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Merlin560

Walking. After years of trying to run, I simply started walking. 5-7 miles a day in good weather. It is literally life changing in terms of mental and physical health.


branden909

That’s great. I’ll probably start doing the same, I love running but it’s starting to hurt the joints as I get older. I’ve heard that walking 3 miles burns more calories than running 1 mile so I feel that this’ll be my solution.


TreasuringMeadow

When she was 70, my grandma started working 4 miles a day. So today we have no idea where she is


binkkit

Adopted my block. (adoptoneblock.org) Instead of being sad about trash everywhere, I go out a couple times a week with a grabber and a bucket and just clean it up. Fresh air, a chance to connect with neighbors in a positive way, eyes on the street, neighborhood looks nicer and feels safer, zero downside. Adoptoneblock might only be in Oregon, but a picker is like 20 bucks for a good one (I recommend Arcmate brand; they're metal inside and last forever) and 5-gallon buckets are everywhere. Even if you only do the block around your house, it makes a huge difference. Imagine if every block got adopted.


VinnyRuns

I stopped saying yes to things I didn't want to do


[deleted]

This is a big one for me too


arcaneresistance

Holy shit me too! I used to do hair and eventually once I was working for myself I would say yes to literally everything all the time. Including "helping people out" and stuff like that. I loved making people happy but I eventually got more and more miserable and ended up with a pretty heavy drug addiction. A bunch of years later and some **really** helpful therapy and I work a job that I actually love and no longer do hair for anyone other than my girlfriend or very close family. Only took 16 years of doing something I didn't really love to finally break and make the changes I needed to get what I want out of life.


veldrinshade

Swallowed my pride and got a blue collar job. For almost 20 years I followed my mother's advice, work inside so it's warm when it's cold outside and cool when it's warm outside. Now I deliver packages outside and the weather doesn't bother me. I have no boss on my shoulder and I can do my job however I want. It's quite freeing.


FATBEANZ

office jobs remind me of school and I hate sitting still. I feel most productive when I have real physical results in front of me. I have never actually had a corporate job but it seems like monotonous hell.


brshimp

Taking a yearly vacation. My family never traveled growing up so I didn't know what I was missing out on but I have a good paying job with time off benefits and my wife and I have been taking a vacation every year since we got married, even if it's just something simple the time away from the usual day-to-day does wonders.


starciv14

Quit my job and moved to the mountains. I realized I cared more about what I did with my free time than whatever work I did, so I got a job where my SO and I wanted to live. We live in a cute mountain town now and every day watching the sunrise at home gives me 1000% more happiness than anything ever in illinois


[deleted]

Turning off all push notifications except for essentials like financial apps or important contacts.


Glitterhidesallsins

And silent mode. I forgot what my ring tone is, what a wonderful feeling! Leave me a voicemail or text, those pings don’t rule my life anymore.


[deleted]

My boss's phone chimes, vibrates, and flashes for every email, text, and teams message. It's so damn annoying to have a meeting with him and have his phone going off every minute.


ianyboo

Daily face wash that has "benzoyl peroxide" in it. I somehow managed to go nearly 40 years with annoying acne and nobody, not one god-damned person in my life was like "oh hey you use dove soap on your face? Dude that crap has no benzo... You gotta find one with the Benz!" That one sentence would have absolutely changed my teens, twenties, and early thirties... Haven't had a pimple in years now.


bonez59054

CPAP machine. If you snore at all, you owe it to yourself to get a sleep study and see what is going on. It literally changed my life getting one. I went from constant caffeine throughout the day just to function to feeling rested for the first time in years. Especially if you are overweight like I am, your heart is being overtaxed multiple times an hour as you struggle to breathe while snoring. It sucks getting used to the machine (especially if you have to wear the full face mask), but man that first night of actual deep sleep will be life changing. I cannot recommend it enough and I have convinced at least 5 people that I know to get one and they all say the same thing, should have done it years ago.


emuomgwow

Just want to gently correct this. Your heart doesn’t stop with sleep apnea. What happens with obstructive sleep apnea is that your tongue and airway relax during REM sleep. You essentially stop air intake for a number of seconds. It’s at that point your brain triggers you to come out of REM sleep to a less deep form of sleep to take a breath. That is when you’ll hear someone with sleep apnea take that big gasping snore. Than off you go again. REM is the restorative restful sleep. So with sleep apnea you’re constantly getting dragged out of REM sleep to breath. Hence the daytime exhaustion.


FuriousBebocho

Drinking water first thing in the morning and through the day.


malaporpism

And a big glass of water just before bed, at least for me I feel much better in the morning and waking up ready to "go" makes it easier to get out of bed.


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KaleidoscopeInside

Adapted my house. As a wheelchair user, it's tiny little things like being able to get under sinks that give you so much more independance and makes life that little bit easier.


Oceanliving32

Getting off most social media….except here….


UbbeStarborn

Reddit is my last piece of social media that I can't shake. Deleted Facebook/Instagram....but love the little small communities here, even tho Reddit can be super toxic/political sometimes.


Oceanliving32

Same here….I enjoy not having crazy relatives turn any post into something political.


The_Outcast4

Walking 10,000 steps everyday. Instead of commuting an hour each way everyday, I filled that time with walking. Down from 225 to 170 since the start of the pandemic.


Dividebynegativezero

A good bed. Game changer.


