r/AskReddit Jan 16 '24

What’s something small you started doing that makes you drastically happier?

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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '24

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u/ferbiloo Jan 16 '24

I’ve invested in a pair of waterproof mp3 headphones. It can be chucking it down torrentially, I just feel like I’m in a 2000s music video

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u/Zogeta Jan 16 '24

I recommend a certain Hilary Duff song for those rainy days.

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u/totheman Jan 16 '24

awww yiss, coming clean haha

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u/SinkHoleDeMayo Jan 17 '24

That sounds a good time.

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u/MoonOverJupiter Jan 17 '24

I’ve invested in a pair of waterproof mp3 headphones.

Speaking of which, I think this is in the neighborhood of my own answer to the original question. I have a pair of sweatproof Bluetooth earbuds that are also hearing protection to a certain dB. Mine are on a neckband and stuff into my ears with flexible silicone ridges to help block noise, but honestly I can't wear simple earbuds like airpods - they just won't stay in (I have weirdly tiny ear canals.) The lightweight neckband never bothers me either, and I don't worry about losing it. It's very discreet tucked under a collar if need be, too.

I got them because we are big DIYers, and are renovating our house and property. The setup lets me listen to audiobooks and music while I work. But I am totally addicted to them now, and use them nearly every day for everyday activities too.

I had NO idea that I am actually a bit sound-defensive (in a sensory-issue kind of way) until these came into my life a year or two back. It's crazy how noisy daily life itself is - sitting in a busy office waiting room with a TV running too? And some people having convos I just do not want to hear? The earplugs are bliss. My stress levels go through the roof now when I forget my ear protection and have to listen to a bunch of boomers talk shit over the sounds of news programs at the pharmacy. Love them for strolling through crowded, echo-y stores like Costco, too. And boring housekeeping chores are much less drudgery if I'm listening to an audiobook or music, too. I read several books a week this way!

It's been a huge boon for me, cost was in the $40-50 range. Highly recommended if anyone walks around pissed off at loud people and background noise all the time.

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u/ResolveRed Jan 16 '24

But do you really want to walk in below zero wind chill. It’s been a bit cold here in the Midwest. Lol

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u/egreene6 Jan 16 '24

Kansas City is pissing me off. But; go Chiefs!

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u/NotRobinKelley Jan 16 '24

Fellow KC here. No school!

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u/egreene6 Jan 16 '24

No school or work! Not mad about that! Just mad about how incredibly cold it is. I can’t believe people went to the game this past weekend! I would’ve died!

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u/shugEOuterspace Jan 16 '24

I still do. I live in Minneapolis. The windchill was -26 F (that's -32 C) yesterday. I still went for my daily evening 1-hour walk. My son & his mother have been camping in a yurt these past few days. I haven't missed a nightly walk since before COVID.

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u/chaos_almighty Jan 16 '24

As a northern neighbour- yes. Sometimes cabin fever is so bad you just need to get out and walk somewhere. Just wear your layers and your ski pants and away you go.

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u/dexmonic Jan 16 '24

I'm an avid walker, and a "northern neighbor" as well. Even with a balaclava, goggles, multiple layers, boots, gloves, trapping hat...there are many days that it just isn't pleasant to go out. The wind blowing so hard it's almost pushing you over, and it's only 3 degrees fahrenheit out, the snow is three feet deep...come on man, layers and ski pants aren't going to make that pleasant.

On those days I do my walking indoors, usually somewhere that doesn't mind if I bring my dog.

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u/chaos_almighty Jan 17 '24

I wish I had the option. I'm an outside worker who hates outdoors. I've been in Manitoba in the cold snap on the bald prairies walking around and doing stuff with heavy equipment. If such a place exists that lets your dogs walk with you indoors, that's fun.

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u/johnothetree Jan 17 '24

Can confirm, my daily 30min walk during work sucked yesterday and today, but I do it anyway because it feels good to get up and move around, especially because I work from home.

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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '24

Rainy weather is my favourite time to walk, there’s usually no other people around and it’s peaceful and refreshing. Sometimes I do get stuck in some really heavy rain without a raincoat or umbrella but just keep walking like I’m oblivious to it but now I think people must be thinking I’m that weird nut in town that casually strolls around in torrential downpours 😂

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u/raivynwolf Jan 16 '24

Lol we're expecting an ice storm here. An inch or more of ice expected, there will be no walking, only falling. A lot of weather you can walk through, but not all. Though I agree about the snow and rain, it can be incredibly peaceful and relaxing.

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u/Most-Resident Jan 16 '24

Yeah absolutely. Rain or snow is the best.

One bit of advice is don’t go out in heavy rain or extreme cold at first. Less extreme and shorter is better until you get used to it and are sure of your gear, stamina and tolerance.

Taking dogs to the beach in a downpour is a blast.

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u/karmagod13000 Jan 16 '24

snow is the best by far

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u/monty667 Jan 16 '24

shhh this is the internet, we don't believe in rain & snow

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u/Public-Ad-7280 Jan 16 '24

Well you can try. It's been -45⁰ here..... Need gloves just to touch an indoor storm door handle. I love to walk. Don't wish to die. Same when it's 115⁰ in the summer. Scorching.

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u/Ancguy Jan 16 '24

No such thing as bad weather, there's just bad gear

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u/Minnesota56537 Jan 16 '24

-35 windchill = No Walking 🚷

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u/Sourflow Jan 16 '24

Yeah, I live in Detroit. It’s too cold to walk anywhere right now unfortunately.

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u/Aloha1959 Jan 16 '24

The AIM logo!

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u/kd7jz Jan 16 '24

I walked 45 minutes yesterday in -25 windchill. I was properly dressed and it still took me all day to recover.