Less Is More: 50 People Reveal How Small Things They’ve Done Have Improved Their Lives
Interview With ExpertSubtle, seemingly insignificant changes that we make in our daily routines can have a massive impact on the quality of our lives. And the proof is in the pudding. X (formerly Twitter) user Emily (@emilykmay) sparked a lively discussion after asking people to share what small habits and hacks have greatly improved their lives.
Emily’s post reached a massive number of people around the world. At the time of writing, her thread was viewed 1.1 million times and even caught the attention of bestselling author Mark Manson! Scroll down to see what advice the internet had to share.
Bored Panda wanted to learn about developing healthy eating habits, so we reached out to Nicole Avena, Ph.D. She is a neuroscientist, an expert in nutrition, diet, and addiction, and the author of the book ‘Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction.’ You’ll find the practical insights she shared with us below.

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My friend and her husband had two geriatric dogs whose outside time was backyard, pee and poo, ready to come in. Those dogs died, serially, and they were dogless until a rescue dog came along. New dog insisted both of them go on extensive walks with her, and they met their neighbors (beyond the close in ones). The husband died, and dog still wants walks, and my friend still gets out three or more times a day, and has an amazing support group in her neighborhood, to help her with things her husband had previously taken care of, or who are simply looking after her.
Right? Dog ownership is a pretty big commitment
Load More Replies...I often commend the dogs I meet on my daily walk for getting their human out of the house, the humans seem to enjoy that
I adopted a rescue dog two months ago and she has changed my life. Owning and looking after her takes time, effort and money, all of which requires a long term commitment (10 years plus). She is a border collie-kelpie cross who has just turned one. An 18kg puppy who takes me on a 5km walk every morning and gets to run and socilise with other dogs at an off-leashe dog park in the late afternoon if the weather is not too hot for her. https://luckypaws.com.au/dog/mindy/
We were interested in finding out how long it takes for changes in our diet to become automatic.
“Our diet takes quite a while to change, because changing it, in general, means changing your routine and habits,” Dr. Avena, the author of ‘Sugarless,’ told Bored Panda via email.
“It takes about 3 weeks to develop a new behavior pattern. For example, adding veggies with every meal. It then takes about 3 months for the behavior to stick into a habit and lifestyle change. The behavior change stage is crucial for success in the long run!” she said.
this! and admitting when you need help. i have to remind myself that it’s okay to not be independent all the time.
Knowing and admitting that you don’t know everything is the first step to learning.
I trust teh things people that can say I don't know so much more then from those that can not
"I don't know, but I'mnwilling to learn/find out," goes a very long way with me, along with, "I'm sorry, that was my mistake, I'll do whatever I can to make it right." I expect everyone to be human, and therefore imperfect; I don't respect thise who can't admit it.
If you need positive-sounding version to use with your boss, 'I need to figure that out' usually works for me.
Had a colleague with that problem once. After a while, I stopped telling her things I knew because she always made a big point of telling me she already knew that or that it was obvious (even with things I obviously knew better). So, she was not only unable to learn, she also made everyone stop even trying to teach her. Not a good position to be in.
Sign from my classroom (1st grade) If you think you know everything, you learn nothing.
People who are willing to say "I don't know" invariably end up knowing more than those who aren't.
If cold water upset your stomach, drink it warm, or if you don't like, drink an unsweetened herbal tea.
Load More Replies...Drinking more water legitimately changed my life. I was living life chronically dehydrated and never realized it. Apparently dehydration can cause heart palpitations...which in turn caused me tons of anxiety because it just felt like something was wrong even though the doctor couldn't find anything. Got into the habit of drinking lots of water due a reddit sub. After a week or so I realized I was no longer having palpitations. I also sleep better and no more dry skin.
I wish so much that my mother would start drinking more. She claims that she's drinking plenty and yet I only ever see her filling glasses and forgetting them on some shelf or table. I'm seriously concerned because she's even complaining that she feels dizzy during the day, but damn it - two cups of coffee and one glass of orange juice is not enough for the day! Even if she drinks a lot in the evenings (I can't see it because I'm not there) - she needs it during the day! Not at night...
Load More Replies...::waves:: Hi! I hate the taste of water, and it takes me several hours to get through one good-sized glassful even with flavor added to it. The thought of drinking water first thing in the morning literally makes me feel queasy. As is true with all people, your experiences are not universal.
Load More Replies...I've been told that putting a bit of lemon into that big glass of water is a good idea.
I have a water app that keeps me on my water-drinking schedule. I only started using it after being hospitalized for dehydration... my memory isn't always so great, and I was forgetting to drink water! Now if I'm feeling unwell, the first thing i do is check the app to see if I forgot to drink.
My spine doctor told me to drink eight glasses of water a day as the only way to slow the degeneration of spinal disks is to keep them hydrated. When we sleep the disks absorb fluid from the surrounding tissue. Been doing this for two years now and my spine issues have improved.
Dr. Avena was kind enough to share some small changes that we can make to what we eat and how we eat to improve the quality of our lives. These shifts aren’t difficult, but they can have a profound impact in the long run.
“Think small—that is the keyword—you shouldn’t be changing your entire diet to make long-term changes,” the author of ‘Sugarless’ explained.
Some small changes that all of us can embrace this very day include having just one more glass of water or setting ourselves a water bottle goal.
That's what body positivity is for me. I know I need to get healthier. I'm working on getting healthier. But I stopped hating myself for what I look like now so that I can look forward to what I can be.