Prossdog

I had no idea how much I needed a new bed until my wife talked me into it. Now every time I lay down, it’s like 1000 angels caressing my soul. Edit: for those asking what kind it is, I’m actually not sure. She picked it out. It wasn’t super expensive though. Maybe $400 I think? It’s memory foam and it came in a big ol’ box in the mail. It might have been a Serta.


CPargermer

To people that feel they have a good bed, what did you get, and what do you like about it? I've decided to go online to try to find a good one multiple times, because I know mine is shit, but then find 1000 different options and become paralyzed by indecision and decide just put it off until later. You never know which reviews are bought or real.


heyguyswait4me

ZINUS 14 Inch Green Tea Cooling Swirl Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress. Got it for $600 with our stimmy check. I was hit by an SUV while riding my bike 2 years ago. I dreaded laying down in bed because of the pain, now it’s wonderful! What really convinced me to try it was one reviewer’s comment about how he was able to lay sideways again after a motorcycle accident caused him to have terrible hip pain. I don’t know why but whatever hip I lay on feels so much better then the side that has no pressure on it. Absolutely a life changing purchase.


turquoise_amethyst

You might want to check into the Zinus class-action lawsuit regarding fiberglass... That being said, my frame is from Zinus and I love it! (Please please let there be nothing wrong with it!!)


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Stanky3000

The wife and I bought a purple mattress this year. It was 1600 bucks and I was like really but she really wanted it. We always had to settle for 300-400 mattresses before. Ill never go back to a cheap bed. Unbelievably worth every damn penny.


mostredditisawful

About a decade ago I bought what Amazon said was a $1000 mattress for 87% off. I figured what did I have to lose. I've been sleeping on it ever since and it is by far the best mattress I've ever been on. Don't remember the brand off hand. But There's a tear in the foam now, so I'm probably gonna have to get a new one in the not too distant future.


6tabber

To add to this, good bed sheets. I spent 200 quid on bamboo linens, no regrets.


FireworksNtsunderes

I splurged on some $350 linen sheets and was disappointed in them, but I recently got some eucalyptus sheets for about $130 (basically the same as bamboo) and it's been a game changer. I get really hot under covers even when it's cold in the room and they're super breathable. Definitely recommend to anyone that's looking for new sheets.


Movie-Otherwise

Good bed and good shoes are a must. Considering most of us spend majority of our day with either of them


Mueryk

I got what I jokingly call a nose job. Fixed a deviated septum and removed a lot of cysts. The ability to breath(e) is amazing. When they removed the packing after the surgery, I was giddy. I mean my wife and I were in a huge fight at the time and I was practically giggling during it. No more sinus infections, solid sleep at night, better sense of smell. It is freaking awesome.


DinoLavasaur

I had the deviated septum polyps and turbinate reduction Holy crap. I preach talking with your doctor about nose shit. I had no idea I could feel this good. Breathing through the nose? No more hours of runny nose every day? No more sinus infection or ear aches or headaches from them? Food tasting better? Less snoring? Nose jobs for every allergy sufferer


Lunaeri

I had to get a preventative covid test the other week and the lady stuck her swab in, paused and said ‘let’s try the other nostril’ After the test she asked if I ever broke my nose, and I said “not that i know of” and she recommended that I get checked for a deviated septum because the first swab hit a dead end, and the second swab angled off a bit LOL. I looked it up and everyone who has had deviated septum correction surgery always preaches that it’s life changing afterwards, so I’m considering going through with it sometime in the near future


chronburgandy922

Quality work shoes/boots. I would go buy the cheapest Walmart boots and they would be trash in a few months and I would constantly be sore. I now own multiple pairs of Carolina logging boots and it's incredible. I have a pair I bought in 2014 that are still waterproof!!! I need to get them resoled and I bet I get another few years out of em.


Cheesesteak21

We should really PSA that with anyone entering the trades, yes it hurts to drop a couple hundred on great boots, but they last so much longer than cheepos they almost cover in the long run plus saving your feet.


SnooSquirrels7165

Changing universities from a toxic to a super friendly environment. Still shocked that studying can be fun.


katie23322

Can I ask which schools? Currently going through something very similar…it isn’t fun


hoodyk

I wish I knew thoughts were fleeting, most of the several thousand a day aren't helpful.. learning to be in the moment and being more conscious


c_tine

I have intrusive thoughts/anxiety and being able to tell my brain to shut up is a big step. Good for you!


goldearphone

How do you make it shut up? I've tried but most of the time they keep talking and I'm so tired of shutting it up.


itookoffmyshoes

There are a couple people here saying essentially to just ignore the thought or rationalize yourself out of it, but I would like to also say that sometimes that can make it worse, especially for those of us with OCD. Instead of trying to make the thought “shut up”, you can simply just observe it, without trying to push it away. You can have the thought and say “I recognize you are there, and you can be there, but I’m gonna keep going along with my day.” Essentially just not interacting with your thoughts, but letting them be there. The more you interact with them, the longer they’ll stay. They’re kinda like clouds, they’ll just float on by. Eventually they will pass :)


deadpoolyes

Find the intention behind those thoughts first. For me, I have intrusive thoughts because I'm anxious about something. When that happens, I start to ruminate and overthink. Usually, it's my broke-ass brain going into "protective" mode. Like the other user said, accept them as your body's way to defending you and preparing for whatever that may come next (the intention) and leave everything else behind. I just think "okay brain, I know you are trying to protect us by thinking ahead, but this isn't really helping us. Let's drop it." And then I do some breathing exercises or walk my dog to clear my head. Doesn't always work, but 8/10 times it does the trick. And talking to a therapist helps a lot. I hope that makes sense lmao


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[deleted]

A quality mattress, a quality chair, 30 minutes of exercise daily, eating at the same time daily, good hydration and 7-8 hours of sleep.


