Wellbeing
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Grow zinnias from a cheap seed pack for continuous blooms that appear roughly a month after planting.
They are 'cut and come again' plants.
one person who lived it
Base your weekly menu on items that are on sale to help with budgeting.
helps a bit
one person who lived it
Avoid drive-in car washes to prevent damage to your vehicle's paint.
They can damage the paint.
one person who lived it
Sprinkle only a bit of flower food per vase change rather than using the entire packet at once to make it last longer.
A single packet should last for several water changes.
- Amount depends on vase size and water volume.
one person who lived it
Reward yourself with time spent on favorite activities rather than food or buying things.
Buying stuff may provide no kick and rewarding with food can be a bad habit.
one person who lived it
Redirect gift money toward your own essentials, recognizing that this fulfills the giver's true intent to care for you.
Taking care of yourself is what the giver really wanted.
one person who lived it
Buy fresh fruit when it is on sale to feel special.
Fresh strawberries, mango, and cherries have felt really special.
one person who lived it
Use small dessert cups for snacks to help with portion control by making the amount visible.
Seeing how much you are getting helps limit intake.
one person who lived it
Have a partner or friend choose which wrapped treat package you open to avoid cheating yourself out of the surprise.
To avoid cheating.
one person who lived it
16 more on this
Spend a set amount on a high-quality single item occasionally as a treat rather than buying large quantities of lower-quality items frequently.
It prevents constantly giving in to impulses for cheaper bulk options.
one person who lived it
Spend an hour or two sitting with eyes closed, actively listening and absorbing music as a standalone activity.
This solves the problem of not knowing what to do right now.
one person who lived it
Read fantasy novels from the library.
They serve as brain-candy.
one person who lived it
Take up physical activity like walking, exercising, or martial arts to improve mood after a bad day.
One person reported feeling better before even arriving at class.
- Based on personal anecdotes.
one person who lived it
Grow microgreens indoors to save money on fresh produce and avoid waste.
It allows you to see plants grow, saves money on fresh produce, and reduces worry about vegetables rotting.
one person who lived it
Shop at dollar stores for inexpensive comfort items during difficult times.
It helped one person get through rough periods.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Listen to 99% Invisible to make mornings less crappy through topics like history, urban planning, government projects, art, and technology.
It offers a 'fascinating look at some of the hidden-in-plain-sight elements of day-to-day life'.
one person who lived it
Listen to the College Info Podcast to organize and calm your thoughts through its variety of topics presented in a non-serious manner.
One listener found it good for organizing and calming down their thoughts.
one person who lived it
Plan a project like baking cookies for neighbors to give yourself something exciting to look forward to.
Having something exciting to anticipate helped one person get through a difficult week.
one person who lived it
Use cleaning vinegar and baking soda for household cleaning needs.
Baking soda cleans toilets and vinegar spray keeps bathtub grime off.
one person who lived it
Admit when you cannot afford certain activities to relieve the pressure of participating.
It is somewhat freeing.
one person who lived it
Slip short meditation practices into cracks in the schedule, especially on busy days.
It is helpful and convenient on difficult days.
one person who lived it
Volunteer for causes aligned with your interests to build community and potentially receive perks like free admissions.
Getting involved with like-minded people can create community and new friendships; volunteers sometimes receive perks such as free admissions or discounts.
one person who lived it
Keep pre-portioned refrigerator cookies ready to bake in a toaster oven for an immediate psychological boost.
It provides a psychological boost.
one person who lived it
View spending at local businesses as supporting the local economy and contributing to a more vibrant neighborhood.
It boosts the local economy and creates a better environment for you to live in.
one person who lived it
Reserve specific TV shows or episodes exclusively as rewards for completing tasks.
one person who lived it