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According to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit. (The study also concluded that, on average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.)
Depending on how tight your schedule is, this may sound like a lot of hassle. However, even the slightest changes in your lifestyle can snowball into substantial, palpable results. And there's a fresh Reddit thread to get some ideas.
Created by user iam_robas, it asked everyone the question, "What's a simple habit you practice daily that helps you stay positive?" It's not the most popular post on the platform, but the discussion in the comment section provides interesting insights into how people navigate these turbulent times.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Toxic, dramatic people. Just shut them out. Coworkers, family. Don’t care, can’t hear you. I have an average life to live. Don’t try to spice it up with your reality tv show nonsense
RELATED:
#2
I try and go out for a few hours any day I'm off work and just go for a coffee, food and walk around my city for a few hours. It's such a simple yet nice thing I do that keeps me being positive. My friends make fun of me for it though :/
MarmotArchivist 2 years ago
Even during the work week beeing outside and in natural daylight can help you to sleep better. So I like to take my lunchbreak outside if the weater is nice and walk a small part of my commute.
#3
I sit outside in silence and be in the moment listening to nature.
#5
Singing in the car. It’s tough to be in a bad mood while singing
Miss Frankfurter 2 years ago
I have my favorite CDs that I like to sing along with and a great radio station too. Once I'm in the car, Carnegie Hall here I come!
#6
Before I get up out of bed, I give gratitude for many blessings. I give thanks for simple things like having a roof, a pillow, a bed, comfy blankets, a safe place to live, plumbing...and then go on to bigger things like people who love and support me. I do this throughout the day, even giving thanks for difficulties (thank you, asshole driver who gives me the opportunity to practice patience ha).
#8
Feel your emotions, pick them apart, try to understand why they came up, but don't let them control you.
#9
Stretching for 5 mins is almost a ritual for me
Sharron Lindsay 2 years ago
Your body has an impact on your mental health and vice versa so keep moving. You owe it to yourself
#10
Stay in contact with friends, see what they're up to, offer to help if there is something I can do.
Sharron Lindsay 2 years ago
Having good contacts helps mental health. We're a social species and are meant to be in groups. Get out there make friends and keep the good ones.
#11
Spend some time in nature - walk, run etc. Sounds cliche but works wonders.
Eagle Girl 2 years ago
Every morning I wake up to birds chirping, (waiting for me to feed them lol) but starting in the sun & fresh air makes my day. End it feeding birds too. Wipes away all the crazy of the day
#12
Drink lots of water
Bardhi's Dad 2 years ago
Beer is also good. Of course it’s not as good as water, but it’s not bad at all, is it 🍻
#13
Being grateful
Bardhi's Dad 2 years ago (edited)
It would be great to have as many things as you can be grateful for.
#16
A do list! It helps me to visualise what I've actually achieved that day
Susie Elle 2 years ago
Totally unrelated but I LOVE LOVE LOVE fountain pens. I never use one, but I wish I did.
#17
I smoke cigarettes and drink coffee.
#18
Wherever you feel a lot of pressure just go out of that place breathe in and exhale out Life will be much better
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 2 years ago
Just spending 10 minutes outdoors in nature everyday can have such a uplifting affect on my mood.
#20
I have an issue with taking things personally, what helps is for example if someone comes off as rude to me or dismissive I usually remind myself that they are probably going through a bad day or something. Most of the time I pry and ask and they end up revealing an issue to me or what happened to cause them to be in a sour mood. It has helped me a lot :)
You cant stop the truth 2 years ago
yep. Most people don't set out to be assholes. I ask them "hey did I say something that made you angry and if so do you mind explaining so I don't do it again?" - always defuses the situation.
#22
I block people online that has an energy or attitude I don't wanna be impacted by. This is my time and I am here for my needs.
#24
Being appreciative for how much easier my life is than previous generations’.
Eagle Girl 2 years ago (edited)
I mean this in the best way possible but love that her thighs are Not Airbrushed. Need more Positive examples of healthy Not perfect.
#25
Talk yourself up with positive phrases throughout the day. Wake up a little before work, an extra hour ideally, and have some time to yourself. I like listening to music and drinking coffee during this time.
#26
Songs that match my thoughts or mood
Bardhi's Dad 2 years ago
Many songs match someone's thoughts and moods on different occasions, and good music will always be useful.
#27
gardening
(weather permitting)
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 2 years ago
I adorer gardening. I love the feel of the earth beneath my fingers, the scent of fresh dirt, and watching my little seedling bloom into gorgeous flowers or delicious vegetables. It is almost a form of moving meditation.
