Personal life hacks that have moved the needle?

[El Presidente]

I had a long  discussion with a member earlier this week who was having a pretty tough time and in dark place. Most of us have been (or will be) there at some time of our lives. 

God knows it has been a chalenging 18 months for many members here 

Some of you have no doubt handled it better than others. Many are still coming to grips with the ongoing challenges. Even outside of Covid, I think there is a realisation that the pace of change (technological, social/political, economic ) is just a tad nervewracking. 

How have you handled it? How are you handling it?

Are there any small or major life hacks that you have implemented over the past 18 months that are making a positive difference for you. 

Your input will probably help others more than you know. 

[SpecialK]

I have removed myself from social media. I realized it's designed to provoke a response either good or bad (mostly bad). I'm much happier but still miss seeing what old friends/relatives are doing. 

The best thing I've done is find this place.... I appreciate you and all the members here. The level of respect and friendship shown on this forum is off the charts. 

 

[Islandboy]

9 minutes ago, SpecialK said:

I have removed myself from social media. I realized it's designed to provoke a response either good or bad (mostly bad). I'm much happier but still miss seeing what old friends/relatives are doing. 

The best thing I've done is find this place.... I appreciate you and all the members here. The level of respect and friendship shown on this forum is off the charts. 

 

Timeless advice for the current age, especially the first part. I think I posted a very similar response to a very similar question about 3 years ago, shortly after finding this place. It’s amazing what a toxic, dark place social media has become in general, largely by design just to keep people engaged and enraged. That critical thinking class I took in college many moons ago has served me well.

[teamrandr]

I make sure to spend more time with my loved ones.  That meant less hours working for me. Quite frankly the pay off has been worth it.

[Cairo]

I retired a couple of years ago.    I had no idea how stressful my job was until I stopped doing it.    Looking back it was the deadlines that were stressing me out...

If/when you can do it, do it.

[Chibearsv]

I saw a really interesting documentary about the algorithms used in social media like YouTube and Facebook. The deeper you dive into almost any subject, the more the algorithms will push you toward ridiculous material since the intent is to keep you clicking.  It’s theorized that it is part of what’s created huge social divides.  I used to love stirring a pot in conversation but too many people get way too angry now. Now I only keep company with people that laugh and stay friendly even if we disagree on something. Shun angry people or conversations. Life’s too short to be angry. 

[cgoodrich]

I haven’t closed my accounts, have not visited Facebook since October last year and nearly a year since Instagram. Never had nor desire a Twitter account. I don’t miss FB or Insta in the least, and found I call my friends more often since then. Much better feeling to have a live verbal conversation with those I want in my life.

Always evaluate the people in your life, do they add value/peace/love; if it is toxic, get rid immediately. Nurture all good relationships.

[cgoodrich]

5 minutes ago, Cairo said:

I retired a couple of years ago.    I had no idea how stressful my job was until I stopped doing it.    Looking back it was the deadlines that were stressing me out...

If/when you can do it, do it.

👏👏👏

Great decision @Cairo !!!

[Bri Fi]

I would start with trying to target what is making you feel this way. Life is hard. Relationships, careers, families, lifestyles, etc. are all things that influence our every day lives. Each one of those things brings on a huge level of stress if something isn’t going right. It could be leaving a toxic relationship or a job that doesn’t make you happy. I would begin with identifying the source of the unhappiness and try to make a change. Don’t expect things to change on their own. 
 

If you don’t know what is going on, you may be in a funk mentally. Try working out more, eating better, getting out more. It’s not bad to seek help or even be on medication. 
 

My job deals with seeing people at their worst and never their best. In the years I’ve been doing this job, I have never seen such an impact on people’s lives like covid (lockdown) has. I have seen people act in ways they don’t normally act. It has ruined families. If you are feeling out of sorts, you are not alone. 
 

Luckily this particular person reached out to Rob. It probably took a lot for them to do this. Thanks for creating this thread. The happiest person I’ve ever met took his own life a few years back. Someone you’d never think would. Sort of like Robin Williams, the sad clown. Pay attention to the people around you, if you notice a funk then reach out to them. You may be saving a life. 

[WarriorPrincess]

Don't bother with the people who won't the  take the time to get to know you before they pass judgement on you.....works for me every time 

Life is to short,  so enjoy life the way you want to regardless of what anyone thinks 

[teamrandr]

13 minutes ago, WarriorPrincess said:

Don't bother with the people who won't the  take the time to get to know you before they pass judgement on you.....works for me every time 

Life is to short,  so enjoy life the way you want to regardless of what anyone thinks 

100%

[Dozerhead]

Find a supportive community. My church was literally a Godsend after Hurricane Harvey. Nor sure what we would have done without our church family. When you find that community, whatever form it may be, be a contributing member and be there for others, pay things forward during better times.

