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There’s a lot to be said for quality of life, and sometimes, the tiniest changes can improve things dramatically. Ideally, these things shouldn’t cost much, require much sacrifice, or disturb your existing work-life balance.
One person asked the internet, “What improved your quality of life so much, you wish you did it sooner?”, and netizens were only too happy to share the life-changing hacks and habits that worked for them. Tuck into this list of our favorites.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Saying “no” without an essay attached.
Hoi-Polloi 8 months ago
Does that actually work out? "Can you help me?" "No." "Oh okay, this subject is closed for all time with no hard feelings. Cheerio!"
Schnitzel 8 months ago
Cheerio! LOL and the answer to your question is no.
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#2
Deleting insta, FB, X and TikTok.
g90814 8 months ago
I only use FB for keeping in touch with RL friends and family, and some reputable news outlets. Otherwise I stay out of the toxic side. Insta/X I only have accounts there if I need to look something up, never post there. F TikTok though.
Boris Long-Johnson 8 months ago
Reddit is a very different animal - plus if it works for them to keep Reddit and not another social media fair enough! BP is hardly different enough for people to take the high ground.
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Jenn Smith 8 months ago
I'm so glad I deleted mine. Only had on. But good riddance. BP is all I kept
#3
Going no contact with toxic family.
Quality of life isn’t just about money or luxury - it’s how you feel every day. From energy to relationships, the little things all add up to shaping your well-being. The good news? Your life doesn’t need a massive overhaul. Just a few tweaks to your daily routine can dramatically boost your mood, energy, and overall happiness. Let’s explore a few!
Morning light is a secret weapon. Getting a dose of natural light in the morning helps reset your body’s internal clock, improves sleep, boosts mood, and even sharpens focus. Try opening your curtains first thing or taking a quick morning walk. Bonus fact: sunlight gives you a healthy hit of vitamin D, which can reduce the risk of depression.
#4
Go for a walk. Every day. Your mood will improve, just being outside.
Firstname Lastname 8 months ago
If Mother Nature would realize it's spring and not still be cold and snowy, my outside mood would indeed improve.
SlothyK8 8 months ago
SAME! This is always the worst time of year. The snow is mostly gone, but every couple of days it snows again and sticks around for a bit. It's muddy, cloudy and cold. Not winter, but not nice enough to be outside. MASSIVE cabin fever.
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Jenn Smith 8 months ago
Even around your own little yard. Or " garden "... I'm even happier when I call the yard the " garden"😁👣
#5
Adopting cats. Who knew these fluffy bastards would make me so happy.
Tucker Cahooter 8 months ago
The cats in the neighborhood were the only things that kept me sane when I was living my previous solitary existence
#6
Cutting loose friends who were never really friends.
Ravenkbh 8 months ago
I tried that then discovered all my friends cut me loose! Now my evenings are much freer
Uncle Panda 8 months ago (edited)
Now you have JOMO - the Joy Of Missing Out.
Load More Replies... Little Bit 8 months ago
I did that and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I don't regret it for a single moment. No more being left down.
Beth Wheeler 8 months ago
That happened to my cousin, she caught her husband cheating. Two of her friends since they were little girls sided with her now ex-husband because he has a lot of $$$. They had lots of mutual friends from highschool and they sided with Marty. He's the one that cheated not her. They built a business that he's trying to screw her out of. I was shocked one evening before everything happened to find out that he's racist after drinking several beers. I've known him for over 40 years and had never heard anything even remotely racist from him.
Breathe like you mean it. Most people unwittingly breathe shallowly, fueling anxiety and fatigue. Five minutes a day of deep, intentional breathing can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes an enduring sense of calmness. It’s free, quick, and a total game-changer.
Move your body. Exercise doesn’t have to be heavy to be effective. Stretching, walking, or even dancing in your kitchen improves circulation and releases endorphins. Just 10 minutes of movement can elevate mood and reduce stress. The key? Consistency. Find something you enjoy and do it regularly - even if it’s just a little bit every day.
#7
I Stopped allowing my family’s religious beliefs to restrict me and just lived the way I wanted to.
Shamir Ibrahim 8 months ago
This one I did few years ago. My mum said she will cut me off. But I am happier now. I do not criticize others for believing anything they want to believe in, but being atheist is actually liberating for me.
#8
Living closer to my job. My commute is about 7 minutes. I have more time and more money.
Tucker Cahooter 8 months ago
Easier said than done for most people. And I don't think I have ever met anyone who has marveled about how cheap it is to live close to the CBD
Sam Lombardo 8 months ago
Closer means far more rent in many cases, so you could also loose money...
Sven Horlemann 8 months ago
I REALLY enjoy my home office. Lost too much time on the Autobahn, or generally doing business trips.