Medical report said overweight. 77 years old, 5‘3“ and 135 pounds with a 24 bmi. Plus I walk 6 to 8000 steps a day with my dog. Go figure.
I try for those 6 step days, and the closer I get the happier I am. I've lived long enough to value quality over quantity.
Load More Replies...Not afraid of gray hair. I just prefer coloring it. I’m 73 and do myself.
If that’s what you prefer that’s great. I’m your age and decided a while back to stop coloring my hair. My hair is now white and I have never had so many nice comments.
Load More Replies...Never understood the fear of grey hair. Get a good haircut and you will look ten years younger with grey hair than anybody with colored hair.
As long as it's something you yourself truly like and want, go for it! Grey, coloured, shaved, any combination of those, whatever makes you content and happy.
I stopped coloring my hair because I'm trying to keep it healthy and see how long I can grow it. Along the way, I've discovered that my gray hairs are a lovely silvery white and I can't wait until I'm fully gray...but it's taking forever.
Grows slower… age isn’t for sissies, but for the wise.
Load More Replies...I started coloring my hair when waitstaff started asking me what my daughter wanted to eat.
I did when someone asked me if I was my daughter’s grandmother 😭
Load More Replies...I'm amazed at how many ppl comment on it, like not coloring is an act of bravery!
Some of the most beautiful women I know are gray/partial gray. Demonstrates life experience
Climbing off the Facebook train is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. BP is the closest thing I get to social media now. Thank you BP and all you amazing Pandas!
The only notifications I allow on my phone are the phone itself, texts and whatever system ones I can't eliminate. Technically also alarms and calendar reminders I suppose. I despise notifications.
I was looking to see if anyone had their phone setup similar to as I have mine. The only notifications I get are from my alarm clock, calls and text, I have the rest turned off.
Load More Replies...Getting off all social media with the exception of BP helped me tremendously
I use a notification blocker, and Do Not Disturb hours, on my phone.
Yes, I will not ring that bell! I will check my feed when I am good and ready.
On top of that, we can add a single serving of fruits or vegetables to just one meal a day. Meanwhile, we can aim to go for a short walk after dinner or before breakfast.
The nutrition and diet expert urged people to practice mindfulness during mealtimes and to take ‘breaks’ while eating. “We often rush meals in between daily activities,” the expert noted.
“These are small things to make you more conscious of your diet and health that are not overwhelming.”
I started drinking hard alcohol at 14 and quit at 53. Now sober 2+ years. This helped me so much.
Congratulations! Isn't it amazing how much life improves when we stop drinking? (9 years and counting...)
Load More Replies...Good for you. I did too, when I was 47. During my last hangover I vowed I would never drink again if I lived through it. I kept my promise. Don't miss it at all.
I got very drunk on gin over 35 years ago, and made a vow to God that I'd never drink hard liquor again. I've kept that vow, and haven't really missed it, but I still like a few beers. I rarely drink enough to feel the effects.
Load More Replies...I agree, but it's my understanding that some people can't just stop. Once they take a drink they keep going until they pass out.
Load More Replies...My wife was a nurse for 30 years. I come home from work stressed, she says, "Did anyone die on you today?" I say "No." She says, "Well then don't stress over it."
Everytime I am really angry about work I imagine myself being in elder care 40 years in the future, still angry spitting with bitterness, trying to tell everyone my point of view, without even wanting feedback. That situation is so absurd and ridiculous that it makes me laugh everytime. Mood saved.
I have trained myself, whenever I feel I'm getting off my intended daily path and start a task, to ask "Is this a priority?" If it isn't, I refocus.
i learned this a lot this year and i am so grateful that i’m able to be alone and enjoy my own company!
I'm alone a lot, but I'm not lonely. I have 4000 friends in my house, plus my Kindle.
I like going out dancing and having a drink. When I was young and lived in a small place, it was fine doing this. Older in a city, there are so many predatory men around that going dancing on my own just isn't possible. Sit at a bar by myself and some guy thinks I'm just there to be picked up. I do love my bf, but we live in different places and I don't go out at night on my own. Sad world for women in this respect.
Learned this about myself in college, and am very grateful I never looked back.
Congratulations. It took me a lot longer to get there. Glad we both did.
Load More Replies...I couldn’t agree with you more. I was single for more than 6 years. I went out on dates here and there and the majority of them never went to a second date because I just wasn’t interested in the least. I was much happier being alone, than being with someone just for the sake of being with someone. I have a small group of friends who are my family along with my kids, that was enough for me. I eventually found someone who I did connect with and we’ve been together for more than a year now, moved in together and having a great Xmas together with our blended family. She’s been the best relationship of my life, by far!! 😁🥰
Been single for 6 years and I absolutly love it. Just me and my dog.
We should all aim to embrace habits that will follow us into old age and make us happy throughout our lives. That means eating well, getting plenty of rest, and exercising consistently. That means taking the time to strengthen our connections with people. Research has unequivocally shown that it’s our positive relationships that make us the happiest and healthiest.
All of us want to live happy and meaningful lives, be healthy, have awesome social lives, and have financial security… while also having enough leisure time for all of our other passions. However, unless you’re extremely lucky, you’ll probably find that you’re disappointed in a few of these areas in your life.
Maybe you’re overtiming so much that you’re neglecting your family and health. Perhaps you’re spending so much time looking after other people that you’re ignoring your personal goals and needs. Or you might be so overwhelmed with everything that you find it hard to even get out of bed in the morning. Everyone has their personal struggles. Everyone has at least one area in their life that they’d like to work on.
