Small things that have improved my life - part two
An additional 20 things that have improved my life...
hello, I’m Jodie. A Yoga teacher & creator. I write about my quest to live a slower pace of life with themes of rest, living slower and seasonal living. Subscribe to support my work & to read more. Or, get cosy and join our Slower Space community to access all content and the journaling club!
Hey friends,
The last newsletter I shared similar to this went down a treat, and it turns out, there’s actually more I can add to it!
So here’s some more of the seemingly small stuff that actually makes a big difference…
Let me know if any are the same for you in the comments!
Always looking on Facebook marketplace or eBay before buying new. I’ve managed to get this exact Rocket St George desk for £100, and I often get books for 70% off and so much more. It’s worth the extra effort and amazing habit to get into and way to save money/ buy second hand!
It’s more expensive, but decorating using washable, wipeable paint. I try not to be too precious with this stuff, a house is for living in, but it’s nice to know our efforts should last years and still look pretty fresh!
Not hanging my knitwear and washing it less. I use this spray to freshen them up and always wear a base layer.
Using a body scrub once a week on dry skin (you get better results on dry skin) then showering it off.
Getting into gardening and growing from seed. It’s the hobby that’s helped my mind the most and brings me the most joy.
Charging my phone overnight in the last room I tend to go in in the morning - out of sight, out of mind.
Drinking lemon water in the mornings, it feels like an instant win for my health and it’s just a nice little ritual to be honest
Ok, a new one for me that I’m trying to implement more, but just doing the thing there and then if it will take me less than 5 minutes (e.g. not leaving the washing up, putting the clothes away etc etc)
Using a kindle! Again, another new one but this has been SO handy for reading more and reducing phone screen time. I do still love a physical book, but for this season of life, a kindle makes sense.
Having a “leaving the house” drawer downstairs dedicated to everything I might need… purse, keys, hand cream, lipstick - it’s all in there waiting for me
Only buying foods, for the most part, when they’re in season. Specifically reserving tomatoes and strawberries for when they’re at their ripest and juiciest - they’re worth the wait and bring even more magic to spring and summer.
Giving myself permission to have chocolate every day - life is for living
Watching things a day later so I don’t have to sit infront of the TV till 10pm - call me boring but I need a good hour to wind down away from screens and I love reading at night, this way I can feel part of the loop and watch at a time that suits me (Traitors, I’m currently talking at you)
Drinking the Cawston Press Sparkling Rhubarb & Apple instead of diet coke… Yes I still enjoy an occasional diet coke, but this has been a top tier replacement for me.
Having drawer organisers for pretty much everything… There’s no fumbling around trying to find something and helps my brain feel calmer.
Noticing when I’m not dancing and singing around the house and actively doing it more - it just feels good.
Having a list of recipes in Notion for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. Whether it’s links to TikTok videos or articles, everything is in one place ready for when we meal plan and cook.
On the topic of food - getting our food shop delivered! We share a car and have found it trickier to fit in a good weekly food shop (which previously led to random meals being made and not being able to stick to a plan), this way we’re eating so much better, and the bonus is it makes when we do go in-person actually feel like a treat rather than an overstimulating pain.
Archiving WhatsApp chats when I don’t need to action anything - I can actually, just about keep up with replying to people now as it feels way less overwhelming in the app
Tara Brach meditations. I’ve been practising them on and off for years, I’m in the flow of doing them daily at the moment and it’s feeling good to take 15- 20 minutes to reconnect.
Can you relate to any of these? Let me know any seemingly small things that have made your life easier!
Until next time,
Jodie x
If you found this post useful or enjoyed it I would be so grateful if you shared it or restacked it. It helps more people find the Slower Space community… Thank you x
Yes, yes, yes. Firstly, growing from seed is one of life’s pure joys. The pride you feel when it makes it to a fully fledged plant is unmatched (although equally soul destroying when they don’t quite make it!)
Also, I need to take onboard the drawer for leaving the house idea. I feel like life is always a mad dash because I’ll leave my keys anywhere, the stress of it all.
Love reading these Jodie, feeling very inspired! ♥️
A leaving the house drawer is genius - I'm off to find a kitchen drawer right now that I can use.