#28
running, drinking, coffee, eating good food, petting cat
#29
Take my pills on time
#30
Flexing and makeing faces in the mirror while saying 'ayyyyee'
What do you think ?
Beth S 2 years ago
I severely limit social media and the amount of news I watch. My mental health has improved drastically by doing this. Also I enjoy doing things for those I am close to - it gives me a warm/happy feeling to make them smile. Also making someone laugh - it is my favorite thing.
Solidhog 2 years ago
So taking from all the posts is seems the best approach is wake up and have a stretch by wanking and then go outside with a dog and while eating an egg sandwich and drinking plenty of water while being nice to strangers and thinking positively while playing some banging tunes.
phil blanque 2 years ago
Aaa,,,,my cats. They look at me with dreamy eyes and love my soft touch. They give it back in their lovely sweet looks and snuggles.
Tigerpacingthecage 2 years ago
Working out is my primary maintenance self-care. Not to look a specific way, it's mostly for my mental health. Doesn't mean I always want to do it - when I feel the worst is when I need it the most. I push myself through the first 10 minutes and it's like the huge cloud of anxiety gets a little easier to deal with. After I'm done I can breathe and think clearly again. So I force myself to the gym minimum 4 times/week to be able to deal with things better. And crying/feel your emotions. Sounds very depressing but sometimes you really need a good cry. It's actually research backing it up saying crying helps to remove pain. Usually do it in the shower and when I step out I feel like a new person.
Steve Barnett 2 years ago
Always being polite to others. If you encounter an obnoxious, rude, angry person never rise to their level. Deal with them in a way that you would like to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule. Stay silent, let them tire themselves out, they will eventually.
Steve Barnett 2 years ago
Sorry. I meant to say 'lower yourself to their level'.
Load More Replies...
jknbt jknbt 2 years ago
when you have an appointment, remember that it is always correct to be early, but never correct to be late. Being early sets the stage for a positive meeting and outcomes. Guess what being late does?
Daria Z 2 years ago
I read books to disassociate myself from this reality for a few hours. It helps me stay sane and even positive sometimes.
KM 2 years ago
the joy of living in Russia in 2022, huh? I couldn't make myself read for maybe 3 weeks after the 24th, but it helps now
Load More Replies...
Mike Loux 2 years ago
Why was the initial post tagged with NSFW? I was expecting a lot of stuff revolving around drugs, sex, murder, etc. How...disappointing. 😜
Vesna 2 years ago
I think that's a screenshot from Reddit where the post is originated. They put those to flag innaropriate content.(sometime occasional , just as a warning)
Load More Replies...
M 2 years ago
Building new small habit each month. I usually make plan before new year.. like one month would be - flossing every night.. and that what you concentrate on whole month. Next month - getting up without a snooze button. And that's what you concentrate on for a month. The feeling of small accomplishment is understated, and you don't have to cary daunting idea that you need to turn your whole life around.
Nizumi 2 years ago
I've become one of the old ladies who line dances in the park. Yes, I would pass by making fun in my head - Oh look at the dears - so cute! Then one day I tried it. I've never danced in my life - teenage throw you arms around mosh pit type dancing 25+ years ago - yes - but actual dancing with STEPS, no. My brain hurt trying to follow. But being outside, moving to music, seeing people 30 years my senior bopping along, man, it makes me smile. So once a week - I head to the park and dance with the grandmas! ♥
JustAFan 2 years ago
I realized I hated getting up early and had a lot of time between being ready to go and actually needing to leave, so now I give myself time to just lay in bed and wake up in the morning. I don't let myself fall asleep, and it makes it so much easier to get ready if I don't have to start getting ready right away. I also set specific time limits for getting stuff done at home. I get home at about 5, so I take half an hour to decompress and start what I need to do at 5:30 and stop at 10 unless it's absolutely critical. I hang up my laundry instead of folding it and use load-sized baskets sorted by priority so the stuff I know I'll need soon is washed first (And forces me to do laundry when a basket is full). Sticking to a schedule/routine helps me to plan and is a lot more relaxing for me since I know what to expect.
deanna woods 2 years ago
I color fuzzy posters at the end of the day. On my days off, I color all day long. I make fuzzy posters for my family in their favorite colors.
String Surfer 2 years ago
I really enjoyed just reading what people do to make their days a little bit brighter! Music, meditation, coffee, pets, whatever it is - I’m just glad to see that people are making an effort and sharing what makes them happy. Wholesome.
GenericPanda09 2 years ago
As soon as it's empty I make the bed - such a small thing that makes a big difference to my mood. It's such an easy way to start the day off feeling productive if you start the day with ticking something off the 'to do' list - and they don't come much easier than making the bed.
