To ask for the healthiest changes you have ever made?

[Hannajp]

Just that really. I’ve tried things but never kept them up. I know less Internet/phone and more water would be good so I might try that!

I drink a pint of water first thing, been doing it for years now. And I joined an exercise class that I’ve been going to for about 5 years.
Its about finding things that you want to do, so it becomes habit.

I realised that I had to start to get fitter but hate the gym . Now I get out of bed and do a 20 minute workout from YouTube in my pjs. Has helped with energy levels and sleep and have managed to lose weight too .

Taking up running as an adult changed my life, I was a good track runner at school but did nothing from about 16 until my mid twenties.

Made me sleep better/have more sensible sleep patterns, as if I needed to get up to run I couldn’t go to bed at 3am
Made me eat better as I didn’t want to feel crap on my runs
Made me drink less booze as I didn’t want to feel crap/needed to get up for parkrun/races etc.

The one mile jog round the local park was a real gateway to far better health

Agree with @Lastqueenofscotland2 that running is one of the easiest ways to achieve a lot of health benefits. It's brilliant for your overall health, it's good for rmental health and it regulates a lot of other behaviours as well (ie disincentivizing you from drinking to much).

Also just drinking less. Since hitting perimenopause my body finds it very hard to process alcohol so I'm almost stopped (drink maybe once a fortnight) and the health benefits are huge: feel better on almost every measure.

Did a sort of general introduction to martial arts then took up Taekwon-do and kickboxing - had the same effect for me as running for Lastqueenofscotland2. I feel more alert and awake generally during the day, improved fitness makes me more inclined to cycle to work instead of getting the bus, I sleep more soundly. As I've lost weight and toned up I'm much less inclined to snack or eat unhealthily and undo it all (although this week admittedly I have eaten roughly my own body weight in cheese). And because I really enjoy both disciplines I'm infinitely more inclined to go to class even on nights when I'm a bit tired or have the option of laying on the sofa eating crisps, unlike running or going to the gym which I've never enjoyed as much.

Drink a lot less. Basically from each night to once a month. My skin, anxiety, overhaul health is so much better.

Stopped drinking alcohol- game changer!

It is hard but it's not drinking alcohol.
Because when I don't drink I have energy and motivation to look after myself in other ways and my mental health is a lot more stable without it. I was a heavy binge drinker so if you drink a glass a week you might not notice any different.

Given up alcohol, best thing I have ever done.

Regular exercise - I go to two classes a week and it's been a game changer both in terms of fitness and my social life. I also do extra workouts at home but those are the two main ones and unless I'm ill I don't miss them.

Booze free days - I like wine but I only have a drink max 3 nights a week (usually Thu, Fri and Sat), apart from on holiday and over Christmas when different rules apply.

Divorcing my first husband

Getting a sensible amount of sleep.
Reducing upf food. I got a veggie box and snacks all became fruit and veg or it would be wasted, and it did make me feel much better.

Got rid of the car. Reduced stress, reduced expenditure, increased exercise.

Switching my breakfast from granola to porridge made from cashew milk and added nuts and chia seeds. Don't get hungry until midday now and eat much less!

Following for ideas!

Drinking half a litre of water with every meal. Even if the last 500ml is made up through a tea and the odd glass here and there, you’ll get 2L daily. That amount makes me feel hydrated and my skin plumper etc personally.

Any form of movement you enjoy. (I hate running but love Pilates.) After a workout, I’m far less likely to make unhealthy choices with food.

I aim for a piece of fruit (usually a banana) and OJ with breakfast, a salad or soup (this time of year) for lunch and two vegetables with dinner for five a day that’s balanced or not all sugary fruit. If I don’t have two pieces for breakfast, I find it harder to eat enough across lunch and dinner.

Reading for 20 mins before bed and banning my phone from my bedroom helps me sleep and prevents work-related anxieties linked to checking my emails.

Having a routine with my young DC! Life is so much healthier and happier for all of us. My DH and I have a better marriage for it as we actually make time for each other. This obviously makes me and hopefully him happier too!

In the last year or so, I’ve become far less of a people pleaser eg I’ve stopped meeting up with people who I find draining and quite toxic and I’m so much happier and positive for it. I only wish I had the balls in my twenties.

Drinking (really nice) wine as a far more occasional treat. Same with chocolate. I love all kinds and I’ll guzzle the cheap stuff and feel crap.

Moisturising twice a day, even on these days when I really can’t be bothered as I’m not going anywhere.

SPF! I can’t see it now but I hope I’ll look back and thank my younger self.

Ooh! Not about physical heath but decluttering and leading a far more minimalist lifestyle definitely improves my mental health too.

I'm hoping 2024 will be the year of healthy changes.

I've dropped a day of work a week for a better work / life balance, and in spring we plan a move from the city to the countryside.

Getting divorced, taking up running, cooking from scratch a lot more and most recently, getting a personal trainer & starting to lift weights at the local gym.

Also, going to Italian classes, fostering cats & joining my local Women’s Rights Network group have done wonders for my mental wellbeing.

I gave up booze for a year and saw hardly any difference in mental and physical health (saved a lot of money though). Still I might do another stint as the unseen benefits will still apply - I’m sure my liver will thank me.

The most noticeable improvements have been from taking up regular exercise, drinking more water, eating less sugar, losing weight, building strength…. All of it takes work though.

Move more, sit less

Joining in the chorus of giving up alcohol! It really has changed my life (and sleep) for the better.
I’m currently focussing on drinking enough water and once that’s a habit will add something else.

I walk when I use my phone. Even if its just round the kitchen. Makes me less inclined to use it!

Getting a meal box delivered. Had gradually stopped making meals from scratch over the years (thought process of what to buy in the supermarket too much for starters). So the quality of what I eat has improved massively.

Buying less and buying better. I now only use expensive (to me) bath foam, hair products and make up and I take more joy in using them. Plus I only replace when I'm out of it so its minimalist too and takes up less space than having a choice of loads of others. I dont stock up any more as I recognise my taste changes.