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We're always looking for way to self-improve, and while there's no magic wand, there are always little habits we can pick up that actually make a difference.
Well, Redditor CupcakeAnxious4823 asked r/AskReddit, "People over 30, what habit has had the biggest positive impact on your life?" Here's what they had to say:
1."Regular exercise – jogging and lifting weights. Health is good. Mind is good."
"Definitely. The thing is, you don't even have to be ‘good’ at exercise for this to work. Just moving your body seems to flip a switch for problem-solving."
2."Have some low-stimulus, quiet time. I love going for a walk without music, reading for pleasure, listening to music with my eyes closed and relaxed, and sitting on the back deck listening to the world go by. We unknowingly overstimulate ourselves to exhaustive levels."
3."For me, it's doing some stretches and then lying down for a bit. It brings me into a nice meditative state."
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4."Stop seeking external validation."
"But how?"
"Honestly, time. You'll realise how many moments you missed out on because you were too shy, too embarrassed, or too concerned about what other people thought of you. Enough of the ‘what ifs’ will get to you that the pain of those missed opportunities will eventually outweigh the fear of embarrassment. And that's when the switch flips."
5."Sticking to a morning routine that prevents me from leaving for work at the last minute. You'd be surprised by the impact of a stress-free commute to work versus a stressful one. Such a small habit change has already affected my life in a pretty positive way. My work performance has improved, I'm making more money, and I have fewer bills. Less stress. And this is only the second month since I made that commitment."
6."Deleting Instagram and Facebook and never dabbling in TikTok. I did it six years ago and have never regretted that decision."
7."Gardening. Literally free therapy."
8."Waking up early. I was a noon-or-later sleeper. I haven’t woken up past 7:30 more than a handful of times in the past ten years. It makes me so much happier. My rule: you can nap if you need to later. If you nap, great; if you don’t, you get that much more day."
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9."I was massively depressed, angry and, to be honest, not a particularly nice person to be around. I always rejected the idea of therapy because the past is painful, and I always kept it bottled up. I was given an ultimatum: therapy or leave. I chose therapy. It's hard, uncomfortable, and things get worse once you open the bottle of past events, feelings, and behaviours... but it gets better. I got better."
10."Cooking is such an underrated skill to have. Knowing how to make killer home-cooked meals is super satisfying and gives a person so much freedom."
11."This was passed down to me decades ago: ‘Messy (room/home/workspace/car); messy mind.’"
12."I stopped eating ultra-processed foods. Not only did my physical health improve, but my sleep quality improved too, and with that, many other aspects of my life."
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13."Learning to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty. It saved my time, energy, and mental health."
14."Being genuinely nice to everyone I come into contact with. It's served me well for decades and has certainly resulted in promotions and opportunities."
15."Forcing yourself to say something positive when complaining or venting about something negative. Even if unrelated, try to end a conversation on a good note."
16."Flossing. Dental bills are expensive and can be painful AF. Bad dental hygiene stacks up over time, so once you hit your 30s, any bad habits will catch up with you. Floss every day."
17."Trying to be outside more and spending much less time on screens, including phones."
18."Going to the gym consistently and putting real effort into lifting. I can do ‘normal’ things that others in my age group struggle to do, or they move like they are old."
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19."Finding a place for everything and putting it back. Every time."
20."Sunscreen. Should have started 10 years earlier, but glad it’s a routine now."
21."Consuming 25g of fiber per day. Lowered LDL, it cleared up my acne and I'm basically wiping for insurance at this point."
22."For me, regular walks, exercise, and learning something new. Accepting help from a doctor (I have a mild anxiety disorder). Learning how to work for your lifestyle instead of living for your work. Spending time with family. My niece will only be 10 years old for so long, and my parents will not be around forever. As I see myself age, I learn about my heritage and the culture of my ancestors. It feels like a fulfilling way to love and accept yourself."
23."Keeping a journal."
"Even if all I write is the date, the fragrance I wore, and the watch I wore that day, and nothing else. I've learned a lot about myself by what I choose to put on paper. It started with things that made me mad, but over time, it's turned into more about the good things in my life and concerns about the future my children are heading towards.
What has helped me stick to doing it is always doing it as I lay down to go to bed. I got myself a nice, big blank book and a very comfortable fountain pen to write with. I take it with me when I travel as well."
H/T to CupcakeAnxious4823 and r/AskReddit for having the discussion!
Any of your own to add? Let us know in the comments below!
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