It’s the little things that add up to make a huge difference in our everyday existence. So Redditor momsvaginaresearcher asked, “What improved your quality of life so much that you wish you did it sooner?” Here’s what people said.
1.
“Taking lots of solo trips, whether it’s to the beach, to the flea market…literally wherever. Solo trips are just so freeing. Just grab a coffee, play your favorite songs at full volume in the car, and go wherever you want for however long you want. It’s just so ✨peaceful✨”
2.
“I cut back on drinking. I wanted to cut back forever and finally did it. At first, I cut back considerably to maybe a few beers one day a week. Now I don’t even enjoy one day a week anymore. It’s not worth missing out on how good you feel waking up not having any.”
3.
“Running. I hated it for months. I was doing it because I wanted to pick up a hobby, but I have a bit of an addiction to things that give off adrenaline. I loved the feeling of finishing a few miles of a run and coming home, showering, and sitting down right after. The mind clarity during and after is a game changer.”
4.
“Deleting TikTok and Instagram. Both my attention span and general mental health have improved significantly since.”
5.
“Becoming a birder. Physically I get outside and walk more. Emotionally, I feel connected with nature, and it lifts my spirits instantly, no matter how blue I feel. Mentally, it helps to keep me sharp, identifying birds by sight and sound, researching species, and learning and discovering their behaviors. Plus, I’m more aware of the need for conservation. The hobby doesn’t cost much at all, depending on how involved I choose to be. It’s given me something to look forward to and focus on during some of the roughest days I’ve faced.”
6.
“Quitting a toxic job. I never knew just how much it could affect your mental health until I got a better job. I put up with SO much crap for years because I thought that was how it was at all jobs. Now I’m so much happier. I don’t burst into tears before my shift. I don’t have daily panic attacks because I’m worried about my boss screaming at me in front of other people. It was so liberating to be rid of my old job.”
7.
“Sobriety. I went from severe depression and constant panic attacks to feeling positive, comfortable, and confident within a month of quitting booze. I’m almost four years sober now, and my entire life is so much better than it used to be. It’s amazing what a few years of not poisoning your body will do.”
8.
“Cutting out toxic people. I didn’t even realize how much I was affected until they were out of my life!”
9.
“Stopped eating sugar and sugary things and drinking a lot more water. No more aching knees and no more acid reflux. Also haven’t had a cavity in eight years and don’t get that weird ‘furry teeth’ feeling after eating food.”
10.
“Drinking two liters or more of water each day, prioritizing quality sleep (eight hours for me), eating mostly whole foods, and strength training three to four times per week. I had so many health issues, but after six months of doing this consistently, 99% of them are gone.”
11.
“I stopped wearing synthetic fabrics. It didn’t matter what season it was. I was always uncomfortable, getting rashes and overheating. I traded out every piece I owned for wool, linen, and silk, and have been comfortable ever since.”
12.
“Going to the sauna. This habit has helped me sleep better and improve my mood. Overall I just feel better mentally and physically.”
13.
“Therapy. My god. I wish I had started like ten years earlier. I’d be so much less medicated and further ahead in my life.”
14.
“Getting a bidet. I was so against it for so long, but I’m glad I changed my mind.”
16.
“Going for a walk. Every since day. Your mood will improve, just being outside.”
17.
“Going to sleep by 8:00 p.m. A good night’s sleep and early morning hours are a blessing.”
18.
“I stopped allowing my family’s religious beliefs to restrict me and just started living the way I want to.”
19.
“Moving closer to my job. My commute is about seven minutes. I have more time and more money.”
20.
“Getting comfortable with saying ‘no’ without needing an essay attached to it.”
21.
“Changing jobs and companies. Companies aren’t out for your best interests, even if you have a genuinely great boss. I stayed in my first post-college job for far too long and massively stunted my savings potential.”
22.
“Plan something in the middle of week. Don’t wait to live your life only on the weekends.”
Do you have something to add? What’s a small change, habit, or behavior that massively improved your happiness or mental health? Tell us in the comments or in this anonymous form.
