Reading. I never used to open a book for more than 20 minutes but once I started reading books I actually enjoyed (Gladwell, Freakenomics, other books related to business, personal growth, human behavior etc) I realized what an amazing habit it is. You learn a lot, work your brain, give the eyes a break from a screen and you can take a good book/kindle anywhere. No power needed. Start reading books.
Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
81–90 of 135 posts
Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#82Earlier quoted context omitted.
If you do not use shampoo, what do you use to wash your hair? Genuinely interested, I can't live without Head and Shoulders.
I just spend more time rubbing my scalp with my fingertips to get rid of dead skin cells or what have you. My non-scientific opinion is that that is what is important to keep your hair clean and shampoo mostly helps to lubricate your fingers and dry out natural oils.
The equivalent would be not using dishwashing liquid for your plates after a greasy meal. Hot water and friction can do a lot, but it is an uphill battle. In the case of hair, your method might just be "good enough", though. But I'm sure your hair won't get the "Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific" response.
Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#83Quitting, after 30+ years, saying, "God bless you" (or really, "Gahblessyou") automatically after someone sneezes. If you stop and think about how dumb this is, it feels really good to break this ridiculous cultural habit. I've been "clean" from this for 2+ years now.
Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#84Stopped reading and watching "The News". What a waste of time. If there's something important, someone will tell me about it.
Just my $0.02. Don't have to agree just my thoughts.
Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#85Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#86Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#87I also got back in my old SEGA games and cooking food my mom used to make when I was a kid.
I grew up in church but slacked because life got hectic. Now I'm attending when I can, I'll read the Bible in off time and I've made myself more available to help others.
This might sound stupid, but it's something about the times where all I could do is go outside and play football in the park with my friends that I miss. Now with my younger siblings, I see them so attached to technology, it makes me sad that they're so trapped and in tuned with news and post from people they'll probably never meet instead of the people they're in front of every day...
Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#881. Going to the gym as the first thing in the morning. 2. Saying "No" more often.
Interesting. I found that going later in the day ( sometime between 10am and 3pm, whenever I take a break) is better for me because I'm most productive/focused in the mornings.
Also, I know that going after doesn't work out for me. Since at the end of the day I'm tired and it's somewhat of an excuse to miss the gym for the day.
But it's really a mater of taste and lifestyle. Most of my coworkers do at lunch time. This way they don't sacrifice much of their time since it's a forced free time on everybody here anyways.
Re: Ask HN: What habit have you dropped or picked up that improved your life?
#89I stopped relying on my cellphone so often. It feels good not to be a slave to every "Ding!" or "Beep!" that I hear. I also got back in my old SEGA games and cooking food my mom used to make when I was a kid. I grew up in church but slacked because life got hectic. Now I'm attending when I can, I'll read the Bible in off time and I've made myself more available to help others. This might sound stupid, but it's someth…
Funny how most of the comments mention giving up video games altogether and you mention getting back into them.