Have you ever learned something that blew your mind but simultaneously made you regret all of the time you spent not doing it? Like meal prepping on Sunday evening, watching your favorite Netflix show while walking on the treadmill, or working remotely instead of commuting. We are always on the lookout for ways to improve the quality of our lives, so why not hear some tips from others online too?
2 weeks ago, Reddit user Kxrll reached out asking others to share the things that improved their lives so much they wish they had started doing them sooner. The comments were flooded with time-saving tips and habits people developed that increased their happiness. So we hope you enjoy reading the responses below, and maybe you’ll even be inspired to start reading every evening or eating healthier as well. Be sure to upvote the replies that resonate with you, and then if you’re interested in finding out more small habits that can have an impact on your daily life, check out this Bored Panda piece next.
#1
Doing at least one chore a day.
You would be amazed at how well getting *something* done, even if you hate it, can fight back against certain depressive mentalities, particularly the ones that convince you you’re useless or are a burden.
Image source: Raetekusu, Anton
#2
Stopped arguing with random strangers on internet.
Image source: SuvenPan, Kaitlyn Baker
#3
Moved away from the state I grew up in. I didn’t know how unhappy I was. I had gotten used to being miserable and now that I’m in a better area I’m a completely different person.
Image source: jasenzero1, Michal Balog
#4
I stopped living my life just waiting for the weekend. When you work 5 days a week and have just 2 off, it’s not good to be always waiting for those 2 days. You can plan something meaningful or fun every day, even if it’s just a small thing.
Image source: cake_or_cookies, Yasmina H
#5
Getting a dog
Image source: taste_the_equation, Marliese Streefland
#6
Got a cat
Image source: Aistisice, Manja Vitolic
#7
Stopped caring what others think about me.
Image source: JerkCircleton, Gian Cescon
#8
Learning to set boundaries and say no
Image source: Electronic_Pain_9329, William Pearce
#9
Cut toxic people out of my life
Image source: Upper-Job5130
#10
Reading books way more
Image source: bobbyfreshcuts, Priscilla Du Preez
#11
I started viewing things as potential experiences rather than just opportunities for achievement.
Before that, for example, if I took a class then I was only focused on the grade. If I couldn’t get a good grade, I didn’t like the class. Heck, I wouldn’t even start a book if I thought it might be too hard or too long and I might not finish it.
Then I realized the purpose of classes (and books and other things) was to learn and that hard ones were likely the ones I learned the most from, even if I didn’t get the best grade.
I started doing all sorts of stuff with the idea that I just wanted the experience. Even if I was the worst one out there, who cares? I wasn’t there for the achievement, I wanted to learn things.
This works socially as well and I started taking way more risks, telling myself that, at the very least, it would be a learning experience.
I saw a saying once: “It’s only a failure if you stop trying, otherwise, it’s an experiment.” I love it.
Image source: zazzlekdazzle, Fuu J
#12
Left my abusive relationship of 14 years.
Image source: Sticet
#13
Stopped going to church. Not going to church is such a big part of my life now. I wish I had not gone sooner.
Image source: SimonFerocious76
#14
Quitting drinking is the best thing I’ve ever done for my mental and physical health and it’s done nothing but improve my relationships. The last year and a half have been the best I’ve ever had
Image source: TLB1023
#15
Walking! I’ve got stamina again
Image source: KeyMathematician1337, Jeffrey Grospe
#16
Eating dinner or a late snack at work. Too often I would leave work hungry, and the temptation driving past Chick-fil-A or the corner taco shop was too much. I’ve kept my weight under control for a couple of years now, having dropped from the 220s to the 170s.
Image source: poe_todd, engin akyurt
#17
Got a proper diagnosis. I think a lot of people that for years questioned themselves “what’s wrong with me?” when they finally got diagnosed it’s a big relief and changes a lot in a better way
Image source: popcornostar, National Cancer Institute
#18
Bachelor degree at 47 years old. Master degree at 50 years old.
Doubled my salary in 4 years, from just getting by to on track for retiring at 60.
Image source: scientistzero, Mark Timberlake
#19
When I was told that I would lose my eyesight it made me pay more attention to how beautiful the sky was. I can still see and I enjoy watching the clouds on a level I can’t even explain.
#20
Meeting my wife. That woman fills my heart in ways words can’t describe. It just can’t be too much sooner because then I wouldn’t have my awesome step-sons.
Image source: StartSmalls, Cody Black
#21
Learning how to do everything myself. Car issue? Look it up. Fix my fence? Look it up. Just do it all myself. Replace valves? Look it up.
If they don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.
Image source: AJackOffAllTrade
#22
listening to the sound of rain to fall asleep
Image source: LaylaZoldyck, Anna Atkins
#23
working out and deleting most social media like twitter
Image source: ritamoren
#24
Not everyone can afford this but: moving closer to work.
My commute went from 45 miserable minutes in traffic glaring in hatred at the tail lights in front of me to a pleasant 15 minute bike ride. I got an hour of free time every day and better health.
Image source: munificent, Nhi Dam
#25
Quitting smoking.
Image source: strungup, Marina Khrapova
#26
Daily exercise. It doubled my energy for an hour out of my day.
Image source: WokeIsSoTeens, Jamie Ginsberg
#27
Trying to be more positive in general.
Image source: shadyfortheshade, Brooke Cagle
#28
No one has said it yet, but Lazer eye surgery.
Best money I’ve ever spent.
Image source: -ElysianFields-, Brands&People
#29
Finding the right therapist. Been in since I was 9, and found the right one at 23. It’s only been maybe 6 months but I’ve already unpacked so much more trauma in that small time than I did all the other YEARS wasted in therapy.
Image source: tomatobee613, Mark Williams
#30
Exercise every day. Anxiety and depression are much easier to manage, and I got some confidence I haven’t had in years
Image source: darodardar_Inc, Sven Mieke
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