 🧹🧽

• Decluttering your home or work environment
• Monitoring technology time
• Cleaning up after a meal
• Maintaining a clean and safe living environment

7. Spiritual self-care: 🧘🏼‍♀️

• Meditating
• Reflecting in a journal
• Going on a retreat
• Walking in nature

8 )Financial self-care: 💰

• Knowing where your income is coming in
• Knowing where your expenses are due and paying them on time
• Completing your tax responsibilities on time
• Spending and saving money wisely

Implementing self-care tactics can be challenging, but is essential!

Ughhh I need this.
I am chronically unwell with something undiagnosed that restricts how long I can have my head unsupported.
I think it’s a life long issue of EDS/cranial cervical instability compounded by menopause, three years ago I could only manage an hour upright and now have around 8 hours before it’s too painful and fatigue kicks in.
Unfortunately three years of this sees me drinking too much, eating rubbish and spending 9 hours + a day on my phone.

am also likely neurodivergent so dopamine seeking and poor routines feature heavily.

On the positive side I have funds to support changes and a lovely life awaiting me. Just need some motivation.
I have an operation tomorrow to have my tongue tie cut so maybe that will be the kicker I need.

Stop drinking
Stop eating rubbish
Cut phone use
Exercise when possible

How lovely to see some new names. Welcome @stayathomegardener, thinking of you today with your operation. I am sorry to hear of your health challenges, but you have come SO far. From 1 hour to 8 hours is amazing.
Hello to @Delici. I'd love for you to join as and when you can and I look forward to seeing your ideas (if you want to share 😊). Thank you too, for sharing the 8 areas of self-care. I was inspired by MessyNDepressy's list to add a few other items relating to home and finances, which also fit the 8 areas.

My efforts for day 8:
• Exercise: rebounder x multiple sessions throughout the day, vibration plate, hand weights, walking (only 4400 steps)
• Diet: mostly healthy food choices, 3L water and 2 x green tea
• Relationships: invited to coffee with a friend - a happy surprise
• Self-care: reading, food preparation for the coming week, vitamins + iron, red-light mask, vitamin C serum, A313, aloe vera and moisturiser
• Home: sorted 'junk' baskets in laundry and reorganised into a clear plastic storage container
• Finances: paid for coffee but no other purchases
• Alcohol free 😊

Hello, can I join! I am back to work today and so I have prepared healthy snacks for my day (avoiding the staff room and chocolate biscuits). I’m having a bit of a nightmare at work at the moment and don’t want to go… but dragging myself.

also need to exercise but just can’t face it at the moment.
so diet it is.

à tidy bedroom would also be nice. I am queen of ‘piles of stuff’…

Hello @yellowduckieswalking, welcome. Please do join! Making healthier choices with diet is a great place to start. And I completely get the 'piles of stuff'. I sort piles, only to end up with more 😊.
My day 9 efforts:

• Exercise: rebounder (morning and afternoon), vibration plate, hand weights, walked to and from work (10,100 steps)
• Diet: fasted until 10am (approx. 15 hours), mostly healthy food choices, 2L water and 2 x green tea
• Relationships: messaged family to organise catch up
• Self-care: vitamins + iron, red-light mask, aloe vera and moisturiser, castor oil on eyebrows/lashes
• Home: minimal - took out rubbish 😂
• Finances: organised appointment with accountant
• Alcohol free 😊

A long and stressful work day.
My day 10 efforts:
• Exercise: rebounder (morning only), vibration plate, hand weights, walking (3900 steps - oh dear)
• Diet: fasted until 10am (approx. 15-16 hours), mostly healthy food choices, 2L water and 2 x green tea
• Relationships: coffee with friends, messaging with family
• Self-care: vitamins + iron, red-light mask, exfoliating serum, aloe vera and moisturiser
• Home: put folded laundry away
• Finances: paid for coffees, took my own breakfast and lunch to work
• Alcohol free 😊

Day 11 is likely to be the same workwise.

As expected, yesterday was another long and stressful work day.
My day 11 efforts:

• Exercise: rebounder, vibration plate, hand weights
• Diet: fasted until 1.00pm (approx. 18 hours), mostly healthy food choices, 1.5L water and 2 x green tea
• Relationships: family visit
• Self-care: vitamins + iron, red-light mask, tretinoin, aloe vera and moisturiser
• Home: 2 bags of donations to the opshop
• Finances: bought coffee (there is a pattern here 🤔)
• Alcohol free for 11 days 😊

My day 12 efforts (yesterday):

• Exercise: rebounder, hand weights
• Diet: fasted until 12.00pm (approx. 17 hours), mostly healthy food choices (some chocolate in the afternoon), 1.5L water and 2 x green tea
• Relationships: a quick walk at lunch with a friend
• Self-care: reading, scalp massage, vitamins + iron, red-light mask, tretinoin, aloe vera and moisturiser
• Home: kitchen tidy and cleared off coffee table
• Finances: appointment with accountant
• Alcohol free for 12 days 😊

I forgot to post day 13, but both 13 and 14 were much the same. I have made sure to do at least one thing from each area everyday. Most importantly I have had 14 days without drinking.
Day 13 and 14 efforts:

• Exercise: rebounder x 2 (morning and afternoon), hand weights, vibration plate
• Diet: 1.5L water and 2 x green tea, was careful to make good choices and be aware of calories
• Relationships: spent time with friends and family on both days
• Self-care: vitamins + iron, red-light mask, moisturiser, tretinoin, blackseed oil, castor oil on eyebrows and lashes, zinc mask
• Home: kitchen tidy before bed
• Alcohol free. Hurrah!