Bored Panda
“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
CuriositiesJUN 5, 2024

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives

57
14
Ipsos recently conducted a survey across thirty countries to find out what makes people happy. The majority of respondents identified physical health (54%), mental well-being (53%), and their relationship with their partner (49%) as the key contributors.
To get a better understanding of what helps individuals achieve the things they need, we at Bored Panda asked our Facebook followers to share the various ways they have substantially improved their quality of life. Continue scrolling to check out what they told us!

#1

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Getting dogs and cats! Had the absolute worst depression before and it has almost completely turned around because of them. They're such beautiful souls
128points

#2

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Leaving an abusive relationship. No more walking on eggshells. Free, at last.
104points

#3

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Getting clean and sober. It’s been 12 years and 7 months now.
102points

#4

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
When I stopped caring about what others think--when I stopped being a people pleaser. I speak my mind, now, and I don't care who likes or dislikes me.
94points

#5

Turned off the News!
86points

#6

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Leaving a toxic work environment. I'm still rethinking what I want to do with my life, but at least I'm not having a panic attack every week
74points

#7

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Dumb one but drinking water. I survived on solely caffeine products most of my life and slowly made the switch. Almost every single health issue I had must have been dehydration in one way or another and since drinking enough water everyday I feel amazing. Duh I know but I can't be the only one
63points

#8

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Stop chasing people who wanted nothing to do with me unless they needed something. And, started to really focus on those who love me for me.
58points

#9

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Going back to work after being a SAHM. I am a way better parent when I have some space from the kids and a sense of purpose outside of the house.
55points

#10

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Cutting out toxic people, paying off my house and retiring @ 59 yrs old! I’m poor but so grateful and happy! It’s been 10 years now and no regrets!
54points

#11

Learned I'm the most important person to take care of
52points

#12

Accepting it's okay to ask for help
50points

#13

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
My gastric sleeve surgery. At my highest I was at 296 and I am now at 187, about 7 months after surgery and still losing. I still maintain a good diet and started adding in more exercise. I feel amazing
49points

#14

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Finding the right medication combination to help stabilize my moods.
46points

#15

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Yoga. My neck and shoulders hurt all the time. Yoga has made them so much better! I’m not great at it yet but improving every time.
46points

#16

I have horrible anxiety and I'm always holding stuff in. I never speak out. But lately I've been speaking my mind and forcing myself not to care as much and it's such an improvement in every aspect of my life!! I feel lighter. Still have a long way to go though!
45points

#17

Not drinking all the time. I still drink at times but I used to drink everyday. This one change has improved my life tremendously and had a domino affect of happiness and self growth!!
43points

#18

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
realizing that i’d let family members disrespect me for far too long. once i grew that backbone & started believing that my feelings are valid & the only ones that matter to me and my children, my life got better and happier
43points

#19

“Should Have Started Doing It Years Ago”: 30 Small Things That Drastically Improved People’s Lives
Getting back to creating art. It provides a total escape for me.
42points

#20

Getting a divorce
(He was extremely abusive)
41points
57
14