10 things I avoid for a better life

People who complain bug me. If you can do something about it, do it. If you can't do anything about it, then that's unfortunate. Either way, complaining doesn't do anything productive.

Sure I'll watch it if it's on a TV and I'm somewhere in the vicinity but I won't actively go out of my way to watch or read the news online - usually people tell me anyway

I don't avoid all junk food. Potato chips is my weakness - I eat one or a couple and then I can't stop. But rather than restrain myself from all junk food, I give in from time to time to eat cake, ice cream or candy. I just make sure it's not a habit.

I like the rule of 30 by the minimalists podcast - if something is over $30, wait 30 days. If you still want it, you can get it. Waiting 30 days helps reduce

Remember the rule of 80 - once you feel you are 80% full, stop eating. It takes time for your stomach to communicate to your brain that you are full so this not only helps you from overeating and feeling sick after, but also to leave a little room in your stomach to leave you hungry for more (not food).

Something I've discovered with my friend in Toronto who walks insanely quickly - it's an easy way to save some time and get to places quicker - maybe to also add in a bit of cardio

Notice when you're angry or panicked, you breathe shallowly - and when people ask you to calm down, they ask you to breathe deeply. Deep breathing is a great way to turn off your autonomous system and to control your nerves and heartbeat.

I get it, smartphones are the best thing since sliced bread. But avoid them in the mornings (they distract you from the important things you will want to do in your morning routine) and avoid them at night (they prevent you from getting the best sleep)

When people used to ask me how I was doing or how my day was going, I would always respond with "okay". Then I decided to change that to always respond with "amazing" or "great". It's a small wording change but one that has made a massive difference to how I think about my days.

Losing weight is (although not this simple) reducing the number of calories you consume. (It's also a matter of the quality of calories you assume.) One easy way of reducing the number of calories is to replace any pop, juice or sugar water you drink with regular water. If you must, fizzy (carbonated) water with a lemon is a great alternative.