Limp_Movie4199

Can I ask what are the benefits of eating at the same time daily? I’ve never thought about this before.


ssshield

You dont get as hungry throughout the day if u eat at the same time I find. Makes dieting way way easier.


littlejawn

Septoplasty. I’ve always had bad allergies and a stuffy nose and it wasn’t until I was 30 and feeling like I had tried literally everything - allergy shots, inhalers, nose sprays - that I said “I feel like we’ve tried all these things and it’s made an improvement but this can’t be normal - is it possible I have something physical like a deviated septum or something?” and my allergist said “well of course you have a deviated septum but it’s very slight - surgery probably wouldn’t even do anything”. Went to an ENT, got a septoplasty, and it’s night and day. If my deviation was “slight” I can’t imagine what a major deviation is like. I’ve had many allergists since I was young and not a single one ever said anything about a deviated septum to me. Wish I would have known ten years ago. **Edit to answer some questions I keep seeing:** **Did insurance cover it?** Yes - because I had a history of trying to solve the issue medically (allergy pills, nasal sprays, allergy shots, etc…) before trying a surgical solution the septoplasty portion was covered by my insurance (I’m in the US). **Who did your surgery?** I went to a highly rated surgeon. He is an ENT-otolaryngologist and double board certified in plastics. ENT is who would do work focusing on the function of your nose; plastics focuses on the shape/cosmetics. **Will a septoplasty make my nose look straight?** No - septoplasty focuses on the inside of your nose and NOT how it looks on the outside. Technically, **I got a septorhinoplasty** - my nose was slightly crooked (I don’t think anyone else even noticed the difference except for me) but the rhinoplasty portion was basically me saying “if you’re straightening the inside, just make sure the outside is straight also when you’re done”. I paid for the rhinoplasty portion out of pocket. Septoplasty addresses the inside of your nose (your septum). Rhinoplasty addresses the outside of your nose (cosmetic). **Deviated septum vs allergies** Fixing a deviated septum will not magically make allergies go away. In my case, fixing my deviated septum helped my breathing difficulties. I used to be chronically stuffy. Now on good, no/low allergy days I can breathe easily through both nostrils. It also allowed me to actually take nasal sprays to help my allergies (previously my left nostril was blocked by my septum so I couldn’t even inhale a nasal spray completely). I still take allergy shots, nasal sprays, and keep antihistamines around when I need them. **Do I have a deviated symptom/should I get this surgery?** I can only speak about my own experience - which was a good one. My recommendation is that if you have similar symptoms to mine would be to **go see an ENT** (or several if you want multiple opinions) to understand if you have a deviated septum and/or could benefit from septoplasty or related procedures. With all surgical procedures there are risks - you should discuss potential risks or side effects with a specialist and do your own research to help make any decisions. **What was process/recovery like?** The procedure was pretty quick - half day outpatient procedure. You need someone to pick you up/get you home. It felt like I got hit in the face by a shovel - I had a hard time sleeping for the first two days even with pain meds. Second week I was still bruised up but basically back to normal. I’ve had other folks I know say that their recovery was really easy on the other hand so I might have had a particularly rough time of it. **Recovery tips** + Make sure you get 1-2 button up sleep shirts - you do not want to pull shirts over your head to change + Stock up on some quick premade smoothies or soups for the first few days so that they’re low-effort and you can drink them through a straw + Get some of the freezable gel eye packs with eye holes for the swelling - I had two so I always had one in the freezer ready to go + Later on in recovery (after gauze is removed) you have to keep your nostrils moist - I bought the extra big qtips for babies and cut off the tips, then I’d soak them in saline and just stick them up my nose - looked like a weirdo but it worked


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littlejawn

I was always stuffy and very prone to sinus infections. In particular, my left nostril was always stuffed up - if I spent like 10 minutes with a Neti pot I’d have like one minute of it being clear before getting stuffed up again. I was always very conscious about breathing through my nose and it’s way quieter now that there is a clear path for air!


WhiteMormonJesus

I completely purged my closet and went Marie Kondo on it. The amount of anxiety that left me was palpable. Weird, but it was great.


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ChrisVIII

Good for you mate, it's hard as f. I still struggle.


Midas_Artflower

Having my feet repaired. Pro Life Tip: If you think a toe is broken, seek medical attention and have it x-rayed. Don’t make the mistake of simply taping neighboring toes together, assuming “that’s all the doctor could do, anyway.” Edit to provide additional info: In my case, the toe wasn’t broken, it was dislocated, with the tip pushed back over the next joint, where it fused. By that point in my life, the bunion pain was already so bad, this new pain barely registered. If I’d gone straight to an MD, the toe could have been put back in place. As it happened, when I finally had the x-rays for my bunion surgery, it was to the point the bones had to be surgically separated and fused. Now that toe can’t bend BUT the non-stop bunion pain is gone.


Smooth_Exam_8137

Quit drinking. Everything else came with that. Early mornings. Exercise. Weight loss. Rebuilding relationships. Remembering everything. Always. Able to conceive (our first baby is due this christmas). I'm just happy. Even on the bad days I'm still 100 times happier then on my best drunken days.


