100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying (2023)

1 Exercise on a Monday night (nothing fun happens on a Monday night).

2 On the fence about a purchase? Wait 72 hours before you buy it.

3 Tip: the quickest supermarket queue is always behind the fullest trolley (greeting, paying and packing take longer than you think).

4 Bring fruit to work. Bring fruit to bed!

5 Consider going down to four days a week. It’s likely a disproportionate amount of your fifth day’s work is taxed anyway, so you’ll lose way less than a fifth of your take-home pay.

6 Everyone has an emotional blind spot when they fight. Work out what yours is, and remember it.

7 Plant spring bulbs, even if they’re just in a pot.

8 Send a voice note instead of a text; they sound like personal mini podcasts.

9 Keep a bird feeder by a window, ideally the kitchen. It’ll pass the time when you’re washing up.

10 Always bring ice to house parties (there’s never enough).

11 Get the lighting right: turn off the overhead one, turn on lots of lamps (but turn off when you leave the room).

12 Sharpen your knives.

13 Feeling sluggish at work? Try the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes on, five-minute break, and repeat.

14 Buy a cheap blender and use it to finely chop onions (it saves on time and tears).

100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying (1)

15 Keep your children’s drawings and paintings. Put the best ones in frames.

16 Set aside 10 minutes a day to do something you really enjoy – be it reading a book or playing Halo.

17 Don’t be weird about how to stack the dishwasher.

18 Reuse all plastic bags – even bread bags. Much of the packaging you can’t reuse can be taken to larger branches of supermarkets for recycling.

19 Take a photo of the tag you are given when leaving your coat in a cloakroom.

(Video) 100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying

20 Can’t sleep? Try a relaxing soak with lavender bath oil before bed.

21 Add the milk at least one minute after the tea has brewed.

22 Laugh shamelessly at your own jokes.

23 It might sound obvious, but a pint of water before bed after a big night avoids a clanger of a hanger.

24 Start a Saturday morning with some classical music – it sets the tone for a calm weekend.

25 Look closely.

26 Set time limits for your apps. Just go to the settings on your smartphone and add a limit – for example, if you have an iPhone turn on Screen Time.

27 If possible, take the stairs.

28 Always be willing to miss the next train.

29 Eat meat once a week, max. Ideally less.

30 Be polite to rude strangers – it’s oddly thrilling.

31 Ask questions, and listen to the answers.

32 Connect with nature: stand outside barefoot for a few minutes – even when it’s cold.

33 Join your local library – and use it. Find yours here.

34 Go for a walk without your phone.

35 Eat salted butter (life’s too short for unsalted).

36 Stretch in the morning. And maybe in the evening.

37 If you’re going less than a mile, walk or cycle. About half of car journeys are under two miles, yet these create more pollution than longer journeys as the engine isn’t warmed up yet.

38 Sleep with your phone in a different room (and buy an alarm clock).

39 Send postcards from your holidays. Send them even if you’re not on holiday.

40 Instead of buying new shoes, get old ones resoled and buy new laces.

(Video) ASMR | 100 Ways To (Slightly) Improve Your Life Without Really Trying. WHISPER READING.

41 Buy a plant. Think you’ll kill it? Buy a fake one.

100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying (2)

42 Don’t have Twitter on your phone.

43 If you find an item of clothing you love and are certain you will wear for ever, buy three.

44 Try taking a cold shower (30 seconds to two minutes) before your hot one. It’s good for your health – both physical and mental.

45 Text to say thank you.

46 Read a poem every day. Keep a compendium, such as A Poem for Every Day of the Year, by your bed.

47 Take out your headphones when walking – listen to the world.

48 Buy secondhand.

49 Buy in person!

50 Learn how to floss properly.

51 If something in the world is making you angry, write (politely) to your MP – they will read it.

52 Say hello to your neighbours.

53 Learn the basics of repairing your clothes.

Sign up to our Inside Saturday newsletter for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the magazine’s biggest features, as well as a curated list of our weekly highlights

