your stupid little life hacks that make even a tiny difference

[Anonymous]

I'll start: I've started doing 15 minutes of aerobics a day. I can feel my endorphins kicking in about five minutes in. That feeling stays with me for a lot of the day. I think I'm losing a little weight, too - and even if not, I feel happier with my body.

That's in addition to lots and lots of walking - it's not my only exercise - but I truly think that this stupid 15 minutes of aerobics per day is actually making a difference in my life.

I do videos - I like the ones from the Body Project, and also like to do a bunch of different 15 minute dance workouts. (I can't follow most of the moves but I can jump around.)

Do you have any dumb little things you do that you think actually make your life a little better? I don't mean things that cost a ton of money or take a ton of time - but affordable stuff that easily fits in with a busy life.

[Anonymous]

I get up a bit early and as soon as I wake up I brush my teeth, drink a big glass of water and go for a short walk.

Before I look at my phone or have coffee or anything else.

Feels like it kick starts my day.

[Anonymous]

Meal planning 1.5-2 weeks out. It's a pain in the butt, but it really streamlines grocery shopping and mostly eliminates whining about dinners during the week (b/c I strive for family consensus on the plan).

[Anonymous]

Organized email inbox with folders and frequent use of trash.

[Anonymous]

I have a under $20 Mr coffee coffee maker that has an automatic on feature. Before I go to bed, I fill it with fresh water and a fresh filter and coffee, and then at 5:00 a.m. it switches on and I get up to a nice fresh pot of coffee! I love to open my eyes to the smell of coffee brewing.

[Anonymous]

Exercising every day. Peloton tread and some free weights.

HRT.

Not cheap, but I get meals from a local check that I heat up. It's more expensive than cooking, less expensive than eating out, and healthier than fast food.

[Anonymous]

Meal plan dinner delivery service Monday through Thursday, for two people.

[Anonymous]

Last fall I started an arms workout. It takes under ten minutes, I do it three times a week, and the shape of my arms has changed. I use arm muscles now instead of straining my back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Meal planning 1.5-2 weeks out. It's a pain in the butt, but it really streamlines grocery shopping and mostly eliminates whining about dinners during the week (b/c I strive for family consensus on the plan).

That's a good hack! Do you sit down with the whole family and talk through what you'll be eating every night? Do you have takeout nights scheduled or are those spontaneous?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get up a bit early and as soon as I wake up I brush my teeth, drink a big glass of water and go for a short walk.

Before I look at my phone or have coffee or anything else.

Feels like it kick starts my day.

This one feels like GREAT self care - a term I generally hate, except when it really works. That sounds lovely. (Though the big glass of water first means I would def have to pee!)

[Anonymous]

Listening to audiobooks from Libby while I fold laundry or clean the kitchen makes it so much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meal planning 1.5-2 weeks out. It's a pain in the butt, but it really streamlines grocery shopping and mostly eliminates whining about dinners during the week (b/c I strive for family consensus on the plan).

That's a good hack! Do you sit down with the whole family and talk through what you'll be eating every night? Do you have takeout nights scheduled or are those spontaneous?

Not the PP poster, but my family does this, and the meal plan gets posted on the fridge so everyone can see it for the week. We schedule a friday takeout night every week. If we do a takeout night on a different night we move the meal from that night to Friday night.

[Anonymous]

I fold all clean clothes in the laundry room on top of the washer/dryer. Then I ask everyone to grab their clothes and put them away. It's such a small thing but when I used to put the clothes in hampers and take them to another room I always procrastinated on the folding part.

I don't meal plan everything but on Sundays I make high protein overnight oatmeals with fruit for 6 mornings a week. It means I don't have to worry about a meal first thing in the AM and the high protein gives me energy. I also try and make a veggie filled quiche every Sunday (I don't eat meat) because that and a side salad is a good protein-based lunch for 3 days or so.

[Anonymous]

I have a beautiful ceramic dish on the console table near the front door where I place my keys. I know so many people that waste time or end up getting out the house late because they can't find their keys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a under $20 Mr coffee coffee maker that has an automatic on feature. Before I go to bed, I fill it with fresh water and a fresh filter and coffee, and then at 5:00 a.m. it switches on and I get up to a nice fresh pot of coffee! I love to open my eyes to the smell of coffee brewing.

This!!!