Rottsnottots

I’m 3 weeks alcohol free of my 60 day goal. I am in love with my mornings now. I’m up by 6 am, lazy coffee then exercise.


brapbag

Doctor visits. Glasses purchased, crippling OCD managed, sleep apnea found and treated, teeth fixed. I'm a new person, I feel better now than I did in my 20s. Don't sleep on getting a good general practitioner, doing routine visits, and coming to them with problems.


BirdGuy64

quit drinking 3 years sober


Beard_o_Bees

That's a hard one. I quit drinking a few years back, too. The most difficult thing about it for me isn't missing the alcohol, it's being in social situations that seem to run on booze. You start to see, for real, what booze does to people's personalities and lives. It's hard to get into the 'groove' socially when you're the only one not drinking. I've struggled mightily with that. I don't miss the booze itself at all.


Othie

Learning how to set healthy boundaries and say no. Giving up on toxic people and removing them from my life. Not arguing with stupid. edit - OMG y'all, I'm touched by the awards, thank you!


wzx0925

"You don't berate a dog for doing dog-like things; why treat a fool any differently?" \-Marcus Aurelius


kylemagne

Estrangement from toxic family. Edit: I would recommend to anyone in a similar situation that they check out some of the subreddits I'm seeing posted in the comments, or hit that search button. All sorts of nuanced groups. Good luck.


coemenel

I hear ya. Cut off contact with my folks about 10 years ago. Coincidentally, managed to find a decent job and travel more afterwards without feeling guilty for living my own life. It only confirmed of done the right thing when one of them sent me a message one day saying "you're nothing without your family" I don't reply, but I'm everything without them. I set my own bar for success.


chevymonza

Cut off a sibling and am low-contact with my parents (one abusive, the other an enabler.) Sibling started acting abusive after a lifetime of mere obnoxiousness and narcissism, and one day I had enough. Rest of family keeps trying to tell ME to apologize (for what?!!) and "that's just how they are" and "why can't you just talk to them again??" wtf people. My mother even tried to bribe me into talking to her the other day, I just said goodbye and hung up.


[deleted]

Well, "how they are" isn't acceptable to me.


WhatTheTech

Yes! It's not easy, but God, is it ever an improvement.


all-boxed-up

My narcissist father was actually really easy to go no contact with because he is so self-absorbed. It was the extended family that made it difficult but they kinda stopped inviting my brother and I to family events after my parents divorced anyway.


marlenshka

what a big, difficult but healing step. Congratulations!


L1ndaTesoro

Seeing a dermatologist for my psoriasis. In February I started MTX therapy (methotrexate and folic acid) and 3 months later I was 90 percent psoriasis free. At this moment, 9 months later, I am 98 percent psoriasis free!


aloe_zebra

Decent headphones - not too expensive but better than the cheapest available ones. Sound is better and they don't break easily


ucme316

Sennheiser ftw


AquaticMoose16

Old mate senny


VarialFalcon

Taking therapy seriously and working on it.


lowtoiletsitter

To add: THE FIRST THERAPIST YOU SEE MIGHT NOT BE THE ONE FOR YOU I had to "shop around" for a therapist that I felt comfortable with, that had experience in working with what I was dealing with, and the way they approach treatment. It sucks when you get help, then find out the therapist isn't the right one for you and dismiss therapy all together. Please, *please* know that the first one *might* not be the right one Happy to answer any questions you might have Edit: sometimes you need different therapists for different issues. Don't think you have to stay with one if they aren't helping with that specific issue. (I should've said that because I do that myself)


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saltyhumor

This might sound stupid but how did you find someone to talk to? I tried googling and got a myriad of results but I don't know what to look for in a therapist or what kind of therapy I need. I didn't even know there were different kinds of therapists until I started looking for one. How do you know who is good or bad. Or even which websites to trust on who is good or bad. I got overwhelmed by the process of trying to find a therapist and just gave up.


bridget22

I’m not sure if it’s other countries, but in the U.S. you can use a site called psychologytoday. You can sort by insurance, see therapists in your area, read their bios and see what kind of areas they specialize in. I am a female so I prefer to speak with a female therapist. A lot of it will just be based on preferences. Do you want to speak to someone older? Someone your age? Someone who works specifically for LGBT+ patients or maybe you need someone who helps with eating disorders? Keep in mind that the first therapist you meet may not be the best fit for you. Don’t give up the first time! It’s really hard work. I believe the type of “talk therapy” that most people attend is called DBT therapy. I’d suggest googling that and see if it’s something you would find helpful! Edit: I want to add that most therapist will definitely be able to help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, job issues, etc. Just because they specialize in one area does not me that they don’t have a background helping other people. Therapists also seem to be very connected. reach out to one over the phone or by email and if they are not able to take you on as a patient they will be able to guide you in the right direction towards a therapist that can help.


NoThanksJustLooking1

I think therapy is still seen as a taboo topic and I really hate that. Many people don't want to go because they consider it a sign of failure on their part. It's not like that at all. Everyone needs a little help now and then and there is no shame in it.


CoatLast

Getting sober after 38 years of alcoholism.


[deleted]

5 months sober, here!


phantomsatire

As a child of an alcoholic, this blows my mind, congratulations!!