[Chas.Alpha]

My fall back to any attitude adjustment has always been music. Rolling into 60, I can’t just have my drums or saxophones ready at 3:00 a.m. when us old people wake up, so they very kindly invented electronic instruments. A little 1/2 hour workout before I leave for work and another 45 minutes when I get home keeps me centered.

Well, that and the Guatemalan rum... 🙄

[JohnS]

I try not to catastrophise a situation any more. Don't over-stress. Remain calm and positive and think, "is there something I can do to let someone know how I'm feeling about this scenario?" If not, accept it and move on. 

I learnt to respectfully and positively share with others how I feel. Other people tend to find you more easy to connect with because chances are that they are going through similar life situations. If you don't let people know how you feel they can't help you and what's worse, you may get more anxious and/or depressed.

[benfica_77]

 I try and consistently do the following things:

- Meditate 20 minutes 5-6 times a week (check out the headspace app and the waking up app) ....Keep my might more balanced and in the present moment. 

- Workout 4 days a week and one day of yoga. Getting a good sweat on and releasing endorphins helps mitigate negative thoughts. 

- Sleep 8 to 9 hours a night. This is critical if you don't sleep enough you won't have the mental resiliency to keep fighting the good fight 

- Talking to a close group of friends that you trust, have your backs and make you laugh 

- Don't forget to be kind to yourself

[stogieluver]

I quit the news and Twitter election night.  

When you no longer sweat the things you can’t control and realize 90% of the things you worry about never happen, your stress level decreases dramatically. 

[Edicion]

I am not in a position to give anyone advice but the main life hacks that works for me is to exercise every day, just do anything where the body moves and breaks a sweat. Clears all the toxins and makes me feel better.

Hope it works for you too!

 

 

[rcarlson]

1 hour ago, JohnS said:

I try not to catastrophise a situation any more. Don't over-stress. Remain calm and positive and think, "is there something I can do to let someone know how I'm feeling about this scenario?" If not, accept it and move on. 

I learnt to respectfully and positively share with others how I feel. Other people tend to find you more easy to connect with because chances are that they are going through similar life situations. If you don't let people know how you feel they can't help you and what's worse, you may get more anxious and/or depressed.

Bullseye. 

[ReturnFreeRisk]

Similar to the themes in these replies…get off screens more, especially at night. Get more outside time, let the sun hit your eyes and skin. Breathe fresh air, breath with intention. Walk barefoot in the grass, sand. We were designed to be connected to Earth, not WiFi.

The double edge sword to what I just said, but a great hack for me…A lot of these little habits I have set reminders in an app called Streaks so that they eventually become part of my daily fabric. Highly recommend it


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[Habana Mike]

It is interesting for me how stressful Zoom meetings can be at work while at the same time Zoom meetings between friends has been a godsend this past 18 months....

I've truly enjoyed the FOH Zoom sessions along with many others. The Santa Zooms I did for my friend's grandchildren were amazing for my well being. Went through a rough patch late last summer....

The Amicigar group got together over the weekend for the annual "meet". Cigars, champagne and swag were sent out ahead of time for everyone to enjoy together. 50 plus of us Zooming and smoking. 

Finally getting out and meeting with friends now.

Connection is everything. 

[Ryan]

Tinned pear halves in juice (not syrup) with a sliced banana and a couple of scoops of salted caramel ice-cream.

Perfect.

Zoom calls with friends were awkward and a bit weird as really only one conversation works at a time and we're all sitting there looking at each other. Everyone is looking at everyone for the duration. It is weird.

Zoom calls with friends and poker works much better.

[Shrimpchips]

Honestly, having a cigar. But more what that hour or hour and a half represents. Something to anchor my day around when WFH and childcare mean that you’re always on the clock.  A moment all for yourself, a moment to do whatever you want - watch a show, browse online, do a little work, listen to music, just sit and think.  A chance to relax and unwind, to unpack the day and take the opportunity to take a step back and gain perspective.  Time to be outside and get some fresh (and smoky) air.  Just get refreshed and relaxed after yet another long day.

[captaincaveman]

Prayer and meditation. 

[La_Tigre]

Buying too many boxes of cigars…

[joeypots]

Another vote for exercise. Putting on a good sweat works wonders for my mood. Covid has been, or still is depending where one lives, a horrible event. When my gym closed I got on my bicycle and it's been a life saver. The rides get me out side away from distractions and I always feel better after 20 miles. I'm a rock and roll drummer and have been playing original material in a four piece band twice a week. Believe me, the music might not be great but we are having a fantastic time and band practice has given me  something fun  to look forward to for the last 8 months. Add two or three good cigars to the hack list and I'm getting along fine.