I labeled all of my USBs that plug into an 8 port manifold. Now I know with plug is for Micro, USB-C, Apple...
Why so many plug types? R2D2 can plug into any computer in the galaxy and instantly override it. Samsung and Apple interchange? The gods must be crazy.
Load More Replies...Labeling my cables, devices and tools has saved me so much time and frustration! Occasionally I get teased about it, but mostly people have complemented it and say I’ve inspired them to do the same.
I got rid of all socks except identical black or white socks. Toss them all in together.
Yup! then when I get a hole in one I wait for a hole in another one and have a pair again
Load More Replies...I got tired of accidentally wearing one black & one navy blue knee-hi stocking to work, so I got rid of every single blue one. A couple weeks later my partner bought me several pairs of new stockings, "Navy blue is close enough to black, right?" His heart was in the right place, LOL.
I don't care about matching socks. I just like socks and I have tons of them.
I used to do this. Now I buy socks in wild colors and patterns and make no attempt to match them. It's fun!
As long as they feel the same, I don't care if they match! I try to stick to the same brand though, so that way I don't have to worry about one being thicker than the other, or longer, etc.
Load More Replies...And if one sock is damaged you no need to throw away its pair too.
I buy socks with coloured stripes/patterns that are easy to tell apart...
All my socks, and underwear, are white, and I have enough for about three weeks, which makes a load for the washer. After they're dry I dump the laundry basket into a big drawer, and I'm good for another three weeks. I've never understood why people fold socks and underwear.
I wanna do this so bad, but I can't find anyplace around here willing to do it so rarely, it's either At Least weekly, or nothing. I don't need it that often, just once or twice a month so that I don't get overwhelmed x.x
Find your local neighborhood on here and you will find local people advertising just that https://nextdoor.com/
Load More Replies...Good for you guys! My husband and I have vowed to find a cleaning service in the new year for the same reason (having a clean house will help our mental health tremendously; we both work hard and don't want to spend our limited free time together on chores).
Load More Replies...We're super lucky in Norway because everyone is paid a decent wage and there are a lot of good socialist policies in place so virtually nobody is desperately poor.
Load More Replies...Though we might want it to, lasting and meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. Healthy habits take a lot of dedication, patience, and grit to engrain themselves into our lives. So no matter how many things you want to change, it’s probably a good idea to be strategic about how you about it. First of all, decide one single habit that you want to introduce into your life. You’re going to make it your priority and focus on just that thing.
Next, you have to be realistic about how long it’ll probably take you to form the habit. Research conducted at Caltech shows that this will depend a lot on the habit itself. For instance, establishing a new exercise routine takes, on average, 6 months.
However, teaching healthcare workers to wash their hands more often is something far simpler and can take weeks, rather than months. If you’re struggling with a new habit, keep in mind that most likely everyone else feels the same way! You’re not alone (even if it sometimes feels like it.)
This is how I've always done laundry since I was young. It saves you time because then you don't have to iron your clothes!
Small thing I did. Quit trying to fold fitted sheets. Who needs the aggravation?
Now that I live alone I've gotten rid of my hamper entirely and just put my clothes straight in the washer drum, turning it on the moment it gets full. I used to have laundry just pile up and overwhelm me to the point I just wouldn't do it until absolutely necessary and then i was spending hours upon hours on it and I was miserable.
Unless their loads of laundry are pretty small, I don't believe them on the 7-10 minutes. It takes me at least 30 minutes to sort through and fold an entire load.
Me as well. We're a family of 5 and I have always hated doing the laundry. It has helped me, though, to listen to a podcast I like while hanging clothes/taking it down/folding it. The podcast I listen to is ca 30min per episode and I go through 1.5-2 episodes every time. I am still over 500 episodes behind, so I don't think I'll have to find another podcast for a long time. 😬
Load More Replies...I add putting together my work outfits for the week. As I'm folding I hang up 5 outfits that I can just grab in the mornings. Adds almost no time to the task but makes 5 days of the week a lot easier to start.
I've always looked at laundry as one task: sort, wash, dry, fold, put away. I want to fold them while they are warm and not wrinkly.
It took me far more years than I'd like to admit to learn cleanliness isn't a moral issue. Do what you like and what feels good to you.
And what you are able to. Inside looks as the outside. I am struggling at the moment, function but not happy. Highlight of the day is going to my bed, making it, and enter it directly.
Load More Replies...Making your bed first thing in the morning can potentially trap sweat and germs if your bedding is damp, or if there is moisture trapped in your mattress or pillows. And this can create an environment for bacteria and allergens to grow and multiply
You can turn down the covers and let your bed "air." Then make it as the last part of your morning routine. I don't regularly make my bed, but if you wanted to.
Load More Replies...A made bed is actually a breeding ground for dust mites. If you have dust mite allergies, not making your bed can help!
I find it very hard to get comfortable in a made bed. I only make my bed after I washed the sheets, then it remains a heavenly pile of sheets, blankets and pillows to burrow into until the next wash. :p
I make my bed first thing g in the morning. I like a made bed before I go to sleep. If I don't make it in the morning, It probably won't get done during the day.
The very first thing my sister does when she gets out of bed is make it. Before she even goes pee. She says "in case anyone stops by". How about you just close the door?
or, how about just not care if someone sees an unmade bed, like... I do not care, why should I care if someone else cares?