54 Always bring something – wine, flowers – to a dinner/birthday party, even if they say not to.

55 Learn the names of 10 trees.

56 Call an old friend out of the blue.

57 Every so often, search your email for the word “unsubscribe” and then use it on as many as you can.

58 Buy a newspaper. (Ideally this one.)

(Video) 100 Ways to Slightly Improve Your Life

59 Always have dessert.

60 Drop your shoulders.

61 Make something from scratch. Works best if it’s something you’d normally buy, such as a dress or a bag.

62 Go to bed earlier – but don’t take your phone with you.

63 Volunteer. ​​Go to gov.uk/government/get-involved for ideas.

64 Dry your cutlery with a cloth (it keeps it shiny).

65 Instead of buying a morning coffee, set up a daily transfer of £2 from a current into a savings account and forget about it. Use it to treat yourself to something different later.

66 Don’t save things for “best”. Wear them – enjoy them.

67 Sing!

100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying (3)

68 Think about your posture: don’t slouch, and don’t cross your legs.

69 Hang your clothes up. Ideally on non-wire hangers (it’s better for them).

70 Skinny-dip with friends.

71 Switch your phone off on holiday (or at least delete your work email app).

72 Always use freshly ground pepper.

73 Thank a teacher who changed your life.

74 Respect your youngers.

75 Keep your keys in the same place.

76 Ditch the plastic cartons and find a milkman – The Modern Milkman has a comprehensive list.

77 Rent rather than buy a suit/dress for that forthcoming wedding (even if it’s your own).

78 Always book an extra day off after a holiday.

(Video) 100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying

79 Ignore the algorithm – listen to music outside your usual taste.

80 Mute or leave a WhatsApp group chat.

81 Learn a TikTok dance (but don’t post it on TikTok).

82 Cook something you’ve never attempted before.

83 Join a local litter-picking group.

84 Handwash that thing you’ve never cleaned.

85 Don’t get a pet/do get a pet.

86 Nap.

87 Learn how to breathe deeply: in through the nose, out through the mouth, making the exhale longer than the inhale.

88 Buy a bike and use it. Learn how to fix it, too.

89 Politely decline invitations if you don’t want to go.

90 If you do go, have an exit strategy (can we recommend a French exit, where you slip out unseen).

91 If in doubt, add cheese.

92 Don’t look at your phone at dinner.

93 Do that one thing you’ve been putting off.

94 Give compliments widely and freely.

95 Set up an affordable standing order to a charity. RNLI and Greenpeace spring to mind …

100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying (4)

96 Keep a book in your bag to avoid the temptation to doomscroll.

97 Listen to the albums you loved as a teenager.

98 Make a friend from a different generation.

(Video) 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself, Change Your Life Forever by Steve Chandler

99 Staying over at a friend’s place? Strip the bed in the morning.

100 For instant cheer, wear yellow.

This article was inspired by a similar exercise in Weekend magazine in January 2000. See the original list at theguardian.com/100-tips-from-2000

FAQs

How can I make my life 1% better? ›

20 Easy Ways to Improve Yourself and Your Life (Even if You're Busy)
  1. Practice mindfulness. ...
  2. Develop a consistent morning routine. ...
  3. Do the same with a bedtime routine. ...
  4. Redo your bedroom for a better night's sleep. ...
  5. Find an energizing midday activity. ...
  6. Make your lunch (and dinner). ...
  7. Then eat it away from your desk.
18 Mar 2022

How can I have a quality life? ›

6 Ways to Improve Your Quality of Life
  1. Smile Any Negative Feelings Away. The simple act of smiling can drastically change the way you feel at any given time. ...
  2. Be Grateful For What You Have. ...
  3. Try to Learn Something New Every day. ...
  4. Stay Active. ...
  5. Get the Rest Your Body Needs. ...
  6. Organize Your House and Mind.
16 Mar 2018

What habits changed lives? ›

Take time to cut back on social media to reduce stress and mental clutter. Switch off your phone and laptop for a few hours every day to improve your mood and reconnect with the world around you. Invest in self-care. Taking some time off to unwind can do wonders for your mood, mental health, and self-esteem.

