Some days, life feels like a to-do list that never ends. Other days, I catch my breath, feel the sun on my face, and think-this is what I want more of. Over the past year, I’ve tried to shift away from “just getting through” and towards building a life that actually feels good. Not just on paper. Not just for social media. But in my mind, my bank account, and my nervous system.
These are the small, imperfect changes I’ve made that are helping me get there.
Stopped overcommitting and started honouring my bandwidth
Saying yes all the time used to feel like being a good friend, partner, and colleague. But it left me burnt out and low-key resentful. I’ve started checking in with myself before agreeing to anything: Do I have the energy for this? Am I doing this because I want to or because I feel like I should? Learning to set soft but firm boundaries has protected my peace more than I expected.
And spoiler alert: people don’t get mad when you’re honest-they usually respect it.
Cooking more-and not just to save money
Takeaways are great (I’ll never quit you, Pad Thai), but learning to cook actual meals has been strangely therapeutic. It’s one of the only things I do without a screen in front of me, and there’s something grounding about chopping veg and following a recipe. I don’t meal prep like a wellness influencer, but even two home-cooked meals a week make me feel more in control of my time, health, and finances.
Simplified my wardrobe-and it helped my mental clutter too
I used to buy things just because they were “on trend” or “such a bargain,” but I never felt like ‘me’ in them. So I did a ruthless wardrobe edit and kept only the pieces I actually wear and love. Now I reach for clothes that fit my life and make me feel like myself, instead of fighting with piles of denim I haven’t touched since 2017. It’s not about minimalism; it’s about clarity.
Spending more mindfully (and not feeling deprived)
I used to think “budgeting” meant saying no to everything fun. But I’ve realised it’s actually about saying yes on purpose. I track my spending weekly and split it into categories: essentials, joy purchases, and future me. Knowing where my money’s going makes me feel safer and less reactive.
Where to Start if You’re Feeling Financially Stuck:
If finances are something you’re working on too, here are a few helpful resources:
- Insolvency Online – offers clear, confidential advice for anyone dealing with debt or financial overwhelm
- MoneyHelper – free tools and guidance for budgeting and debt advice
- The Broke Generation Podcast – real-talk money content for millennials
Started asking for help without guilt
Whether it’s texting a friend when I’m spiralling or hiring someone to do something I can’t, asking for help has become a quiet revolution in my life. I used to see it as a sign of weakness-now I see it as strength. You don’t have to do everything yourself to be doing well. And honestly, people like being there for you when you let them.
If you’re also working on your emotional wellbeing, here are a few things that have gently supported me:
- Mind UK – practical advice and tips for managing stress and anxiety
- Headspace – simple guided meditations for moments when your brain won’t slow down
- The Therapy Edit Podcast – short, comforting episodes on mental clarity, motherhood, and feeling human
Taking small breaks to feel more like myself
There was a time when I’d sit in front of my laptop for eight hours straight and wonder why I was drained. Now I try to give myself little pockets of pause: a lunchtime walk, five minutes of stretching, or reading one chapter of a book in the morning. They’re not life-changing in isolation, but they’ve made me feel more present and less frazzled.
Focusing less on productivity and more on meaning
I used to chase a sense of worth through doing-crossing off lists, meeting deadlines, optimising my time. Now, I try to ask different questions: Did I feel connected today? Was I kind to myself? Did I rest when I needed to? A meaningful life isn’t always a busy one. Sometimes it’s slow, quiet, and deeply satisfying.
Final Thought
I’m not trying to be perfect. I still doom scroll, overspend, cancel plans, and eat toast for dinner. But these small shifts? They’ve made my life softer, calmer, and more me. If you’re also looking to build a life that feels good—not just looks good-I hope something here resonates.
Reading up on slow living ideas, like those shared by Slow Living LDN, has helped me rethink what a “productive” life really feels like.
We all deserve a life that feels like home.
