People Online Share 30 Small Habits Or Changes That Improved Their Entire Life

Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that end up having the biggest impact. From simple habits to life-changing choices, we all have those moments when we think, “Why didn’t I do this years ago?” On Reddit, someone asked the community a simple but thought-provoking question: “What improved your quality of life so much, you wish you did it sooner?”

#1

Image source: jdlech

Walking away from my toxic family.

#2

Image source: Clay_Moore_, Chevanon Photography

Getting a dog.

#3

Image source: No_Vast2882, Ron Lach

Quitting smoking. I smoked for 46 years and quit 13 years ago. Too many negatives to list and too many positives to list.

#4

Image source: Fabulous-Barbie-6153, Andrew Neel

By learning that anxious thoughts actually don’t need to be explored. I used to ruminate and obsess over my worst anxieties/fears, but all that did was teach my brain that it’s a valid fear by constantly worrying about it. Now when I have an anxious thought, i’m like cool bro, but you’re just a thought and you have no power over me. I’m safe. And then eventually the fear/worry/obsession goes away, because you’re teaching your brain that it’s not really a big deal after all.

edit: i just want to say thank you for the awards!! i didn’t expect my comment to blow up like this, but i’m so happy my words have been able to help so many people :).

#5

Image source: MixFinancial4708, RDNE Stock project

Saying no without over-explaining. Once I stopped feeling guilty for protecting my time and energy, everything got lighter. Wish I’d learned that boundary-setting wasn’t rude way earlier.

#6

Image source: GreenEyedHawk, Dziana Hasanbekava

Getting good with being single.

It’s a powerful position to be in. Now the only people in my life are the ones I want in my life; not people I’m settling for our of fear of being alone.

#7

Image source: PT2B, Tofros.com

Deleting instagram. Its not real.

#8

Image source: Jncocontrol, cottonbro studio

Moving abroad

I used to be such a bitter a*****e, but since I’ve moved, I’ve calmed down. I have money, good relationship with coworkers ava just overall I feel more optimistic.

#9

Image source: 0ogl3, Kaboompics.com

Make a budget. Not a spreadsheet that you look at sometimes. A real, check at least once per day, budget.

#10

Image source: ToffeeHop, Pixabay

Going for a walk in nature every morning.

#11

Image source: MailFar6917, Mikhail Nilov

Eliminated my debts.

My disposable income jumped dramatically, though it took years of hard work.

I will never ever do that again.

#12

Image source: marushia-on-reddit, Kyle Loftus

Leaving a dismissive avoidant partner and working on my own attachment issues. Our best investment is in us. Don’t abandon yourself.

#13

Image source: tdmopar67, Blaz Photo

Reading.

#14

Image source: PaddywackShaq, Victor Freitas

Going to the gym.

#15

Image source: air621, Midhun Harikumar

Cutting alcohol out of my life completely.

#16

Image source: Lower_Travel_7843, Anna Nekrashevich

Buying an eye mask for sleeping.

#17

Image source: Anonymous_Coder_1234, Stephen Han

Spending my money on me instead of trying to maximize investments. I’m glad I used to do that, but that phase of my life is done.

#18

Image source: Confident_Gur_7818, rawpixel.com

Finally losing weight.

#19

Image source: LaoghaireElgin, senivpetro

This is always controversial, but starting Mounjaro to help with weight loss.

For years I tried healthy eating and exercise. I tried calorie counting and even tried a couple of fad diets. I went to dietitians and saw personal trainers. I did everything the doctors recommended. In the end, if I ate more than 800 calories, the weight just packed back on. If I ate less and didn’t work out, I sustained. If I worked out, I lost weight.

I went for a prolonged period of 800 calories and working out (2 years) and lost heaps of weight but I lost hair and it caused other issues to the point where my doc recommended I eat at least 1200 calories a day. Within a year, I had gained all the weight back and packed more on.

I tried to go about things the “right” way according to most medical professionals and not rely on a “magical” fix.

Then I saw a doctor that specialised in female medicine and a hormone specialist. Testing was done. Turns out I had a severe hormonal imbalance and metabolic issues. I will likely be on this medication (at least on a low dose) for the rest of my life.

How did it change my life? I eat between 1200-1400 calories a day and work out as I was before and I’m down 38 kilograms (and still going). Everything is just…easier. Since losing the weight, my hormonal imbalance has resolved and my autoimmune issues have been in remission for over a year. My self confidence and ideas surrounding self efficacy have soared – especially since I now know that I wasn’t “failing” and that there was a reason my “best” wasn’t good enough.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re “cheating” if you get help losing weight. You’re still addressing a health issue that is likely having a carry on effect and causing other issues. If you’re not already eating and working out, you’re still putting in the hard yards and learning or building new habits.

#20

Image source: Newbie10011001, rawpixel.com

A good Mattress topper.

#21

Image source: PlayfulWitchx, cookie_studio

Stop working more than 40 hours a week.

#22

Therapy and medication.

Image source: mijolnirmkiv

#23

Image source: JediMindTricks1979, kues1

Setting boundaries and no longer being a people pleaser!

#24

Image source: MysticMeadowex, Yasin Hasan

Going to bed on time.

#25

Listening to White noises

It ain’t talked about often but listening to white noises helps you sleep better, helps with anxieties, helps you focuses more it’s just cheat code for your brain.

Image source: Objective-Advisor789

#26

Image source: Both-Friend-4202, Adam Winger

Stopped acting like a door 🚪 mat..that everybody could wipe their feet on. 👵.

#27

Image source: ricgreen1, anon

Adding a bidet toilet seat to our toilet.

#28

Stopped trying to please people.

Image source: StellarPotato420

#29

Image source: alanbastard, Kelly Sikkema

Divorce.

#30

Image source: mossxsanctuary, Chang Duong

Healing my childhood trauma 💚