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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what you have done to change your life for the better

309 replies

Littlecatonthefence · 30/10/2023 11:14

Im not depressed, or desperately unhappy maybe just a bit meh alot of the time but on the other hand grateful for what i have.

But i feel like life is passing me by and i want to make more out of it.

What have you done for yourself to make your life better or just more productive.

OP posts:
TheScenicWay · 30/10/2023 13:11

Walk every day. Getting out in the fresh air helps me a lot.
I try to eat well,keep my home clean, read and do my job well.
Apart from that, I prioritise experiences too.
I go on lots of day trips, walk up mountains, walk through forests and along coastlines, visit cities in the uk and abroad,
See exhibitions and attend events.
I go with my dcs, with friends or by myself. I don't mind, I just know I have to go.

billycat321 · 30/10/2023 13:20

joined a choir

Mydogmybestfriend · 30/10/2023 13:22

Nails and feet always done. Gym at least twice a week. Walk my doggy 4/5times a day, always use facemask every other night. Drink lots of water

My diet is okay could be better

KingHatpin · 30/10/2023 13:25

Both me and dh gave up work, we were horrendously unwell with stress from looking after SEN dc, we now have the next 10 years where we can focus on them as registered carers and get them to secondary school age then hopefully return to working it’s given us the breathing space we needed as we were both getting extremely unwell

MrsPerfect12 · 30/10/2023 13:28

Set up hello fresh and a cleaner once per week. It makes my live so much easier.
Weekends are now family time rather than shopping, meal planning and chores.

bonkersAlice · 30/10/2023 13:38

Changed my job to one that paid significantly more and where I no longer had to work weekends and bank holidays. It was sad because I really liked my previous job and the people I worked with. It wasn't an easy decision, but one I don't regret.

CornishClott · 30/10/2023 13:41

Looked out for number one a whole lot more .

KStockHERO · 30/10/2023 13:47

I took up boxing.

I started reading books again.

I committed to drinking enough water each day.

I started lifting weights.

I swapped a handbag for a bag pack.

I got a good skincare routine.

I stopped giving a fuck what anyone thinks of me.

Getmeoutofheere · 30/10/2023 13:49

Excellent post.
I book exercise into the diary and have joined a sports team so I play and train a couple of times a week. Makes me feel great.

I make sure I schedule quality time with the friends and family. This doesn’t happen super often but when we doits
lovely.

since the pandemic a few people have fallen of my radar or gone further away from it- just naturally I think. I used to run around with a full schedule etc. Now I’m happy to have a bit of nothing time.

I stopped feeling guilty about doing both of the above.

im trying to pick up a book when o find myself doom scrolling but that one needs a bit of work x

TotalOverhaul · 30/10/2023 14:13

MabelQ · 30/10/2023 13:03

As strange as it might sound, learning to say an unapologetic, un-explained “no” was a life changer. Prior to a few years ago, I couldn’t say no. Volunteer projects, family “obligations”, events, daily demands, invitations, opportunities… I’d take them all or else I’d give a very detailed explanation of why I was reluctantly saying no (and often people felt that explanation wasn’t a valid reason for declining).

Saying “no” to things allowed us to choose what was actually important, what actually was worth prioritizing, or what we actually could fit into our lives. Doesn’t mean we’re not stretched ever - it just means when we are, we generally know it’s for a good reason. And it allowed me to do things that I enjoyed, and chose to do, rather than just going with the flow of whatever “needed” doing.

i really like this. i once did an assignment on a course to find out what my core values were and what my primary value was. Family came out so high above all else that it really helped clarify for me what to agree to, what to prioritise in life. It cleared my head as well as my diary.

bakewellbride · 30/10/2023 14:24

Regular running
Vegan
Sunday self care ritual - face mask, bath / exfoliating & chocolate

unsync · 30/10/2023 14:28

I divorced my abusive husband and took back control of my life. I now have a hobby, see my friends regularly, learned to Scuba dive and am working on my health and fitness. Life is good.

Dontcallmescarface · 30/10/2023 14:38

Resigned from my supervisor position and went back to being one of the "grunts". The (small) paycut was worth it for the absence of stress hassle that went with the job.

Fupoffyagrasshole · 30/10/2023 14:48

Started to do loads by myself instead of always waiting for a friend to be free to do something with

my husband and I used to do almost everything together but since our daughter came along we can't do as much together

i now go to west end shows alone, concerts sometimes, days out, spa days etc

obviously prefer if i've someone to go with - but I don't miss out because nobody is available

DagenhamDanny · 30/10/2023 15:19

Dumped my narcissistic twat of a fiancée. Now very happy living the single life.

ManchesterLu · 30/10/2023 15:19

I make the effort to put my phone and laptop down in the evenings. With the spare time, I either read or watch something (properly!) on the TV. I feel much calmer when I'm not flicking between devices.

CaramelEmporium · 30/10/2023 15:28

We have a ‘thing’ in our family that we refer to as ‘taste / place / experience’ so every month we me DH and DD9 try to eat somewhere new / go somewhere different / try something new. It’s usually pretty low level like trying a new cafe, finding a new nature spot to walk, booking a gig, going to the cocktail bar in a fancy hotel, sometimes a weekend away and doing all three, but the principle of it means we find new stuff to do.

Coastalcreeksider · 30/10/2023 15:30

Retired

Snowpaw · 30/10/2023 15:40

I have spent a chunk of savings on hiring a personal trainer. It has improved every area of my life.

RainbowBasket · 30/10/2023 18:27

@AceOfCups I’ve been looking for a lightweight planner that isn’t too big to carry about in my bag, where do you get yours from?

MintJulia · 30/10/2023 18:32

I started travelling again after Covid. Spend weeks visiting areas of the UK that are new to me and DS.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 30/10/2023 18:32

About two months ago I started spending the last hour before bed on grooming/pampering etc. I suffer from insomnia and this is part of my routine to get to sleep. It means I don't 'forget' to use cleanser and moisturiser on my face, I've got time to cut my nails, I wash and dry my hair in the evening instead of the morning and so on. I really enjoy it.

Viviennemary · 30/10/2023 18:37

Get a diary with goal setting. Do some long term goals like lose Weight, take up a new sport or hobby, contact an old friend, do something you've thought about e.g. write a novel. Join a book club. Think of things you used to enjoy doing but don't do any more. Or things you might like to try e.g. yoga tai chi or a bit more adventurous ski--ing holiday. . Or places to visit.

mondaytosunday · 30/10/2023 18:37

Moved back to London. Partly did this for my daughter switching schools but I just couldn't see my life where I was. It was nice, big house, pool, near the sea and lots of friends, but once my kids would have left I just couldn't see what I'd do with myself there. Not that I'm in the West End every day at the latest exhibit or theatre, but I feel the buzz around and more possibilities!

Tree12 · 30/10/2023 18:39

Started seeing a women’s coach. I used to scoff at ‘life coaches’ but she’s helped me change my life in ways that I couldn’t do on my own.

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