How do you upgrade yourself? ›

8 self-improvement tips to get your life back on track
  1. Set goals for yourself. ...
  2. Surround yourself with people who want to see you do well. ...
  3. Evaluate what isn't working and eliminate those habits. ...
  4. Learn a new activity or skill. ...
  5. Eat healthily and hydrate daily. ...
  6. Have compassion for yourself and others. ...
  7. Clean your space regularly.
1 Nov 2021

How do I change myself in 1 month? ›

Try working toward at least one of these things every day for the next 30 days, and get ready to see some incredible changes in your life.
  1. Write down your goals. ...
  2. Get active. ...
  3. Read every day. ...
  4. Learn a new language. ...
  5. Take up a new hobby. ...
  6. Sharpen your skills. ...
  7. Make a to-do list. ...
  8. Take time to unplug.
12 Sept 2014

How do you stay 100% healthy? ›

Hit a century in style with our top tips.
  1. Eat well. As we get older our metabolism slows down, and we need more of some foods but less of others. ...
  2. Get active – and work those muscles. ...
  3. Stay mentally active. ...
  4. Keep an eye on your weight. ...
  5. Stay connected. ...
  6. Get regular health checks. ...
  7. Quit smoking. ...
  8. Keep hydrated.
15 Apr 2019

What habits should I develop? ›

  • 8 Good Habits to Have in Life. Forming good habits takes time. ...
  • Drink water in the morning. ...
  • Meditate daily. ...
  • Walk outdoors or do a physical activity. ...
  • Eat more vegetables and fruits daily. ...
  • Listen to nature sounds or relaxing music at night. ...
  • Learn something new every day. ...
  • Spend quality time with a loved one.
1 Sept 2022

What are the 5 factors of quality of life? ›

Education. Leisure and social interactions. Economic security and physical safety. Governance and basic rights.

What are the 5 indicators of quality of life? ›

The immaterial dimensions of the quality of life include Health, Education, Environmental Quality, Personal Security, Civic Engagement and Work-Life Balance.

What are the 50 good habits? ›

50 Simple habits for a happier, healthier life
  • Rid your home of clutter and keep it tidy. ...
  • Wear sunblock every day. ...
  • Boost your brain power with dark chocolate. ...
  • Give more hugs. ...
  • Get a massage once a month. ...
  • Spend time in nature. ...
  • Spend 10-15 minutes of one-on-one time with each of your children, each day. ...
  • Wash your face every night.
24 Jan 2018

What should I achieve everyday? ›

If you want to be better than you were yesterday, here are some things you should do every day:
  1. Be grateful for the things you have. ...
  2. Smile. ...
  3. Make someone smile. ...
  4. Spend some time doing the things that make you happy. ...
  5. Eat at least one healthy meal. ...
  6. List down (or make a mental note) of your goals for the day. ...
  7. Drink enough water.
20 Sept 2022

How do you get better at something? ›

Here's how to be an expert at anything:
  1. Be in it for the long haul. Find me something else that creates a 400% boost in results. ...
  2. Find a mentor. ...
  3. Start with what's important. ...
  4. “Train like you fight.” Don't practice drunk. ...
  5. Use “desirable difficulty”. ...
  6. Get fast, negative feedback. ...
  7. Study less. ...
  8. Naps are steroids for your brain.
23 Aug 2016

How are you developing yourself? ›

Self-development requires internal motivation, so it often helps to pinpoint what's at the root of your desire for improvement. So, take an honest look at who you are, how you're wired, and what you want to get out of the journey. Get to know the people around you. A simple starting point is to ask questions!

How do I develop myself professionally? ›

Follow these steps to improve yourself professionally:
  1. Read often.
  2. Adopt a new hobby.
  3. Sign up for a training session.
  4. Identify in-demand skills.
  5. Try a new schedule.
  6. Commit to an exercise routine.
  7. Set big goals.
  8. Change your mindset.

