Making one small change each week

[ToriTheStoryteller]

I can't do overhauls, I don't want to count calories but I recognise that I'm living in a way that isn't making me feel very happy or healthy.

So, I'm going to make one change starting today, then add in another next week, and so on. By the end of the year I'm hoping that will ads up to a significant change for the better in how I feel, look and live.

Anyone else up for a more gentle alternative to massive resolutions? I'll update each week anyway even if no-one replies, so I record what I've done😂.

Week 1: No phone use after 8pm. I'm hoping that will improve my sleep, it's got out of hand in the last few months.

A couple of years ago I started drinking a pint of water first thing, while I browse MN. It’s become a habit now, and I felt thirsty on the one day I forgot. Good luck.

I think this is a great idea

To give context:
I'm peri-menopausal.
Not eating brilliantly, not particularly overweight but don't look great.
Exercise isn't bad, gym twice a week for weights and strength training but I'm not enjoying going at the moment.
Don't drink or smoke.
Fed up of being too tired to want to do anything.
Don't feel I have time or motivation for hobbies, and found myself saying I didn't have time to see a friend last month and realised that my time should be precisely about friends and family. So my time needs to be re-prioritised. I'm at an age where health worries are starting, if I die tomorrow I don't want DS to remember me as someone who was too frazzled and tired to stop and have fun.

I’ll join although I think weekly is too much for me - maybe monthly! I’m pregnant and already slowing down a lot despite being only 17 weeks - and have two other DC. Desperately want to stay as fit and healthy as possible for a quick recovery in the summer, but all my good intentions go out of the window when it gets cold and dark and there are snacks!

I want to have a daily walk of 30mins every day in January, as my step 1. I’m already taking a daily iron supplement but will keep that up.

@IcarusFlies a daily walk sounds lovely and would be pretty awesome to fit in with two DC and another due! My whole reason for doing it is not to heap more pressure on myself but to make tiny positive changes that become habits, eg one might be to use floss every time I brush teeth or to moisturise my hands morning and night.
I think I'm going to try and frame them as good things I do, rather than bad things I give up! So maybe my Week 1 should say chat/watch TV with family or read after 8pm.😉

I love this. Small, sustainable change is definitely the way forward. For this week, my change is going to be no phone in bed in the morning. I think that because I'm doing Wordle etc it's ok, but it's still just being on my phone, which is not the best way to start the day.

I had the same thought yesterday. I usually try and make too many changes at once then start feeling overwhelmed and give up.

My first change is to start everyday with a glass of water.

I completely agree - for example I absolutely have the time for the walk, but instead I waste it on social media…!

Another walking one here. I have become totally unfit due to various health issues over the last 3 years & have piled on over 5 stone ( I wasn’t exactly skinny to start with!). Determined to walk every day. I have a steps app so can gradually increase my distance. DH has said he’ll come with me when he’s free.
Also, have been cutting down on alcohol with the ultimate aim of returning to being teetotal.

Aah, lovely to have some "small steps" buddies.😍

I'm going to make an effort to not put pressure on telling myself "well if I'm not on my phone after 8pm then I could commit to read a book every week." I'm hoping that each change will naturally promote other changes anyway.

What a great idea - I always try to make huge changes and then can't keep up so a gentle path sounds a better option!

I'm starting with 2 as of tomorrow
No phone after 8 pm
Walking home from work daily
I really need to sort out some rain macs with the weather

There is a podcast by Micheal Mosley I think called just one thing which has a similar premise to your op.

he examines the scientific bases for various health crazes and analyses what 15 min changes you could make to improve your health.

Same. I need to get out even if it’s round the block

I think this is a lovely idea. I was thinking about making some gentle resolutions, ie not all or nothing ones but ones that are less drastic and more realistic, cut down alcohol, have already bought myself some elderflower cordial to drink rather than wine, more exercise: have booked some yoga classes in January, more mindfulness: am planning to attend a half day meditation workshop shop at the local Buddhist Centre.
Good luck everybody xx

I’ve made a list of small changes. So far I have:

drink more water
reduce sugar/carbs
reduce social media usage
More exercise/walking
stop biting nails
do a load of washing every day so it doesn’t pile up and I spend my weekend catching up
Go to bed and get up earlier

I'm going to take vitamins every day.

I seem to manage for about a week then forget.

I have stashed them by the kettle and set two reminders on my phone incase I ignore them first reminder. I don't have a problem remembering to eat chocolate everyday though, although that's stopped as from today as I'm dieting.

How’s everyone getting on? I have done both of my planned daily walks so far - got soaked yesterday but today went further and faster. Felt good!

Well done @IcarusFlies .

I almost forgot to drink water this morning, remembered just as i was having breakfast. I've used the Finch app in the past to give myself friendly little reminders so going to get back in the habit of using it so reinforce new habits.

I've walked home from work every day so far.
Just wish the weather would be kinder

At the start of the week I make a large jar of sliced pickled red onion in live apple cider vinegar.

I put a spoonful on my food daily - lunch or dinner. Brilliant for the gut biome and super tasty. Think I saw the idea on here.

I have also started with a pint of water, but when I get back from my walk before work. Still, before my decaf coffee.

Ten mins of gentle stretching and breathing on the bedroom floor before bed. I sleep better. Basically yin yoga.

I just came on to see how everyone is getting on. All sounds great and it sounds so positive, like no-one is 'struggling' or battling to stay on a difficult wagon!

My phone curfew is going well. I have it set to "do not disturb" at 8pm so the screen goes black and white. If I do feel tempted (and I haven't so far) it's an instant way to make me stop and think before scrolling.

I've definitely slept better, falling asleep after reading for 15 mins rather than scrolling for up to an hour on the phone beforehand, plus I haven't woken up as early.

Will have to think about my Week 2 change over the weekend.🙂

It's amazing to see so much walking going on despite the absolutely shit weather this week too.😂
@Leftoversgalore what does that pickle taste like? I don't really like a strong vinegar taste (I can do a bit of balsamic on salad because it's quite sweet) but happy to give my gut a bit of help if it tastes ok!

I love it. It makes the red onion less impactful and gives it a little tangy kick.

I mix it with tuna and kefir to put on my jacket potato.

Or in with a chicken salad to make it 'wet'.

Thanks, I will give it a try.🙂

So how has the week gone for everyone? My sleep has definitely been less broken and I'm finding that even during the day I'm using the phone less so my eyes also feel less irritated and dry. My phone use has dropped by an average of almost 2 hours per day, most of that was either when I was going to bed or when I woke too early. Now I'm reading instead which is brilliant because i fall back asleep much quicker!

Week 2: I'm going to walk for 15 minutes early every morning (in daylight 😁). I do quite a lot of exercise but during the week it's mostly indoors if it's before work. It's meant to be really beneficial in setting your body clock, being outside as early as possible in daylight.

Anyone else decided on this week's new habit?