#9
Quitting a toxic job. I never knew just how much it could affect your mental health until I got a better job. I put up with SO much c**p for years because I thought that was how it was at all jobs. Now I’m so much happier. I don’t burst into tears before my shift. I don’t have daily panic attacks because I’m worried about my boss screaming at me in front of other people. It was so liberating to be rid of my old job.
Kat Alison 8 months ago
I got fired from a toxic job and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Sleep like it’s your job. Sleep is the cornerstone of a vital life, yet it's often sacrificed to distractions. Aim for 7–9 hours, and create a nighttime routine like no screens an hour before bed, dimmed lights, and a calming read. Better sleep improves memory, immune function, and emotional regulation - basically, everything you need to thrive.
Take a digital detox. Constant notifications fracture your focus and increase stress. Try not to use mobile phones during meals or to use one screen-free hour before bed. Use “Do Not Disturb” or airplane mode generously. You’ll reap the rewards of more presence, deeper conversations, and less comparison-induced anxiety.
#10
Plan something in the middle of week, don’t wait to live your life only on the weekends.
Serena Myers 8 months ago
One of the joys (if that is the right word!) of retirement is being able to decide which of several jobs you feel like doing that day. Obviously feeding the cats comes first! After that, unless it's essential, plan the day around what you feel like doing. Washing the curtains? No, not today. Cleaning the kitchen? Ok, I'll do that today. Then I brood over my epiphyllum babies! Epiphyllum...644895.jpg 
#11
Don't be angry all the time. You waste so much time, energy and emotional maturity being angry.
Tucker Cahooter 8 months ago
Well I would be a lot less angry if I didn't have to deal with so many shitheads at work
Reset Game 8 months ago
Easier said than done.... So much has changed in just the few months the regime took over
#12
Solo trips. to the beach, to the flea market, literally wherever. solo trips are just so freeing. just grab a coffee, play your favorite songs at full volume in the car and go wherever you want for however long you want, and it's just so ✨peaceful✨.
GirlFriday 8 months ago
I love taking solo trips. Don't get me wrong, I love traveling with my co-conspirator as well. But a solo trip - even if it is a 2 hour drive to a baseball game on my own - will recharge my soul.
Mary Kelly 8 months ago
so many people miss out on so many things b/c they don't want to go solo!
Moana Manana 8 months ago
I do that every weekend. Saturday and Sunday morning I walk to a local coffee shop, have a coffee and read my book. After an hour I go to the bakery, buy fresh buns and go to my partens and have breakfast with them. I am lucky they're still around and I will do this for as long as it is meant to be... Solo coffee and breakfast with parents. Awsome weekend morinngs ❤
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago (edited)
Dogs are good for this. Support and company, but with no expectation of a meaningful conversation.
Gratitude isn’t just a buzzword. Writing down just three things you’re grateful for once a day can rewire your brain to focus on the positive stuff in your life. Proven to improve mental health and resilience, gratitude shifts your mindset from lack to abundance, and you’ll feel the benefits in just a few weeks.
Finally, just say no. Your time and energy are limited. Learning to say “no” protects both. Overcommitting leads to burnout, resentment, and stress. Don’t think putting up boundaries is selfish - they’re necessary for a healthy, balanced life. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but more freedom is waiting for you on the other side.
#13
Stopped drinking.
Nichole Harris 8 months ago
Wish I could..... My budget would increase by 30% and I'd feel better
Mike F 8 months ago
If that is what you're after I wish you all the best! There are a few of us here who got sober for various reasons and varied lengths of time. Like they tell smokers who want to quit, "don't quit quitting". Hang in there!
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#14
Getting a decent mattress. Having insanely hot baths before bed.
I sleep so much better now. .
#15
Becoming a birder. Physically I get outside and walk more. Emotionally I feel connected with nature and it lifts my spirits instantly, no matter how blue I'm feeling. And mentally it helps to keep me sharp, identifying birds by sight and sound, researching species, learning and discovering their behaviors. Plus, I'm more aware of the need for conservation. And as a bonus I connect with other bird lovers here on reddit and through a membership to the pocadt The Science of Birds which has brought me hours of enjoyment and education. The hobby doesn't cost much at all, depending on how involved I choose to be. It's literally given me something to look forward to and focus on during some of the roughest days I've faced.
Cee Cee 8 months ago
I'm reading a wonderful book on bird intelligence - 'The Genius of Birds'. Fascinating and a relatively easy read. Recommend it to anyone interested in birds.
Dolevaal 8 months ago
Thanks for the tip! I feel like birds are still pretty underestimated. Some ex - friends have parrots and they are super interesting and social creatures 💛
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Chewie Baron 8 months ago
I’ve been a birder since I was knee high to a mallard. I can still remember my excitement when I saw a Goldcrest in a Welsh wood!