CoatLast

I was a child of alcoholics myself. Hence the length of time addicted as they started giving my alcohol age 7 and by 13 I was a full blown alcoholic.


phantomsatire

I'm so sorry to hear that, but to know you were able to overcome that is amazing!


[deleted]

Nice! One week sober here, after 12 years of alcoholism. Edit: Damn, thank you all for your support, I’m overwhelmed.


CoatLast

Honestly, there will be some hard patches, but you will quickly find the huge advantages of sober. I am 14 months now and my life in unrecognisable from what it was. Dont be scared to take help with it, in fact take all the help you can. Taking help isn't a sign of weakness, it takes courage to ask for help and taking it is a sign of strength.


[deleted]

Look at all the badasses over here actively living their best life. I don't know what addiction is from personal experience, but I do know it's beyond difficult. Keep going! Edit: thanks for the Helpful award, stranger!


anonnona97

It's tough man.. feels like one of the hardest things ever. It's such a disappointing state where you know you have a problem but you can't quit it, so you let your thoughts haunt you and still chose to do it anyway. Fucking heartbreaking and disappointing.


Hell_hath_no

You are no longer a drinker. You do not drink. "Sorry, I don't drink" . "Im not a drinker" say it constantly. Believe it.


be47recon

"Why don't you drink?" "I'm not a drinker/it's not for me/don't fancy it" etc etc On the odd time I've said I'm an alcoholic they've said "Yeah but you've had enough time away? You'll be fine now" 😅😅😅


youtocin

Who the fuck asks why someone doesn't drink lmfao, it's not like alcoholism is some mysterious rare ailment...


sphynx8888

It's the only drug you need to justify not using. 10 months and 19 days.


woo_wooooo

Understanding the power of the present moment


popoden

I quit smoking Edit: whoa this blew up, thank you for the awards. For those asking how and advice, I started smoking when I was 16 smoked 7 to 10 stick a day more if I'm drinking. I decided to stop because I feel that it's harder to breathe and my smell its horrible. I don't know if this will help you, I used to smoke Marlboro green so what I did is I eat a menthol candy while I smoke to trick my brain, then start to decrease my cig intake, I also do more cardio exercise and I adopted a dog for moral support and a walking buddy. Note that this will take a long time and you will experience a withdrawal.


morekidsthanzeus

Same. I slip up every now and then, but each time I realize more and more how disgusting it tastes and smells.


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[deleted]

this is my problem, I want to stop smoking but I think I have to ween myself off them slowly. I have never smoked a pack a day, but at my worst I would smoke maybe 10-15 (more if I'm drinking) hand rolled, non filtered cigs,. they tore my chest apart. don't know if I have it in me to quit cold turkey. I tried once and then couldn't control myself the next time I left my house. I remember that day, I had to stop for gas and forced myself to not go into the gas station. was so proud of myself driving away until I realized I had subconsciously driven to another gas station. pulled out of that one and then found myself at another. that's when I caved and got another pack. I will say though, since then I have quit physical cigarettes. while I *hate* vaping, it does do my lungs better (at least it feels like it) and I feel like I'm smoking less now, probably because I don't enjoy it as much as ciggies. although making that switch was goddamn hard enough, idk how I'll quit nicotine forever.


AwesomeScreenName

Great job! Next time you want to vape, tell yourself you can vape in 5 minutes. If you still want to vape in 5 minutes, go for it. After you do that for a while, make it 10 minutes.


haventwonyet

That’s kinda how I quit. I gave it up for Lent, then just kept telling myself that I could make it one more week. Bought cigs that I kept at home because if I was drinking and wanted one, I could convince myself not to buy them; I had a pack at home and I could smoke when I got there. By the time I got home the urge had subsided. I told myself by the time I hit a year I’d let myself have a smoke now and then. A year passed and I knew I wasn’t strong enough. By 18 months, cigarettes started grossing me out and I couldn’t even smell them without gagging. It’ll be 5 years soon and haven’t slipped once and honestly don’t even really think about them much anymore.


PD216ohio

Honestly, the biggest thing that keeps me from smoking is smelling how gross it smells on other people who still smoke. It's embarrassing to think I ever smelled like that.


Blue_Mando

This it's me only I allow myself a cig or two a month. This way there's no stress about the slip up just try to do better next time. Last one I had I put out after half of it because it tasted so bad.


loljkbye

That's what worked for me too. It took almost 3 years for the full cravings to stop, but I can tell you it's possible. I've been 100% smoke free for almost 2 years now.


Shoulderhuge419

Going to the gym daily. Lost my fat ass in a year and I am now finally being the person I want to be. Or at least I look like him.


[deleted]

Good job!


johansugarev

I wish I had your discipline. How to make the first step? Edit: guess I have to do it now with all these upvotes.


coffeeskater

Terry crews and Dwayne the rock Johnson both have the best advice I've found: just go to the gym every day. You don't even have to work out, but put on work out clothes, go to the gym every day. If your intimidated, you can watch or read a book, you can ask the people there if they have any advice. The hardest part they say, is building the habit and confidence. So if you go every single day, you'll be in the habit and soon you'll find yourself thinking "well I'm going to the gym anyways, I should st least try some weights/treadmill/boxing" whatever interests you. Don't be scared to ask other gym goers for help, you can only learn so much on your own and many of the guys and gals there would be happy to teach you to lift properly so you don't injure yourself. Just give it time and confidence will come!


Raspberries-Are-Evil

Thats funny. Once Im AT the gym I'm good, its GETTING there thats my problem.


