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20 Ways to Improve Your Life Without Really Trying

Here’s twenty ways to make life better, with little effort.

Keep a bird feeder by a window, ideally the kitchen. It’ll pass the time when you’re washing up. Or, if working from home, pop one outside your 'office' window for a pleasant, calming distraction.


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


Take a photo of the tag you are given when leaving your coat in a cloakroom. Ditto when dropping off dry cleaning.


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


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


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


Go for a walk without your phone.


Stretch in the morning. And maybe in the evening.


Learn the names of 10 trees.


Call an old friend out of the blue.


Thank a teacher who changed your life.


Send a voice note instead of a text.


Think about your posture.


Always book an extra day off after a holiday.


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


Keep your keys in the same place.


Listen to the albums you loved as a teenager.


Look closely.


If possible, take the stairs.


If you’re going less than a mile, walk or cycle.

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