Small but significant healthy daily habits

[hallesmelly]

I'm in a rut at the moment in mind and body. Feeling anxious and not happy with my appearance or general health.

I need to make changes but I know there's no point trying to totally overhaul my life all at once because it will be overwhelming and I'll just fail.

So I'm thinking of trying to gradually introduce small but significant everyday habits to my routine. This week I'll try and get out everyday for a walk even if it's cold. I'll just get myself and the baby wrapped up and we'll go. Also need to give up booze totally but perhaps the wrong time of year for that one!

What else do you do as part of a healthy lifestyle?

When I get into it I definitely feel more comfortable and relaxed. It gives me some 'me' time which is lovely. I also suffer with back pain and it really helps with that and when I do it consistently I do notice that I'm more toned. Yoga can be really good for weight loss. She does have videos specifically for that but it's all very toning and strengthening and it can be quite intense so don't discount it on the weight loss front although you may need to alternate with cardio. Adrienne in particular is very accessible and encourages you to interpret the moves in a way that suits you.

Water whenever at sink - down a medium glass.

Excluding any medical reason/disability - walk to get out of puff every day for 30 mins.

Stretch exercises when getting dressed or waiting for kettle or something.

Pelvic floor exercises when brushing teeth.

Eat leafy greens every day.

Those are mine to be getting on with.

I found a mum friendly exercise class you can go along with your baby/toddler too and it's been a game changer in terms of getting exercise in consistently rather than relying on DH to be available to look after my DS.

Water - I'm terrible for this

Putting my outfits out the night before so I'm not rummaging through the wardrobe bleary eyed with a small fed up child round my ankles

I only drink alcohol on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (unless it's a very special occasion) and actually it really helps. I drink much less than I used to and don't get that "I need wine" feeling so much.

I need to take better care of myself but what I've found helps is...

Getting my thyroid checked and I needed medication. Have so much more energy now!

Vitamin d every day recommended by GP

Try to be asleep by midnight (up at 630 in the week)

As soon as I wake up I go downstairs and grab a pint of water and just down it. Really wakes me up and makes me hydrated.

I deliberately get up early every day before the DC to have a bit of time to gather my thoughts. I try to take my morning cup of tea in the garden for 5 mins whatever the weather we have a greenhouse for rain and that blast of fresh air is vital to my mood in the morning.

Sunday night ritual of a hot bath with a reading lamp for a soft light (the kind that clips to books but I clip it to the cupboard in the bathroom) with one of those cans of gin and my kindle.

Get outside every day for fresh air. Even if just the garden, or school run I park a few streets away and walk the last 10 mins etc

Try to eat more fruit and veg I'm not the best at this but a handful of blueberries on cereal or a sliced banana plus apple or orange at lunch

I’m the same, never been a big water drinker, in fact probably didn’t drink enough of anything but had some health issues since the menopause, so I bought a cheap ish, think it was around £4 water bottle that has the hours printed along the length of it, fill the bottle then by lunchtime that’s one bottle full gone, refill it then by 6 ish that’s another bottle full gone. I also find I hate drinking it straight from the tap but prefer it boiled and cooled, but that’s just my preference. I also find it easier using the bottle as it’s using a built in straw rather than drinking directly from the glass. Everyone is different and what works for one may not work for another.

I like the idea of having the hours on the bottle, then you see where you've been!
I'm teetering towards the big M, my age is in the ballpark but on tablets which seem to be stopping everything atm. God help me when I can't take those anymore!
I hate tap water, it's got to have been in the fridge for ages, stone cold, or with loads of ice (even in Winter). I might try your boiling idea though.

What difference does it make if you get water from your food as opposed to drinking it 🤔

Loving this thread... goes to look for dental floss and multivitamins hidden in the bathroom cabinet

Make a massive pot of homemade soup every week. Eat a bowl per day. Even if the rest of the day is poor diet wise you'll have had some veggies.

Some really good ideas here.

I second adding a piece of fruit or veg to every meal.

Intermittent fasting a couple of days a week
my fitness pal to record what I’m eating - shocking!
gym 3 times a week for weight training

made a big commitment to myself to end this here healthier than I have been for the previously year so am trying hard to stick to s simple routine

keep forgetting vitamins so will add those in!

None.

Lots of bollocks touted about water. Listen to your body seems to be the advice for most people.

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/nov/24/eight-glasses-of-water-a-day-excessive-for-most-people-study-suggests

Switch from refined grains to whole grains.

Eat one extra veg per day for a month.

Go to bed half an hour earlier than usual every night for a month.

Take vitamin D.
Take biotin.
Drink water.

Great thread

OP it's hard with a baby. Choose one thing and that is enough for now. Getting outside I'd say is most important so do that. Just put a coat on, wrap baby up and go. Will work wonders getting fresh air, change of scenery from indoors.
Maybe take an apple to eat on the way or a bottle of water.

I am the same OP. Have a clingy 5 months old who doesn't like being put down, and needs constant entertainment from me. I feel so drained.

I drink water first thing in the morning. Try to do intermittent fasting.

Baby naps for 30 mins only so I barely have time for myself. I def can't do make up every day. I barely have time for a shower...

Following for great tips that don't take a lot of energy or time.

This is a brilliant thread, thank you.

I used to have a thorough face care routine, floss daily, take lots of vitamins, Pilates few times a week, legs always shaved and smooth etc.

I don't do any of that now because of a clingy 5 months old. I literally collapse in bed as soon as he's gone down to sleep, and try to get a few hours sleep before I'm up in the night to feed/resettle him.

I neglect myself so much now. It feels so depressing. Sorry.

Stand on one leg while waiting for kettle to boil/cleaning teeth/cooking etc

Drink a glass of water first thing you do whenever you get home from anywhere

Eat a kiwi every day

Whenever you eat anything in a bowl, eg cereal, fruit and yogurt, even soup, sprinkle some seeds or nuts or flaxseed on top

Do 10 pelvic floor exercises when you get into bed at night

For those with babies (who are not newborns) and have got into this situation, the number one thing you can do for your health and well-being is to sort out their day-and nighttime routine.

Unpopular opinion, but true.

Totally agree re. water. Most people don’t need as much as you think!

@Tadpoll we are strict on routine, I will try anything at this stage.

I even put him into daycare at 3 months. But couldn't do it and pulled him out after two days.

I second Caroline Girvan.

I also do Lucy Wyndham Reid’s 7 minute workout as soon as I get out of bed. In the dark in my PJs off my phone. My husband thinks I’m bonkers but the results tell me otherwise.

It’s hard, because it’s really addictive, but try to each as little sugar in your diet as possible.

Just listened to this podcast about splitting up with your phone. Some helpful tips that might be worth trying....?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mSHiP7FkhXcm2P5PS08T2?si=8Xc5vgT9T_WZxVniOM3BPg&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A78Yi8hMfi89zpoTYCK24uB

Have a listen to Michael Mosley Just One Thing on BBC Sounds. Each show is about 15 mins and he changes one thing at a time - so more water, morning walks, standing on one leg once a day to prevent falls etc.