Load More Replies...I NEVER make my bed and Im an adult. I refusion to spend my life doint these things that dont being any real value to my life. It might bring value to somebody else and thats fine. But something so unimportant shouldnt be anything anybody "should". Do what makes you happy!
Why do I instantly have to think about »Along Came Polly«?
Load More Replies...Thank you for your contribution to saving the environment. Pods should be banned.
Yes because not using pods will save the planet… not oil companies and big corporations doing over 90% of the damage…Let’s stop blaming normal regular people and their regular habits for climate change please
Load More Replies...You can purchase a reusable pod. That's all I ever use and it works great. And I use the coffee I like! I have never used the plastic pods that come in a box. I think they are disgusting. But if you have a Keurig you can buy a pod that is reusable. I have had mine for years. Just bought a new one for the heck of it - back up maybe. But they last forever.
I've never understood the appeal of the pods. Maybe if it was a large group of people who all liked different kinds of beverages.
I prefer filter coffee... I may be banned from BP for admitting this, but I microwave-heat the coffee I don't drink straight away... Even 24h later! (Shock horror!?! 😳)
I switched to pour over from reusable Keurig pods. Better taste, almost as good as a French Press.
I use reusable pods and fill it with my own coffee (Santo Domingo, no acid). True it doesn't taste as good as cafe presse but it's fast and easier clean up and the coffee grinds go on to my plants (coleus love it for some reason).
Pods make terrible coffee. They get rid of the oils to prevent them from spoiling, and it kills the flavor.
You should also keep in mind that getting into the habit of doing something is, at first, much more important than the results you get from it. Let’s say that you decide that you want to exercise and move more throughout the day to improve your health and fitness.
However, if you suddenly try to go from a couch potato to an athlete, you’re likely going to fail, feel disappointed in yourself, and go back to your old (unhealthy) habits. That’s why taking things slow is so important.
Patience, then, is key. And that’s something really hard for perfectionists and ambitious go-getters to understand. They want the results here and now, not in a few months or years.
Sounds excellent. I have started only giving compliments, never negative or even neutral comments. Only compliments.
It works really well to give people compliments in the presence of their boss, partner or children.
Load More Replies...I've tried to give a compliment a day to someone else though
Load More Replies...Yes- I have adopted a similar method in which I set a timer, get to it, and instead of my former perfectionism thinking, I say "g.e."-good enough-upon timer going off.
I used to clean one room a day when I got home from work while dinner was cooking. With five rooms, I had weekends free.
I made some short Spotify Playlist for this exact reason. They're all just 4 or 5 songs so I pick one and clean till its over.
I do the "cleaning olympics" essentially every commercial break I do one cleaning chore (clean the toilet, put the dishes in the dishwasher, vacuum, etc.) the "olympics" part is trying to get the chore completed before the show comes on (obviously I can rewind if necessary) because each chore is a game and only as long as a commercial break it makes me feel productive even though I am watching tv for 3 hours straight.
When we just had one kid I used to hate that it took so long to get her to fall asleep. I'd much rather read. So I told her that I'll read her 2 stories, perhaps sing a song and then I'll just stay by her feet reading my own book until she falls asleep. I went from being sorta depressed because I wanted to read books again to actually read about 1 book per month. It was awesome! Then we got more kids and it has been chaos at bedtime ever since. 😬
This was our first Christmas with our daughter. We were going to do our yearly tradition and watch the Muppet Christmas Carol in the evening after dinner. We thought she'd like the characters and the songs. In the end, we played with her until we all fell asleep together in the playpen. Best Christmas ever.
And why would that matter? it’s not about what happens before they switch the lights off it’s the case of lying down seemingly for no reason ‚wasting time’ every night. What they do before doesn’t matter in this context
Load More Replies...If your goal is to walk more because you work a desk job, you could start by walking just a hundred steps more today. The next day, walk a hundred more. And so on. Small changes compound very quickly over time. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself far more active.
The same goes for other habits, too. For example, you want to have a healthy sleep schedule, but you also want to keep in touch with your friends and work on your passion projects.
Going to sleep just a few minutes earlier than the day before will help you get there in a few months’ time. Meanwhile, if you feel that you spend way too much time staring at screens (many are guilty of this!), don’t quit tech cold turkey. Reduce this time by tiny fragments, every single day.
After awhile once you get used to taking them you won't much think about taking them. You will just do it. I have been taking couple of vitamins supplement for many years. It just has become a regular routine for me.
This works for some, but not for all. I've been taking magnesium supplements for 2 years, and it is still something I need to consciously do.
Load More Replies...Honestly, turmeric (curcumin) is another great one to add into the mix. It has truly helped me manage my anxiety. It also make my pee smell like chips, according to my niece.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!! I thought I was doing something nice for myself, and starting Vitamin D. It ended up causing serious hypercalcemia, that resulting in my seizing multiple times, alone in my home, and hallucinating for DAYS. When a neighbor finally caught me having a seizure in the front yard, and called for help, I was put into an induced coma for over a week. Just please don't take a drug (and yes, vitamins are drugs) without a doctor at least KNOWING you plan to do that. And if you live alone... just... please let people to know to check on you, so you don't end up alone for a week creating lasting brain trauma as a result of a freaking vitamin.
