One thing to improve life

[username299]

Happy New Year.

Going into 2025 I'm looking for things to improve my life. I'm just wondering what one thing have you done that has seriously improved your life?

I'm not looking for marriage/children, things like that. Simple things like taking a regular vitamin, starting yoga, drinking more water, learning to say no, creative writing, decluttering, going vegan...

So relieved that all the above are not based on societal pressure on women and how they look. These threads usually are full of bullshit like ‘use serum everyday’ like it’s something positive.

Not a big thing, but have decided to ban my phone from my bedroom completely. It is not allowed in there. I can't think that oh I'll just look at it for 5 minutes before bed because that doesn't happen!

Downloaded and started using the Finch app. It's a self care app with a cute little bird that's encouraging you. I probably sound like a sappy commercial or something, but I never thought an app could make such a difference.

You mentioned this in your OP but starting yoga a year ago really has been life changing for me.
I’m late 40s and my body has never been more toned. I’m so much stronger and it’s been great for my MH. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or not but around the time I started I was beginning to get peri symptoms and considering HRT. Most of those have completely vanished and I feel so balanced.
I’ve also met lots of nice people and it’s opened up some new hobbies and interests. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done that is just for me.

There’s a great app called Simply Piano that both my DC and I have enjoyed. It ‘listens’ to what you’re playing and won’t let you move on until you’ve mastered a level. Worth checking out.

Can I join? I have a long list of small and big things Iwant to do but never do.
I haven't read most posts yet but am actually getting up now to do some yoga (Adrienne, day 3) based on @watchingsmurfs post. Thank you!

Water
Sleep
Regular exercise

Sorry I can't choose between them!

Get a camera and go out shooting whatever you can find. So so so good for the mental health.

Robot hoover.

This might not be life changing for everyone but I have ADHD, a dog, a baby and a toddler and it's the best thing I've ever bought.

I like to put some cleaning stuff in most rooms.

Its easier to wipe the bathroom sink everyday when I’m in there doing my teeth and a cloth is in reach, than going to the kitchen to get the stuff to clean the bathroom even if it will only take 5mins.

Walking and exercising every day

Eating at the VERY least one fruit and one veg per day.

Lots and lots of water.

Planning meals around veg, rather than meat. I now aim for 3 different veg at lunch and tea (2 minimum) and everything in our weekly veg box gets finished each week. We still eat meat/fish but less of it and higher quality, and we appreciate it a lot more.

Perhaps you may wish to look into whether or not you have ADHD?

I will see if I can broach it at my next GP appointment. I have read so much about delays and hoops to jump through that it has put me off pursuing it, but if there are meds to help that would be wonderful x

Getting professional therapy is a game changer, everyone can benefit. Drinking plenty of water. Stopping doing things you really don’t want to do (see first point).

Thank you very much. That sounds like a good'n.

The main one for me is getting out early everyday for a walk. Being out in daylight sets your circadian rhythm, makes you feel more awake, helps you sleep better, reduces stress etc etc.

Going to classes at the gym. I'm not a massively social person and never used to do this, but I now do 6-9 classes on 5 days of the week and maybe pop into the gym once or twice. Nothing high-intensity, but the consistency and structure is really good for me and the people are nice, it's like a little community of sorts. Combined with eating better I lost just over 2st within 6 months without even really thinking about it. I feel stronger and more balanced and I look better.

Very importantly, as a procrastinator it really helps me to just book the classes, write them on the planner and go. I don't have to motivate myself and I have to be there at a set time so I can't get distracted doing other stuff and end up not going.

Not keyboard but my 24 year old DS plays guitar and is self taught. He went got lessons when he was younger but didn’t get too far and gave up. He picked up a guitar again about 4 years ago. I’m not being biased when I say he’s phenomenal. It’s one of the things I miss the most now he’s moved out,…., the sound of Metallica etc being played very loud upstairs .

Planning everything. Use a Google calendar / wall calendar or paper diary but make sure that you put everything in. Colour code it for different people/ work tasks. Your kids school might have an ical link to the school diary that you can download and always be advised of school appts ahead of time.

I use all three calendars, my Google one is the main one with different colour coded calendars split out eg, one for DH1 one for DC1 and one for DC2, one for school, one for all family. The person it affects is linked by email so they are notified and it goes in their calendar. I have all important contacts with their birthdays and anniversaries, this is useful to give me the age of someone as the year is used. This also shows up on the calendar.

Everything goes on this, school special days, school hol times, personal appts, reminders to book; insurance/ MOT/ Tax/ renew passports and driving licence. End dates of fixed costs/ savings acs etc. Basically as soon as I get a date from a letter it goes straight in. When I'm leaving my hairdresser/ nails appt/ wax etc I make the next 2 appts so they are no longer taking up headspace of "I need to book...". Also I usually get my pick of appts booking so far in advance.

The wall calendar in the kitchen is updated every month, useful for DH to quick glance when we're free when he's booking stuff and the kids to know it's non uniform day or something. I use this to meal plan depending on how busy our day is.

My paper diary is used at work but i have home stuff in it too, I have my daily tasks to tick off and bills I need to pay/ transfers to make. Also handy to note a few days in advance when I need to post a birthday card.

Might not be relevant but getting HRT right and supplements

This is goals... Have you always been this organised @EveryDayisFriday or do you/did you make a conscious effort?

I get bored of routine or forgetful then old habits resurrect themselves.

Years of trial and error I'm afraid. My DM is super organised and saw her organised ways but I had to learn the hard way.

I'm also the "office manager" type role at work so have so much to keep on top of. The directors rely on me to know all the work due dates for everything before it happens.

Ah, try harder. Story of my life 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣

Another vote for this. I gave up 2 years ago, started dry January and just kept going. This will improve everything else in your life and it gives you time back.

Also a daily yoga practice and walking.

Reading and starting a bullet journal too!