To ask what small things you have done to improve your every day life?

[Tiredandtense]

With the way everything is, I have been feeling extra stressed. For context I have a long term health condition and anxiety (both of which I am treated for).

I'm also finding being back in the office (3 days a week) exhausting so I'd like to ask if there are small things you have done (especially from home) that have improved your day to day life? I have been making a conscious effort to spend a lot less time on my phone, and especially Instagram/Facebook.

Love to hear your tips.

Most already been said, but manage social media time, meal plan (even lunch), plan clothes the night before, robovac, walk every day, cold water swim when I can, cut back on booze, don't over commit to social events, routine )boring but helps)

Thank you so much everyone who took the time to contribute! Some of these I do try and do (exercise, ear healthy, don't drink) but there are lots of brilliant ideas to try. I particularly like the morning stretch as I do enjoy yoga but struggle to find the motivation after work. I've made a list of different things to try based on your suggestions. Thank you again.

@Timide

What method do you use for this please? I like porridge in the morning but don't really like it microwaved and my adhd brain won't let me make the time for cooking it in the morning.

@skybluee

what difference has it made to you?

I exercise 6 days a week.

Number 1 for me as mentioned earlier was deleting social media and getting off Instagram

Number 2 is going for a long walk first thing in the morning with my dog while listening to a book on audible. This puts me in a much better frame of mind for the day

Could you share with us what vitamins you take and how they helped you?

Could you share with us what vitamins you take and how they help you?

I've just started meditating at my old age. It's so wonderful, gives your very busy brain a rest and You feel refreshed afterwards. It's making me feel calmer and less stressed in everyday situations. Just 10-20 mins when you can you will start to feel the difference then build up to longer x

for me it has been not buying stuff...
i made a commitment to not buy any new clothes/shoes/stuff this year...
i do buy books though.

first month was hellish..kept looking at new spring clothes in shops etc but now it feels so freeing...i wear what is in my wardrobe, i no longer waste time in shops/online shopping
I literally do not think about stuff anymore, i dont have envy of people with new clothes or want trends etc...

its been life changing

Weekly cleaner. Big house with teens; this makes a massive difference to my mental health

no booze

limited sugar (hard but worth it)

coffee alone in the really peaceful morning

separate bedrooms - sleep quality VASTLY improved

eat mainly veg / whole foods, no upfs. Drink hot water throughout each day

yoga every morning

reading some of a book every single day

Christmas: no kids in the family, we have stopped cards and presents Just do a nice meal on the day, thats it. Totally stress free.

Stopped buying endless stuff and clothes for a year, liberating. I am trying to lose weight and fit back into old clothes.

Walking 45 minutes every day

Started couch to 5k (again)

Folding clothes the Marie Kondo way, I am naturally messy with lots of clothes but I have maintained it and it’s so much easier to find everything!

Quitting my job and going self-employed (okay, not a little thing but it's made an absolutely massive difference)
Good sleep hygiene.
Giving up alcohol.
Getting a dog and walking him everyday.
Burning wax melts daily - I find it really peaceful and relaxing.
Making sure I get at least a couple of hours of me-time a day.

Oh, and finally following my dream to horse ride. I have lessons once a week now and it's definitely my happy place.

Great thread.

Meditation for 10 min the morning. Squats and balance exercises while I'm brushing my teeth. Seeing friends regularly in person or zoom. Robot vacuum cleaner. Weekend meal planning and preparation for the following week.

Going for a walk every morning. Gives me chance to get some fresh air and a change of scenery

Excellent thread!

Getting up when I wake up and sitting in the garden for 10 minutes with a coffee before it gets hot.

Double cleansing my face properly at night. I always think it's an arse when I start but feel properly smug when I finish, and I do see and feel the difference.

Keeping ready to eat lentils in the fridge for when I CBA to cook. Vaguely healthier than a pizza, despite me adding chorizo and mustard to them.

not sure about the clothes advise
i took out my clothes
found some i hadnt worn for a couple of years
and now wear them

if i can get away with it, before dh complains, i tend to cook veggie meals as much as possible.

I do EFT tapping therapy and frankly it's my lifeline right now as I'm unable to run due to injury. I'm also starting out on yoga.

Would you mind telling us more?

I always resisted meal planning but it's lovely not to be trying to conjure a meal from random ingredients every day. And I double cook and freeze once a week.