Thank you for posting this! Vitamin D can also cause pretty extreme constipation. Use with care. :)
Load More Replies...Vitamin D is important for all kinds of reasons, including immune health and possibly bone strength. Magnesium at bedtime can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep
I've been on antiseizure meds since I was a child (I'm almost 52 now). Nobody ever told me they deplete your vitamin D levels. I always had low D levels when I'd have bloodwork done. For about the last 20 years, I've been taking 10K IU daily, which for a normal person is a pretty humongous dose. Instead of being dismally low, my D levels are now normal--on the low side of normal, but not nearly as low as they were before I started taking the geltab. I also take a calcium/magnesium supplement, because I have a matrilineal history of both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Well done. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes family (if they are harmful) but must be done.
Family is like an appendix - you do have only one, but if it starts to threaten your health and well-being, you cut it off.
Load More Replies...I've stopped being the person to initiate plans. Weeds out who your real friends are!
I shouldn't say "stopped", because I do still have people who I know will initiate plans with me, but for the people who I've realized have never once been the initiator, I've stopped. There are a few people who I think I'll never see again, and that's fine by me
Load More Replies...Everyone has value, BUT not everyone is good for YOU. It's important to remember that. If a person or thing is not good for you, get rid of it. If it is, or can be, fix it, help them, fight for what is worthwhile. It's worth learning the distinction and the skill.
I agree with this. I hate this attitude of throwing people away. I get that those who are dangerous troublemakers should not have prominence in one's life, but outside of those types, everyone has value. Or does it mean that you only keep them around if you can personally benefit from that person. What if you are of value to them?
Load More Replies...Some people have no value and some have negative value ... i.e. they drain you. Better off without them.
This is totally okay, go for it. However, I have that one colleague who sends business emails at 2 (am!) and expects an answer the moment I log in for work. Mate, let me have a coffee first and some time process your message - at least the same time you spend on producing it. Your 8 hours between 18h (6pm) and 2 = my 8 hours between 9 and 17, 'kay?
I'm a late worker too, but I've started to set my emails on timers to be sent in the AM. And not first thing. Like 9:36. LOL!! I know I'm the weird one. I'm the one who really can't function before 1pm. I don't expect anyone else to do the same.
Load More Replies...Yes! Recently several people told me that someone discovered (not sure if this is the right term) that there are no owls, and being more prone towards activity during night time is just a bad habit. And I just can't help it, my mind is the sharpest starting from 20:00 (8 pm). But now I just feel like I'm living a bad habit or something
🦉 🦉 are real...as well as nightingales...and sparrows...
Load More Replies...I'm relieved to read this one. I have a work from home IT job, and I am absolutely not a morning person no matter how much sleep I get. Sometimes I'm a useless zombie for the first few hours, but I work late and the company gets their hours from me. I always feel like it's a personal failing and would get me fired. I'm just trying to work the hours which can be productive ones for me.
For me it is the opposite. I finally live again by my early-bird-inner-clock. I'm most productive between 6 am - 10 am. I had lots of late afternoon / early evening Zoom meetings before, first I was excused due to an actual illness that allowed me to go back to my inner clock. Now I won't go back to these late meetings and people see that I'm still (and better) productive. Happy for everyone in a work environment that allows living by ones inner clock. It's so much healthier.
I've stopped shaming myself for revenge surfing. F**k it all. During the day everyone is on my a*s for something. Only time i get to myself is 10pm onwards. So there you go, revenge surfing it is.
These shifts in our routines are nearly imperceptible and require very little effort, but they shake things up and improve other areas of our lives. Suddenly, we’re better rested. We have more energy. Our mood’s improved! The quality of our life depends on the dozens if not hundreds of small decisions we make throughout the day. What you do daily is, essentially, a ‘vote’ for the type of person you want to be.
He doesn't have to say no if he actually wants to do it 😉
Load More Replies...The lights in my bedroom sunrising and the heater kicking on does wonders more than an alarm alone.
I live in a rain forest facing East and the sunlight through black net curtains and the trees that hurricanes Irma and Maria left (not that many) is a lovely morning awakening.
Load More Replies...I set my alarm on my phone to be the dawn chorus sound (you know, tweety birds). So it is quite peaceful.
It doesn't say anything about coffee in the bathroom!
Load More Replies...I can definitely get behind watching feel good stuff. I don't do sad shows or movies, or horror, or slasher movies, or the god awful oscar bait type stuff. Movies and TV are an escape for me.
I have avoided news repeats and involvement in social media... My catastrophising brain has found greater balance and leading on from that, inner peace...
I got ten Carola Dunn British mysteries from the library. Soaked in the bathtub, sipped homemade lemonade, and read her charming inoffensive classic village murder mysteries all last month. Bye bye depression.
I can't watch comedies, for some reason it reminds me that people in my life are having a lot more fun than I am.
Do you find it hard to laugh at a comedy in if watching alone? I always find it more funny when there's someone else, as if I need an external cue to laugh.
Load More Replies...People tend to get stuck in their routines without properly understanding why they even have these routines in the first place. Often, they’re not the most rational, efficient, logical, or healthiest way to go through life. They’re simply what we’ve defaulted to, automatically.
Any changes that you make are probably going to be painful because your body and brain don’t want to expend more energy. So small shifts are your best bet for making lasting positive changes in your life.
I also do this with my dinners. Spend a day prepping, cooking and freezing for the week so I don't have to cook every night or end up buying rubbish ready meals. I like that I can tailor recipes to the ingredients I like.
Complement an older person who has obviously made an effort with their hair or nice handbag or a lovely dress, whatever. Make their day!
