What little things do you that make you happier and healthier?

[SquintEastwood]

I'm 2 stone overweight (lost 7st through dieting but some has crept back on!), confidence is at a low, no energy, stress about every little thing and can't see the wood for the trees!

I don't want to embark on a massive life overhaul because I know from bitter experience that I give up as soon as I hit a bump so what little things do you do every day to help you mentally and physically?

Relax for an hour before bed, with a book/tv on iPad (so it’s something I want to watch), lavender oil, candle or dim lamp and cup of herbal tea. Switch phone on to silent, DP also knows that it’s my wind down time so doesn’t disturb me. Won’t help with the weight but should help you sleep.

Have you got time to go for a 15 minute walk (longer if you can) before, after work or at lunch time. Put some music or a podcast on to distract you from whatever is stressing you out.

Walking. Either walking the dog or by myself. Just 20 minutes will do it but I can happily walk longer.

Walking or (my favourite), running. Time to yourself, fresh air and sunlight, seeing nature and the seasons change, gawping at peoples lovely gardens. And i always treat myself after to another of my favourite things, a pot of proper fresh coffee made on the stove in my Bialetti coffee pot

Walking while listening to an audible book.

Thanks, as daft as it sounds it's the simple things I need to focus on!

I think I'll start some sort of (twee I know) mindfulness snapshot diary to help me regroup at the end of the day - maybe just listing something productive, positive for health, positive for wellbeing and something that's made me smile will help me do that.

For mindfulness, when I need a lift I say out loud to myself just before bed, 3 things I'm grateful for or maybe proud of myself for that day.

I have made the following changes since Christmas

Given up chocolate

Went no alcohol for 7 months and now have maybe 1 or 2 small glasses of wine a week (although am asking myself why as generally feel a bit rough afterwards!)

Virtually given up watching TV now pretty much radio on

Re-started my reading - love books and love reading in bed listening to radio even during the day

Have started taking Feroglobin last week as was feeling incredibly tired and it really has made a difference.

I do loads of exercise already but diet is still massively important

I make sure I spend time alone just me and the dog and say no to things that I don't want to do or won't benefit from as often as I can

Good luck OP

God yes, saying no to things I don't want to do. It's hard breaking the habit of a lifetime but worth creating a new one.

I take a vitamin d spray dose every morning. I really notice the difference if I start forgetting, especially in winter.

I would 2nd giving up alcohol for a period of time. I usually do a couple of dry months a year. I never lose weight but always feel more energetic.

I like the idea of saying my achievements to myself in the mirror. Unfortunately, we live in a world where some people like to undermine and belittle others, so it’s important that we take time out to remind ourselves of our achievements - even small ones.

Little and often approach for me
Meditation
Gym
Swimming
Walking

So far so good
Have a lot of weight to shift but determined to do it this time ❤️❤️❤️

Walking 10,000 steps daily (fitbit)
Drink lots of water and green tea
Always eat a decent breakfast (it's taken me years to be able to do this but I wouldn't feel right without it now)
I take an interest in the nutrients in my food and enjoy knowing that I'm getting the good stuff in.
Sometimes do breathing exercises for calming and to prepare for sleep
Sounds corny but spending time in natural environments regularly - forest walks, hills, river walks. Even the local park makes me feel a bit more alive.
Have recently taken up cycling as well which kills me (I'm very fat) but does make me feel really healthy and part of the world in a way that I didn't when I was depressed, not exercising and living on crap.

Hi OP, losing 7st is amazing. I know you say you’ve put some back on but it’s still a great achievement. I do Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. It’s so much more than just the yoga, it’s a whole way of thinking about things in a positive manner. What I also did last year was start doing workout apps, I use 7 minute workout for women. I found that those 2 things really made a difference to how I felt generally so when I did hit a bump, I didn’t comfort eat or decide there was no point continuing with the healthy stuff. Walking in our local park has been brilliant and I like to do cross stitching too.