Beth S 2 years ago
I severely limit social media and the amount of news I watch. My mental health has improved drastically by doing this. Also I enjoy doing things for those I am close to - it gives me a warm/happy feeling to make them smile. Also making someone laugh - it is my favorite thing.
Solidhog 2 years ago
So taking from all the posts is seems the best approach is wake up and have a stretch by wanking and then go outside with a dog and while eating an egg sandwich and drinking plenty of water while being nice to strangers and thinking positively while playing some banging tunes.
phil blanque 2 years ago
Aaa,,,,my cats. They look at me with dreamy eyes and love my soft touch. They give it back in their lovely sweet looks and snuggles.
Tigerpacingthecage 2 years ago
Working out is my primary maintenance self-care. Not to look a specific way, it's mostly for my mental health. Doesn't mean I always want to do it - when I feel the worst is when I need it the most. I push myself through the first 10 minutes and it's like the huge cloud of anxiety gets a little easier to deal with. After I'm done I can breathe and think clearly again. So I force myself to the gym minimum 4 times/week to be able to deal with things better. And crying/feel your emotions. Sounds very depressing but sometimes you really need a good cry. It's actually research backing it up saying crying helps to remove pain. Usually do it in the shower and when I step out I feel like a new person.
Steve Barnett 2 years ago
Always being polite to others. If you encounter an obnoxious, rude, angry person never rise to their level. Deal with them in a way that you would like to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule. Stay silent, let them tire themselves out, they will eventually.
Steve Barnett 2 years ago
Sorry. I meant to say 'lower yourself to their level'.
Load More Replies... jknbt jknbt 2 years ago
when you have an appointment, remember that it is always correct to be early, but never correct to be late. Being early sets the stage for a positive meeting and outcomes. Guess what being late does?
Daria Z 2 years ago
I read books to disassociate myself from this reality for a few hours. It helps me stay sane and even positive sometimes.
KM 2 years ago
the joy of living in Russia in 2022, huh? I couldn't make myself read for maybe 3 weeks after the 24th, but it helps now
Load More Replies... Mike Loux 2 years ago
Why was the initial post tagged with NSFW? I was expecting a lot of stuff revolving around drugs, sex, murder, etc. How...disappointing. 😜
Vesna 2 years ago
I think that's a screenshot from Reddit where the post is originated. They put those to flag innaropriate content.(sometime occasional , just as a warning)
Load More Replies... M 2 years ago
Building new small habit each month. I usually make plan before new year.. like one month would be - flossing every night.. and that what you concentrate on whole month. Next month - getting up without a snooze button. And that's what you concentrate on for a month. The feeling of small accomplishment is understated, and you don't have to cary daunting idea that you need to turn your whole life around.
Nizumi 2 years ago
I've become one of the old ladies who line dances in the park. Yes, I would pass by making fun in my head - Oh look at the dears - so cute! Then one day I tried it. I've never danced in my life - teenage throw you arms around mosh pit type dancing 25+ years ago - yes - but actual dancing with STEPS, no. My brain hurt trying to follow. But being outside, moving to music, seeing people 30 years my senior bopping along, man, it makes me smile. So once a week - I head to the park and dance with the grandmas! ♥
JustAFan 2 years ago
I realized I hated getting up early and had a lot of time between being ready to go and actually needing to leave, so now I give myself time to just lay in bed and wake up in the morning. I don't let myself fall asleep, and it makes it so much easier to get ready if I don't have to start getting ready right away. I also set specific time limits for getting stuff done at home. I get home at about 5, so I take half an hour to decompress and start what I need to do at 5:30 and stop at 10 unless it's absolutely critical. I hang up my laundry instead of folding it and use load-sized baskets sorted by priority so the stuff I know I'll need soon is washed first (And forces me to do laundry when a basket is full). Sticking to a schedule/routine helps me to plan and is a lot more relaxing for me since I know what to expect.
deanna woods 2 years ago
I color fuzzy posters at the end of the day. On my days off, I color all day long. I make fuzzy posters for my family in their favorite colors.
String Surfer 2 years ago
I really enjoyed just reading what people do to make their days a little bit brighter! Music, meditation, coffee, pets, whatever it is - I’m just glad to see that people are making an effort and sharing what makes them happy. Wholesome.
GenericPanda09 2 years ago
As soon as it's empty I make the bed - such a small thing that makes a big difference to my mood. It's such an easy way to start the day off feeling productive if you start the day with ticking something off the 'to do' list - and they don't come much easier than making the bed.
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