Was at Bob Evans on the 23rd of December. Wife helped a woman, suffering from MS after her husband escorted her to rest room, making sure she could get out again due to heavy RR door. Nice older folks, so she suggested, and I agreed, to gift them a $20(B.E.) gift card as it looked as if they did not go out much due to her challenges. Waiter came up to them before her gift and announced to them their meal was covered. He then presented them with the card. Old guy KNEW it was us and came over and assumed it was us who comped the meal as well. We admitted to the card, but not the comp. Just prior to leaving, waiter informed us out meal was comped as well. Leaving the restaurant, another older couple waved and laughed before driving off.
This is the best way of feeling happy. " My religion is simple .... it's kindness " Dalai Lama.
Moving out of the city did wonders for mental health. My dog is quite pleased too.
indoor cats. With no neighbors above, more birds to watch and more room they are so much more relaxed - perhaps I am.
Load More Replies...Good for you, but most people have to work and jobs are concentrated in urban areas.
yeah, "choosing" rural life is definitely NOT a small thing. xD
Load More Replies...Yeah sadly I did the opposite 5 years ago. Moved from my house on acreage in the mountains to a relatively big city cuz I was tired of the long commute. Have regretted it ever since. Enjoy the peace, quiet and freedom!
Grew up in a rural area, moved to a large city as an adult. Thinking about going back makes me feel so anxious. Almost 40 now and still much happier with city life. I also feel more peaceful knowing that if my mobility decreases and/or need for other kinds of assistance increases as I age, I’ll already be established in and acclimated to living in a place with more transportation options and more supportive services should I ever need them.
Same. Small town in the middle of the desert. If it werent Encyclopedia Brittanica, i wouldve never known there was more out there than cactus and coyotes.
Load More Replies...Yeah as someone who lives in a big city with a cabin in the sticks. Yeah less stress in some ways like traffic. But going from blue to Trump red is a whole set of stress issues. I like inclusivity and that is not what rural is about, it is the complete opposite with a giant helping of jesus. Also everyone is in your business all the time.
Yes! Worked a great deal for me and my family! I grew up in Copenhagen but when I was 19/20 I moved to the suburbs of Odense. Now that my family and I moved way out in the country and we're surrounded by fields, there is 2km to the nearest bus stop and about 500m to the nearest street light. I love that we get to show our kids so much nature and wild life. We live ca 2km from the ocean as well. Whenever we go to Odense to do some shopping or whatever we barely reach the stores before one of us says "ugh! I can't wait to get back home!" So many ppl, so much traffic, so much noise, so much of everything. Except for silence and nature.
We retired and moved from a congested metropolitan area to a small town in the foothills of North Carolina mountains. The stress has evaporated.
Which of the habits and hacks in this list do you personally think are the most useful, dear Pandas? What small changes in your lives have had the greatest positive effects? Do you find it easy or hard to establish new habits? If you have a moment, share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this post.
Yes, likely US-based, where we are likely to refer to vacation rather than a holiday, for such occasions.
Load More Replies...They heat up their meal, implying they got it beforehand. They might've got it a day (or more) in advance
Load More Replies...The exact opposite works for me. I start a coffee timer for my French press, and clean my kitchen and load last night's dishes before my coffee. Took me years to find the groove that works for me.
Same, I cook eggs in the morning, and clean while the coffee brews.
Load More Replies...I hope this person is living in a house and not in a flat. I am in a flat and for longer time I wanted to kill all neighbours who starts washing machines or dishwashers at night. I managed to find all these idiots and make them realize that they don't let their neighbors sleep.
This! My neighbours did this, and their kitchen was next to our bedroom.... 10.30 pm and the dishwasher started. Had to sleep with earplugs
Load More Replies...When my wife and I moved into our last house, the dishwasher made such a racket that I literally couldn't run it at night, or I couldn't sleep. If we had company over for dinner, I couldn't have the dishwasher running, or we couldn't hear each other talk. That dishwasher finally died, and we replaced it with a much quieter one. My wife wanted one that was $50 USD cheaper, but even though that one was quieter than our old one, it wasn't as quiet as the more expensive one I wanted. Within two weeks of getting the one that was $50 more, my wife admitted that the new dishwasher was so quiet, it was worth the extra $50.
Don't continuously run your dishwasher only at night. Become accustomed to its normal noises in the daytime/when you're around - that way, you'll hear when something is starting to wear or not work quite as well and be warned to fix it sooner rather than later. We had to replace ours over a decade ago because it had something wear out completely and seized the motor. We were in bed and never heard it. The repairman gave us this good advice.
Love a good nap! It has to be short though, like 10-15 minutes, 30 minutes max, otherwise I feel groggy when I wake up.
I'm happy for all nappers, but I just can't do it. I get up feeling logy, groggy, disoriented. Sometimes I doze off in my chair, but getting into a real bed? Nope.
If I nap i wake in a panic, really confused. What day is it? What time? AM or PM?! 😳
I wish I could nap. I can't even nap when I'm sick. I always feel like I'm missing out on something.
I have scissors in multiple locations. Also, I probably have 20 pairs of nail clippers. Every time I travel I buy a new pair.
I have scissors and reading glasses in all of my spots.
Load More Replies...I did the same with my favorite pens. Tossed 3 or 4 everywhere I might need a pen. Everyone else thought it was um ... silly? crazy? But it worked for me.
Robot vacuum is life changing. It encourages me to pick up, the house is vacuumed and dusting cut by two thirds. Highly recommend.
It is so nice to wake up to a clean kitchen. I need to add "prep coffee" to my routine. Also, like calling it closing shift.