What is the first step to changing your life? ›

Here are the steps you take to get started:
  1. Stop Making Excuses. Excuses are what hold you back, and they are almost always the only thing between you and your goal. ...
  2. Set Goals. ...
  3. Create A Routine. ...
  4. Hold Yourself Accountable. ...
  5. Track Your Progress. ...
  6. Failure Is Integral To Success. ...
  7. Exercise.
27 Oct 2016

What are some big life changes? ›

Examples of Challenging Life Transitions
  • Marriage or a new relationship.
  • Arrival of a new baby.
  • Parenting an infant, child, or adolescent.
  • Growing up and moving away from home.
  • Adjustment to college or the workplace.
  • Empty nesting.
  • Divorce, separation, or recovery from infidelity.
  • Retirement, job loss, or career changes.

How do I become a new person? ›

  1. 7 Simple Steps to Change Your Life and Become a New Person. Follow and thrive. ...
  2. Decide Who You Want To Be. Many people are so caught up figuring out who they are that they don't consider who they want to be. ...
  3. Prioritize. ...
  4. Change Your Environment. ...
  5. Demand More From Yourself. ...
  6. Decide Faster. ...
  7. Eliminate Distractions. ...
  8. Get To Work.
29 Sept 2021

What are the 10 ways to be happy? ›

Consider the following 10 tips for how to live a happy life.
  1. Recognize that you have choices. While you can't prevent many of the difficulties that you'll encounter in life, you can control how you respond to them. ...
  2. Practice gratitude. ...
  3. Forgiveness. ...
  4. Mindfulness. ...
  5. Friendship. ...
  6. Rest. ...
  7. Movement. ...
  8. Sunshine.

What are 10 healthy lifestyle practices? ›

  • Measure and Watch Your Weight. ...
  • Limit Unhealthy Foods and Eat Healthy Meals. ...
  • Take Multivitamin Supplements. ...
  • Drink Water and Stay Hydrated, and Limit Sugared Beverages. ...
  • Exercise Regularly and Be Physically Active. ...
  • Reduce Sitting and Screen Time. ...
  • Get Enough Good Sleep. ...
  • Go Easy on Alcohol and Stay Sober.

How can I fix my life in 30 days? ›

The Simple 30-Day Challenge That Will Actually Change Your Life
  1. Writing a gratitude list each day.
  2. Only eating Paleo.
  3. Doing planks every day.
  4. Writing in a journal every morning.
  5. Learning a new word from a different language.
  6. Drinking eight glasses of water each day.
19 Mar 2015

How can I change yourself overnight? ›

How To Change Yourself Overnight?
  1. Become conscious of the habitual words you use to describe your unhappy state. ...
  2. Write down 3 words you use on a regular basis that intensify our negativity. ...
  3. Write down 3 words to describe any positive experience. ...
  4. Get leverage so you follow through.
2 Sept 2019

What is the secret to a long life? ›

To maintain good health and live as long as possible, you should: Eat a largely plant-based diet. Consume plenty of whole grains, nuts and legumes. Limit your calorie intake to a moderate (not excessive) level and avoid overeating.

What are signs of poor health? ›

Let's get to it.
  • Chest Pain. Chest pain could be caused by a number of different factors ranging from muscle soreness to a heart attack. ...
  • Abdominal Pain. ...
  • Sudden Weight Loss or Gain. ...
  • Changes in Appetite. ...
  • Fatigue or Weakness. ...
  • Shortness of Breath. ...
  • Nausea or Vomiting. ...
  • Difficulty Swallowing.
20 Jun 2017

What are the six basic rules for good health? ›

The 6 Core Pillars for a Healthy Life
  • Medical. It's important to establish and maintain a relationship with a primary care provider who will partner with you to help you understand your specific medical risks and assess your general state of health. ...
  • Fitness. ...
  • Sleep. ...
  • Nutrition. ...
  • Mindfulness. ...
  • Social Wellness.
24 Oct 2017

What are the 20 good habits? ›

20 Simple Health Habits
  • Drink a gallon of water every day. ...
  • Walk for 30 minutes every day. ...
  • Do 25-50 lunges daily. ...
  • Do 50 heel raises.
  • Do 25 sit ups.
  • Eat one piece of fruit. ...
  • Make sure your plate consists of equal proportions of protein, a source of minerals and vitamins (vegetables), and carbs.