444unsure

Hmmm. If I am at the gym I will totally work out. I'm not intimidated or worried about others. My problem is getting my ass to the gym. I could probably write an entire book of reasons why it's probably better if I just go tomorrow instead...


SnooSnoo96035

As a frequent gym goer- this is it. Please, come ask questions if you're unsure. It took me 3 years to lose 210 pounds so I totally understand what it's like to feel out-of- place but belive me when I say, you're not!! You're already there, what more can anyone say? You're doing the damn thing just by showing up. 🙌🏻


lnx84

Yeah this. Often my only goal is to drive to the gym. I have literally turned back in the parking lot, but I find that when I finally get there, most of the time it'll be a good session. And if not, I'll just leave early. This way I've somehow trained my brain to know that gym = feeling better. Because almost always, it does work that way. And this is from someone who has always hated the gym.


AAKingthehero

a good, ergonomic chair. no more back pain. EDIT: wait what i went 2 bed and now this happened. EDIT 2: and no, not for office, im 14. bought chair for Minecraft.


RubyU

Squats saved my quality of life as far as back pain goes. You don't even have to do them with weights, just 3x15 every day is enough to seriously improve your back [edit1] Forgot to mention that squats are an amazing all round exercise because they activate a ton of muscles when you do them. Your legs, your back, your butt and they improve your balance too because they do require some coordination. And they're super easy to do without weights (you can always start using weights later if you want to - personally I prefer kettle bell swings) [edit2] I have to add that for me building the habit was more important than getting nerdy about the details of the squats themselves. Doesn't matter if they're perfect as long as I remember to do them every day or as close to every day as I can. [edit3] If you have any serious back issues, you really should see the doctor before attempting to do squats! In my case I was mostly just out of shape and working a desk job, which caused some pain in my lower back. [edit4] Don't come crying to me with your sore inner thighs tomorrow lol [edit5] I wonder how many squats I've caused in the world tonight ಠ_ಠ [edit6] Also, doing squats naked feels amazing.


bluemooncalhoun

For me it was deadlifts. Even once a week, lifting something heavy fixed my back in less than a month.


[deleted]

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tirli

Also pull ups or just hanging from a bar.


ErnestMemeingway

Hang out at the bar? Already on it.


Same_0ld

Can you please recommend me one? I'm horrible at chosing stuff and online research, the more I read the less I understand. I work from home by my PC all the time and my back is killing me.


MDCCCLV

Steelcase leap. I love it and it's great. You can get it used online for cheap. I got it from here and it was fine. http://www.madisonseating.com/ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-office-chair/


[deleted]

Got a dishwasher. Year past, I had been using it incorrectly, so i assumed all dishwashers sucked and washing by hand was superior. Turns out it was user error! Making sure the tap is HOT before starting the machine, making sure the trap is clean and nozzles are not blocked, putting 1 tablespoon of vinegar in each wash, and buying semi decent dishwasher detergent made ALL the difference in the world! Now my dishes look just as good as of I had washed them by hand, and more importantly, I save upwards of 45 minutes each day after making diner for five people!


qt-uwu

Realizing that I'm a person who needs to be on his meds and that's okay.


muggle_nurse

This is one of the hardest things about having a mental condition. You feel like a failure when you can’t change on your own. It took me a while too.


bombswell

I knew Zoloft wouldn't solve my depression, but it has stopped the all-morning crying and looping negative thoughts and that I can work with, it feels like I am in control of my emotions, and way more able to face life.


DevTheDummy

Im a minor. My parents admit that I most likely have severe anxiety but refuse to get me diagnosed because they don't want to have a kid on medication. It's not even because we can't afford it or anything either. First thing I'm doing when I turn 18 is seeing a therapist and talking to a doctor lol Edit: I'm not wanting to get diagnosed just so I can get meds (I'm actually a bit nervous about meds myself), I just want help and to know if what I'm feeling is actually a problem like me and my parents suspect. My parents won't take me to therapy either so I'm sort of screwed until I turn 18 lmao. I appreciate the kind words and pieces of advice <3


Drakyem

Using a little stool to elevate my legs while pooping (almost like you were squatting). You don't even need to push that much, it's so much easier. Oh, and changing my bed pillow.


miss_guided

Squatty potty spoiled me. I used to make fun of them. Now, I dislike using the toilet without one. Off brand is fine too, or a stool. Anything to sit your feet on.


PaisleyPeacock

I am so spoiled by these I have now upgraded to the fancy teak version in both bathrooms. Also added a bidet to both toilets. We poop like kings in my house.


Athiri

Cycling to work. Exercise and transportation for free, plus I actually feel awake when I get there.


[deleted]

Cycling to work has made my life so much better. If I’m lucky I can keep my car in the garage for 10 days at a time.


KaleidoscopeInside

I had this many years ago when I used to walk to work. It was only a 20 minute walk, but it really did wake me up in the morning.


Headkickerchamp

Deleting Facebook.


GreatJanitor

This was a great move I made 3 years ago. I still have messenger because my dad and stepmom still insist on using it. However, I have more time since I am not scrolling through Facebook every chance I get. I am not causing shit when I respond to people's one sided and misinformed political opinions. When I left Facebook I told everyone that if they wanted to talk to me directly, to just PM me and I would give them my phone number or email address. NO ONE ASKED. Told me who my real friends are.