I, too, hated it when it was mop n bucket! Love it now . I use a lovely lemony disinfectant with a spray mop and it's Fun now 🤓
Load More Replies...I walked with someone who had a phone in one hand and a coffee in the other. I only did 2 days.
Got to think that this is the single most important, and hopefully least complicated "thing" on this list. Should be ranked much higher.
for me this is a difficult task. No matter how tired I am, there are unfortunately far too many nights where I have trouble falling asleep and wake up too often...
Load More Replies...In my case my beautiful doggy got me. She was abandoned near my SIL house with her brother. I went to SIL house and she followed me all over, fell asleep on my lap and tried to come with me when I left. My ex convinced me and a week later she was at home with us.
There is an elderly member of our family who has an autoimmune disorder - his doctor has advised getting a dog, because it could make this person very sick. We would love a dog, but we don't think about it, because we know that it can only happen after the person, whom we love very much, passes on.
My policy is just achieve one thing per day, even if it is just glueing something down.
My to-do list in my phone is probably the most used function of all my device can offer. Also, I have an alarm set to ring with each them at a time I think I can do it. Repair a item in my lounge? It will ring tonight at 6 PM when I'm home. No reason to postpone.
Any List is a fantastic app! Not only for shopping and holding recipes either; packing lists for camping, pharmacy, appointments (things to tell Dr.), weight-loss milestones, wish/birthday lists (I will be perceived as typing a text rather than listing a gift idea that has been mentioned in conversation!)! No more paper lists getting lost!
This is why I love the app Finch so much. It's an extra fun emotional support to do list.
We did the same thing and now it's all organized and actually functional, I love it!
Many months ago I got into the habit of asking my closest friends at the end of every week what was the best thing, or simply nice. It should be at least one thing, even if it was just enjoying coffee in the morning. I want them to think and feel about the week in the hope that several things will come to mind as beautiful, even though they may not have perceived them that way at the moment. In this way I have to do it myself, which helps me a little with my depression. I'm writing down all the answers and would like to give them to my friends to look at one day so that they can see that there was something nice every week of the year.
That is such a wonderfully beautiful gift to share! I might have to borrow the idea.
Load More Replies...Vagus nerve relaxation. You can find plenty of different ways to relax it online, and at least many of them work for me.
Confidence is so important. Good for you for finding what gives it to you!
I do this for the gf. Shes been trying to teach me French braids to... uhhh... mixed results.
I up voted your down vote as this has been a life saver for someone I know. They had struggled since childhood and came from a background on both sides with this health issue. It’s not a bad suggestion or thought.
Load More Replies...Well, after smokin a bowl, a family size bag of Doritos doesn't have a chance.
I'm working on learning to remember when to eat. I don't feel sensations of hunger, so when I'm alone for stretches and without cues, I can easily forget until I get lightheaded. Sometimes for several days.
I need my husband to read what you wrote. He's such a procrastinator and it drives me crazy !!!
If you want to save your marriage, write down a list of things your husband does/has done. Genuinely praise him for these things regularly. If you complain to us strangers, I can only imagine how you talk to him; I can't imagine that he wants to do anything you want him to do.
Load More Replies...I'm not guilty of putting off small tasks until later. I put them off right now.
Seriously. Just do it and be done with it already. Can't stand laziness.
You've got a point there, but not the revelation that you thought/sought. When I'm "on point" I run circles around the types that you espouse and embody. I also reject and abhore arrogance coming from the *only* semi-intelligent neurotypicals. TLDR: I'm 5x more productive than your view in the mirror -- I just do it *differently*. 🙄🤦♂️
Load More Replies...Also a life saver, if you have the opportunity to learn to swim, you definitely should as it could save yourself or someone else from drowning.
68 here. My older brother got me into lap swimming when I was 20 by recommending swim goggles and hand paddles. I swim six days week. It is the best addictive exercise. It alleviates arthritis in my spine.
I sleep with my phone on silent mode. I use it as an alarm clock, which means it has to be with me. Also, I can click it really quick to see what time it is. I put on my blue-light lenses before looking at it to avoid the glare.
Those emergency phone calls that aren't really emergencies can wait until tomorrow.
If.that works for you, good for you.. I like my TV shows that I watch. I am picky what I watch. No any crime drama of any kind. Try to limit how much violent shows I watch. Even comedy shows. If a new comedy show comes out and it does not really appeal to me I won't watch it.
Edward R Murrow said this about radio, But it applies to TV as well, perhaps even more so. "This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference."
Me too, I mainly watch documentaries so I chill and learn something new at the same time!
Load More Replies...I watch a lot of public tv stations. Lots of good shows that are very relaxing, soothing, will put me asleep. i fall asleep with blue light glasses on to offset the glare coming from the tv
I actually want to know what is going on in the world. TV is a huge source of information.
Don't own a TV, stopped watching about 15 years ago, don't really think it's healthy, I have a lot more time to go outside and walk, usually several hours a day
It's weird to me that they couldn't flip to the next month when they need to. They're probably much busier than me. lol
Speaking from the ADHD perspective, out of sight is out of mind. The OP's approach made sense to me as a result
Load More Replies...Aren't there 3 months calendars where OP is? In Bulgaria we have super common and cheap work calendars with 3 months at the same time, so people can track them easily.
I love those ! Work clendars are the best. Some of them come with a planer for each day of the month.
Load More Replies...Huge desk calendars that you can write on. Not only was it practical and extremely handy, i also got to play office like i used to do as a kid.