What are positive habits? ›

What is a positive habit? A positive habit is simply a habit that produces positive benefits, actions and attitudes you want to acquire and make a part of your life. Why is there such great power in positive habits to effect change? Because habits, by their very nature, are automatic.

What are some good monthly habits? ›

The Most Popular Habits
  • Meditate.
  • Exercise.
  • No Alcohol.
  • Wake up early.
  • Read.
  • Write In Journal.
  • Be Grateful.
  • Floss.

What are the 7 keys to happiness? ›

There are 7 essential keys to happiness and success that will help to materialize both those things in your life.
  • 1 — Gratitude. ...
  • 2 — Be Present. ...
  • 3 — Manage Time Effectively. ...
  • 4 — Set SMARTER Goals. ...
  • 5 — Embody an Empowering Morning Routine. ...
  • 6 — Tackle the MITs. ...
  • 7 — Focus on Health and Wellbeing.
17 Mar 2017

What is the healthiest habit? ›

12 Habits of Super-Healthy People
  • Have Breakfast. 1/12. It's important for a bunch of reasons. ...
  • Plan Your Meals. 2/12. It'll help you save time and money in the long run. ...
  • Drink Plenty of Water. 3/12. ...
  • Take an Exercise Break. 4/12. ...
  • Go Offline. 5/12. ...
  • Learn Something New. 6/12. ...
  • Don't Smoke. 7/12. ...
  • Sleep Well. 8/12.

What habits can make you smarter? ›

18 Habits That Will Make You Smarter
  • Question everything. ...
  • Read as much as you can. ...
  • Discover what motivates you. ...
  • Think of new ways to do old things. ...
  • Hang out with people who are smarter than you. ...
  • Remember that every expert was once a beginner. ...
  • Make time to reflect. ...
  • Exercise your body.

What are the 7 habits for a healthy mind and body? ›

Here are seven habits to implement in your life that will help you keep your brain healthy.
  • Stay Well Rested. Your entire body needs rest, including your brain. ...
  • Stay Active. ...
  • Pay Attention to Your Body. ...
  • Stay Hydrated. ...
  • Find Balance. ...
  • Stimulate Your Brain. ...
  • Care for Your Mental Health.
26 Apr 2021

Which 4 factors make for a high quality of life? ›

Factors that play a role in the quality of life vary according to personal preferences, but they often include financial security, job satisfaction, family life, health, and safety.

What is happy life indicator? ›

The 'Happy Life Index' measures the factors that matter most to those living in residential aged care – the quality of the food, friendliness of staff, care quality, activities and lifestyle, staff presence, the quality of management, and environment and cleanliness.

What type of family is needed to maintain quality of life? ›

If the family size is large then the family has to spend more amount of money to fulfill the basic needs where as if the family size is small then the family can easily maintain the basic needs. In this way family size is one of the elements of quality of life.

What makes a good quality of life? ›

Standard indicators of the quality of life include wealth, employment, the environment, physical and mental health, education, recreation and leisure time, social belonging, religious beliefs, safety, security and freedom.

What is the final goal of quality life? ›

Health-related quality of life is the ultimate general goal for medicine, health care and public health, including health promotion and health education. The other important general goal is health-related welfare.

What are the two most important indicators of quality of life? ›

Emotional well-being and a positive outlook on life are key indicators of how Canadians perceive and experience quality of life.

How can I make my life better in 2022? ›

  1. 5 Simple Things to Dramatically Boost Your Life in 2022. Wise tips for more happiness, peace, and success. ...
  2. Slow Down. Phone calls, texts, notifications, emails, advertisements, COVID-19 news, TV shows, work, remote work, side hustles… ...
  3. Smile More. ...
  4. Invest. ...
  5. Be Honest. ...
  6. See.
13 Dec 2021

How can I change my life? ›

If you want to change your life, you need to start considering the needs and wants of your future self over the ones you have right now. Prioritizing how you feel and what you want in the moment is what lead you here. Instead, commit to making choices for the benefit of your future self.