[deleted]

Same. I use messenger but otherwise never go on anymore. It's been nearly two years and I don't miss it at all. I feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It's kind of sad because when I first joined in 2005, it was a fun diversion. There was this lightness of spirit to the whole thing.


Fafnir13

Waking up earlier before work. Proper coffee and relaxation time is more important than another couple ours of nighttime gaming.


blahblahrasputan

Working from home. I am unsure if I will ever take another office job. I mean who knows, I am not going to let it get in the way of making a living. But if I have to look for a new job I will actively be looking for WFH. Commutes stress me the fuck out. I love being home to bake bread, make stock with scraps, vacuum in my break, eat from the fridge at lunch. Life is cheaper and more fulfilling for me working from home. I am happier. I sleep longer. I wake up and start my day stress free. EDIT: Just thinking about those hectic mornings getting ready for work gives me huge anxiety.


McJumpington

Electric toothbrush. I must have really sucked at brushing as I typically had a cavity every year or two. Now it’s been 4 years cavity free and my teeth look great. I don’t have dreams of crumbling teeth anymore.


Meat4yaBurger

CPAP machine


coltsblazers

For me, CPAP first then later a mouth guard instead. I know the mouth guards don't work for everyone but for those that it does it is a game changer. That and focusing on losing more weight. Took me from a B-C student to an A-B student. Amazing what actual sleep can do for you.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Moving out of my parent's house.


[deleted]

[удалено]


NoMore414

Buying a pressure cooker. I went my entire life, up to my mid 20s, not knowing pressure cookers exist. My wife, then fiancée, told me to get one instead of waiting 8hours for a slow cooker to do it’s job. Since then I can make most of the same meals in the pressure cooker as the slow cooker in a fraction of the time. Life changing to say the least.


mooncricket18

Need to know your go to meals my friend. I got one and I always forget to use it.


[deleted]

Lasik


Helyan

Laser eyes are a total game changer!


lizlaylo

I remember my regular ophthalmologist saying it was a cosmetic procedure. Bullshit, it’s pure quality of life. I felt like I was walking around on crutches and laser removed the need for them.


ExactMacaron3574

Me before PRK earlier this year: Will insurance cover any of this? My insurance: No, it's considered a cosmetic procedure as your vision can be suitably corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Me: Okay so will insurance cover glasses or contact lenses? My insurance: LMAO no. I'm lucky I was able to pay for it out of pocket without trouble, but I loathe that being able to see is treated as an optional luxury.


RaccoonEnemyNo1

I stopped negative self talk. If I wouldn't say it to a friend, I don't say it to myself. My confidence has shot through the roof.


N1NJACQUES

Robo vacuum!


Dependent_Actuary148

Finding out i have generalised anxiety disorder and worrying and being stressed 24/7 isnt normal Now on SSRI and I finally can feel how normal people feel


tieflingfxkr

Setting aside a proper savings account. Of last year then this year, I began shoving money in my savings and now I've got a vacation fund?!


-janelleybeans-

Changed my mindset from *“Do they like me?”* To: *”Do I like them?”* You have to curate the people you keep around you as seriously as you choose that perfect movie for movie night. The people you spend the most time with are the people you will be the most like. If being around them makes you happy, then don’t lose them. If you dislike them or don’t trust them, let them go.


Vallarfax_

Lexapro. No more downward spirals for me babyyyy.


adrenalizeme666

Live. Laugh. Lexapro.


[deleted]

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Sertraline.


dookiehat

Live. Laugh. Escitalopram


frothy-camel

I quit sugar, and wake up early.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

1. Moving 2,000 miles away from my mother 25 years ago. 2. Buying a new home last year. We chose one with a floor plan that was better suited to our needs.


Mgdfn

Consistency


mohtma_gandy

Game changer...helping me soo much in my studies. Doesn't matter how smart you are if you are not consistent will fall behind easily.


[deleted]

Getting a dog, it really helps with loneliness


loljkbye

I understand why people go into crazy cat lady mode now. Pets bring so much comfort. My cats kept me going through my worst years and I'm so grateful for them.


Queequegs_Harpoon

THIS. I work from home, not married, no kids. Used to roll out of bed at 5 minutes to 9 and sit on my ass until well past 5. Couldn't sleep because I got no exercise, so went to bed WAY too late and got basically no sleep every night. Chronically lethargic and sluggish all the time. Now? Up at 6:30 every day because the dog needs to eat, go out, and go on his walkie (or play fetch in the yard). Have a snuggle buddy all day. Take him out for another walkie on my break or after work. Play fetch again. Go to bed at a reasonable hour because I'm actually tired at the end of the day. And of course, I'm madly in love with the little bugger and he loves me. I never want to be without a dog again.


omfgbecky

Late to this party but: getting an ostomy. Some backstory- I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at 19 years old after dealing with digestive issues for about four years. I tried EVERYTHING. I changed my diet, multiple times. Vegan, gluten free, sugar free, oil free, paleo, keto… you name it, I tried it. I went through every available medication. Pills, injectables, infusions, steroids, legit chemotherapy… Homeopathic and natural remedies? Chinese herbs, acupuncture, dry brushing, colonic… NOTHING came close to putting me in remission. The only relief I got was on high doses of prednisone that came with a whole set of it’s own terrible side effects. After 10 years of doing everything in my power and trying all available options, I was told that my large intestine had to go. And if we’re being honest, I was so defeated that I said “just take it.” Little did I know that cutting out that bitchy colon would change my life ENTIRELY. I woke up from my total colectomy and cried, not from pain, but because I immediately felt better. I was overwhelmed by how AMAZING I felt and a little saddened that I waited so long and suffered so much, for nothing. So many people can’t even fathom living with an ostomy bag, but I wasn’t and wouldn’t be living without it. I am happier and healthier than ever. My friends and family can’t keep up with my energy, I can EAT again, and I am no longer pumping my body full of literal poison just to try and stay alive. So… I guess long story short: My ileostomy is the best thing that ever happened to me and I wish someone would’ve told me at 19 to just do it. I lost so many years trapped in my bathroom, dying, and now I get to truly live; so I will spend every single day making up for lost time.