As a translator, you need to get a job as an editor or tutor so you can spend your energy on people who are looking for this kind of correction. If you spend enough hours working in this kind of job, you lose the impulse to do it to random strangers on the internet.
Load More Replies...How can one pick clothes so much in advance without knowing weather forecast - which stopps being accurate after 3 days? Where I live temperatures can vary up to 20, sometimes even 25 degrees difference in couple of days, and my clothes matches the temperature for approximately every 5 degrees🤔
I have been doing this for year and so far everyone thought I was mad. It saves so much time and brain space.
Great idea. It also means no particular meal falls always on the same weekday. It's easy to fall into the "same thing every Saturday" routine, which quickly becomes boring.
Meal kits help me and my wife with this. At least twice a week we cook something different that we almost certainly would not have bought the ingredients for ourselves.
Load More Replies...My husband keeps asking for a Toto. It is a game changer (apparently my husband poos better!) but yes, very expensive.
Geez Louise. I Goggled Japanese toilets and heard my bank account screaming " NOOOOO" !!! I would NEVER, EVER spend that much money for something I'm just going to sh!t in !!! I even saw a " smart toilet " by Kohler.$9937.99 !!! Why ?? Smh.
I saw that one, too, Linda! For that much $, I'd expect it to hand-wipe my @$$!
Load More Replies...I looked at Toto brand a couple of years ago. they looked awesome. but way beyond my budget for something i don't spend much time using
My Mom always carried a small container of cinnamon in her purse to sprinkle on her coffee when she wasn't at home.
I gave up cooking entirely when I hit 50. I figure I did my time. If my husband gets hungry he knows how to feed himself. He's a big boy.
I gave up bras at 50. Makes the old men at the shopping centres happy! I love cooking.
Load More Replies...i live alone, so i'm not gonna put in much effort. I always have on hand some fruits, cheese, and good healthy bread for toasting. folks at work would comment on my meals, someone called it "picnic type" lunch. Those items, and frozen veggies, i get all the nutrition I need without a lot of time and effort
Love my foldable treadmill. It stores under the bed when I’m not using it so it doesn’t become an eyesore. I use it all winter and out it away when it gets warm and I can walk outside.
Aren't they meant to be tossed in the bin (yellow/orange/green) for recycling? Why the clogging and wasting cat food? If empty, a quick rinse with water should do to prevent smells if the bin is indoors, what do you do to cut yourself?
I'm a little puzzled by this one also. I'd think after cutting yourself a time or two you'd learn to be more careful, and if it's clogging the sink you're leaving too much in the can instead of in the cat's dish.
Load More Replies...I use loop bc I have tiny ears and the xs adapters fit like a dream! They really work well and are very comfortable.
Walmart sells sleep headphones. They are soft, fit like a headband & can be used for sleeping, jogging, working in the yard etc. Most are $20.00 or less.
Your MOM uses Bluetooth and works for 10 hours when fully charged!
Load More Replies...Never understood the hype. It is just a book for to-do-lists instead of a puece of paper pinned to the fridge, no?
If the puece of paper is on the fridge and you're not home, doesn't really help, does it?
Load More Replies...Every time that I have lost weight, I have used a calorie/macro/micro app. (My Fitness Pal worked for me) It helps with mindfulness so that I can make an informed decision BEFORE I eat something.
Yes. I lost 85 lbs using my fitness pal. I've logged in for over 4000 days. Sometimes I track but it keeps me mindful.
Load More Replies...Practicing good sleep hygiene (having a strict bedtime routine and going to bed the same time every day no matter if I have to work or not) and accepting that my brain just works the way it works without placing a value judgement on "different". I need what I need and its just how I am. Getting to a place of seeing that about myself and accepting myself the way I am has done wonders for my mental AND physical health.
Mine is finding ways to sleep better. I got 3 things that have helped me a ton in falling asleep quickly and staying asleep through the night: weighted blanket, mouth guard, c-pap machine.
About 2014, when I stopped posting on FB (my account is still open because there's a few people I have no other way to stay in touch with but I go there maybe 3 times a year) I made a commitment to not post negative comments online. I do correct factual mistakes but do so politely but generally, if I don't have something nice to say, I don't say anything.
I recently started to make a cup of tea before bed, journal, read a few pages, and then listen to some meditation while drifting off to sleep. Also a plushie can help with anxiety
Unsubscribing from a lot of activist groups. So many of their e-mails are just hitting you up for money. I support them, and I'll sign their petitions, but I'll donate when I feel like it - and have the spare cash.
Practicing good sleep hygiene (having a strict bedtime routine and going to bed the same time every day no matter if I have to work or not) and accepting that my brain just works the way it works without placing a value judgement on "different". I need what I need and its just how I am. Getting to a place of seeing that about myself and accepting myself the way I am has done wonders for my mental AND physical health.
Mine is finding ways to sleep better. I got 3 things that have helped me a ton in falling asleep quickly and staying asleep through the night: weighted blanket, mouth guard, c-pap machine.
About 2014, when I stopped posting on FB (my account is still open because there's a few people I have no other way to stay in touch with but I go there maybe 3 times a year) I made a commitment to not post negative comments online. I do correct factual mistakes but do so politely but generally, if I don't have something nice to say, I don't say anything.
I recently started to make a cup of tea before bed, journal, read a few pages, and then listen to some meditation while drifting off to sleep. Also a plushie can help with anxiety
Unsubscribing from a lot of activist groups. So many of their e-mails are just hitting you up for money. I support them, and I'll sign their petitions, but I'll donate when I feel like it - and have the spare cash.