So, there you have it. Leveling up your quality of life can actually come down to simply adjusting some habits, and not one will cost you even a penny. What do you think of the lifestyle tweaks netizens shared in this list? Upvote your favorites and leave a comment on the ones you’re keen to try out yourself.
Have you got your own hacks for squeezing more positive vibes out of life? Are there any you want to share? Let us know in the comments!
#16
Hiring a monthly cleaner.
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
Mixed feelings. I honestly think I'd miss this, after a while. Doing it myself does come with a degree of accomplishment. For me, at least.
#17
Therapy and getting a bidet. (They’re unrelated).
Tucker Cahooter 8 months ago
Thanks for the clarification. I was trying to imagine a psychologist during a therapy session recommending that you purchase a bidet (unless there is a school of thought called the Bidetists that disagree with the Jungians and Freudians)
Phantom Phoenix 8 months ago
Just wondering, is Bidetists pronounced Bid-a-ists or Bid-a-tists?
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#18
Job/company change.
Companies aren’t out for your best interests, even if you have a genuinely great boss/manager.
I stayed in my first post-college job for far too long and massively stunted my savings potential.
Michael Largey 8 months ago
A great boss will be the first to tell you that the company is not looking out for your best interest - or his.
#19
Money.
Beth Wheeler 8 months ago
I could definitely use more, there's stuff that needs to be done to my house that I can't afford to do. I also need some stuff done to my van.
#21
Consistent workout routine.
Marleina Hershberg 8 months ago
If only I was consistently awake enough on a daily basis, with no allergies.
#22
Buying 3 Blahaj stuffed sharks from Ikea. I went from falling asleep in 20 minutes to 5.
#23
Therapy, my god. I wish I had started like 10 years earlier. I'd be so much less medicated and further ahead in my life.
Hoi-Polloi 8 months ago
I want a therapist who also has a fiduciary duty, so I don't have to worry she's stretching out the healing process in order to cash in. Some kind of MD-CPA kind of deal.
Cyndi Hafele 8 months ago (edited)
I might have had one of those. We watched each other get old, literally. Then I got on meds and found buoyancy and interest and calm. Stopped therapy. Now I'm just medicated. It's wonderful.
Load More Replies... #24
Coming out of the closet, I did so when I was 22, wish I came out at 13 when I realized I was gay.
Michael Largey 8 months ago
When you come out to yourself is much more important than when you come out to others.
#25
Stopped eating sugar/sugary things and drinking a lot more water. No more aching knee (I'm old lol) and no more acid reflux. Also haven't had a cavity in 8 years and don't get that weird 'furry teeth' feeling after food.
All profits to charity 8 months ago
Or inflammation. Sugar can trigger the inflammatory process.
Cyndi Hafele 8 months ago
I use steel wool on my teeth once a week and swish with hydrogen peroxide every morning. They never feel furry.
#26
Running. I hated it for months. I was doing it because I wanted to pick up a hobby, but I have a bit of an [obsession with] things that give off adrenaline. I loved the feeling of finishing a few miles of a run and coming home, showering and that sit down right after. The mind clarity during and after is a game changer.
#27
I stopped wearing synthetic fabrics, for one. Didn’t matter what season it was, I was always uncomfortable, getting rashes, overheating…traded out every piece I owned for wool, linen, and silk, and have been comfortable ever since.
🇺🇦 🇵🇸 TribbleThinking 8 months ago
In my youth, I treated myself to an expensive soft Marks and Spencer lambswool jumper. It was the most uncomfortable itchiest revenge-of-the-non-consenting-baby-animal piece of clothing I have EVER worn.
#28
Daily bike riding. Also, quit eating in restaurants every day.
Tucker Cahooter 8 months ago
I loved going there every day but I guess it is good that El Bulli closed its doors or I would be really impoverished now
#29
LASIK eye surgery.
Not-a-Clue (she/her) 8 months ago
Didn't work for me, I was so disappointed. It was amazing for about 18 months but then I needed glasses again so it wasn't at all cost effective.
Kat Alison 8 months ago
Just don’t wait until you’re too old to do it. Your eyesight changes as you get older. I had LASIK at age 50 and it was great….for about seven or eight years….until I needed bifocals/progressives.
Mike F 8 months ago
Think long and know the risks. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2018/12/18/meteorologist-jessica-starr-s*****e-lasik-questions/2335467002/&ved=2ahUKEwjuvZiUrs6MAxUvnokEHQUmM-cQFnoECCMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0o5UvYNbPcYB-cCp0KaohD
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BookFanatic 8 months ago
Picking up the house at the end of the night. Nothing huge, just putting away the detritus of the day. So much easier to then do a deeper scrub on the weekend.
BookFanatic 8 months ago
Picking up the house at the end of the night. Nothing huge, just putting away the detritus of the day. So much easier to then do a deeper scrub on the weekend.
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