How can I improve my life in 30 days? ›

The Simple 30-Day Challenge That Will Actually Change Your Life
  1. Writing a gratitude list each day.
  2. Only eating Paleo.
  3. Doing planks every day.
  4. Writing in a journal every morning.
  5. Learning a new word from a different language.
  6. Drinking eight glasses of water each day.
19 Mar 2015

How do I start living again? ›

How do I start over in life?
  1. Start with reflection.
  2. Examine your value system.
  3. Revisit (and rewrite) your goals.
  4. Work up the courage to change.
  5. Make your next move.
  6. Get a coach.
  7. Keep checking in on yourself.
14 Apr 2022

How can I change my life in 6 months? ›

10 Steps To Help You Change Your Life in Just 6 Months
  1. Set four goals. Set a goal in each of the following areas: Financial, Health, Career, and Other. ...
  2. Measure your current situation. ...
  3. Create a plan. ...
  4. Determine the habits you need to ensure success. ...
  5. Set short-term goals. ...
  6. Take action. ...
  7. Keep a journal. ...
  8. Measure your progress.
23 Jan 2020

How can I change my life in 10 days? ›

10 Day Declutter Your World Challenge Rules
  1. Start where you are. Don't wait until you are ready or decide to start after … ...
  2. Keep it simple. Eliminate everything you can, but remember this is not a project in suffering. ...
  3. Write about it. ...
  4. Create your own boundaries. ...
  5. Remember that it's only 10 days.

What 3 things would you change about yourself? ›

Here they are:
  • Change your priorities. This is important if you want to live a balanced, fulfilling life. ...
  • Change your self-talk. Your self-talk has significant influence in your life. ...
  • Change your motivation. ...
  • Change your habits. ...
  • Change your friends. ...
  • Change your commitments. ...
  • Change your inputs. ...
  • Change your methods.
25 Jun 2008

How do I become a new person? ›

  1. 7 Simple Steps to Change Your Life and Become a New Person. Follow and thrive. ...
  2. Decide Who You Want To Be. Many people are so caught up figuring out who they are that they don't consider who they want to be. ...
  3. Prioritize. ...
  4. Change Your Environment. ...
  5. Demand More From Yourself. ...
  6. Decide Faster. ...
  7. Eliminate Distractions. ...
  8. Get To Work.
29 Sept 2021

What challenges can I set myself? ›

Top 10 Personal Challenges
  • Run a marathon. ...
  • Take on a charity challenge. ...
  • Exercise your brain. ...
  • Surprise yourself. ...
  • Volunteer yourself. ...
  • Get a new job/seek promotion. ...
  • Overcome a fear. ...
  • Climb a famous peak.

What are some healthy challenges? ›

  • 1| QUIT CONSUMING ADDED SUGAR. ...
  • 2| SET A LIMIT FOR YOUR SCREEN TIME AND STICK TO IT. ...
  • 3| KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL. ...
  • 4| AVOID ULTRA-PROCESSED SNACKS. ...
  • 5| EAT 5-6 SERVINGS OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES EVERY DAY. ...
  • 6| SLEEP FOR AT LEAST 7-8 HOURS EVERY DAY. ...
  • 7| TRY A FITNESS CHALLENGE. ...
  • 8| TRY INTERMITTENT FASTING.
6 Oct 2020

How can I change myself in 1 month? ›

Try working toward at least one of these things every day for the next 30 days, and get ready to see some incredible changes in your life.
  1. Write down your goals. ...
  2. Get active. ...
  3. Read every day. ...
  4. Learn a new language. ...
  5. Take up a new hobby. ...
  6. Sharpen your skills. ...
  7. Make a to-do list. ...
  8. Take time to unplug.
12 Sept 2014

Videos

1. Little Life Improvements
(Parenting Roundabout)
2. Better Ways to Be Informed
(WheezyWaiter)
3. 100 ACCURATE LIFE HACKS
(TVFilthyFrank)
4. 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself by Steve Chandler - Book Summary
(Design Your Universe)
5. 100 Ways to Improve Your Life
(Maria Akter)
6. 100 Ways to Improve Your Investment Results! William O'Neil (Side 1) 1993
(The Speculator's Library)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated: 11/29/2022

Views: 6176

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.