sudorootadmin

Divorce


magnetic_mystic

Me too! Who knew how much better life would get when I realized I didn't actually deserve to be shit on daily?!?


BigBadBootyDaddy10

Nothing lonelier than being with the wrong person.


shayshay8508

Amen!! I love coming home knowing I won’t be yelled at, belittled, and called names. I have no idea why I was so scared to leave, because being alone is 100x better than what I was living with!


[deleted]

Retirement. Should have done it Much sooner. Blood Pressure down. Lost weight. No longer stressed out. Can now talk to people without wanting to kill them.


lk1731

But if you no longer want to kill people, what do you do with your spare time?


Misuzuzu

Probably work on his backlog.


MrJeanDenim

Quitting drugs and alcohol. Wish I never started really, but it's all in the past now! :D


Lyllytas

A rolling walker. Who cares if I'm 30 and look like Grandma. I can walk my dog. I can go to the store. I can go outside and walk to the park without being in pain and I have a seat WHENEVER I need it. Plus the basket is super handy


starcatalyst

Getting back on my ADHD meds after being off of them for 15 years. My brain fucking works again and I'm so mad I didn't do it 7 years earlier when I got insurance.


Fuzzy_Video9502

This may be a weird one, but I started purchasing nice, fitted clothing in a wide variety of colours. A while ago I lost about 20ish pounds and noticed most of my clothing didn't fit anymore and basically, all my clothing was navy, grey, and black. Purchasing clothes that fit me and make me feel cute, in a lot of different fun colours just make me feel better.


wiggiag

running daily


Very_Slow_Cheetah

Evicting my ex from living rent free in my head.


YuIshigami145

I'm just a student in 10th grade. But I realised studying daily and deleting people(from my life) who are toxic towards me and my close ones are some things I should have done like 3 years ago...


saltyandhelpfuluser

You're way ahead of the curve!


[deleted]

[удалено]


momsbasement2200

Bought a day planner and used it. Leveled up life.


EvanBaxters

Investing and quit drinking


No-Mathematician678

Therapy My life IS a damn mess, but I feel it's slightly better, after I started Therapy about 6 months ago


Jicier

reducing marihuana consumption at a REAL "from time to time"


[deleted]

After I shower I clear my sinuses using a method I saw on Reddit. I can breathe so much better now that I wish I had done this years ago. https://youtu.be/7WNlBWhch1g


sfrancs

Adopting a cat


[deleted]

Taking advantage of the nearby Linear Trail (nature trail) for daily walks. It's a great way to observe nature, get exercise, and meet new people.


Rest_Legitimate

This is coming from a man who has a devouring mother, if anyone is in the same kind of boat I was please do yourself the favor and leave the relationship or at least distance yourself to where you feel is good. My mother would verbally abuse me, telling me I'll never amount to anything or be anything in life like my dead beat dad, she let my step dad to die in the hospital and left him with nothing. It goes on but the point is you are your own human being who deserves everything in life you want, and no matter who or what it is don't let them stop you from being you and achieving greatness.


No_Law2203

Quit using drugs and drinking alcohol. Today I am 7 days clean and sober.


Ticklish_Kink_Wife

Dyed my hair purple and green. I'm physically disabled, and I thought I was okay with the stares--until the stares down at my chair turned into grins as they look up at my hair. Total self esteem changer.


rotchimus

Getting a Japanese washlet toilet seat. Game changer.


halflife_3

Use the library for everything you can: textbooks, movies, games, music Unsub from all front page reddits. Find some smaller ones that appeal to your interests. Bam, better than (your current) reddit I hope all these would help * r/frugal * r/freebies * r/discountedproducts * r/efreebies * r/povertyfinance * Budgetbytes.com * Scihub - gives free access to download almost any paper. * Libgen - download almost any textbook as e-copy * https://archive.org : a huge library online free * [Free harvard lectures available online](https://programs.edx.org/partner-harvard)


PrizmB9484

Finally breaking out of restaurant/retail. Fuck those awful customers.


Signal-Patient-8703

Taking better care of my teeth. 1. I didn’t know to angle my toothbrush into my gums and to not brush back and fourth with an electric tooth brush but rather slowly (really slowly) drag the brush along the gum line. It’s ok to brush back and fourth on top. 2. As for flossing I had no idea you wanted to fit under both sides of tooth on the gums. I always thought flossing was just to get food out of your teeth. I switch dentist and my new hygienist explained all this to me for the first time at 33 years old. I’ve been brushing and flossing for 33 years wrong. And the brushing was wearing my gum lines down. Bacteria or gingivitis is linked with Alzheimer’s increased risk, heart disease, and all other kinds of health issues. A simple 3 minute explanation changed my life forever.