Hi Ozbargainers,
Been thinking lately about all the increasing issues (physical health, mental health, stress, etc) as a result of dealing with the complexities of modern life.
What do you think are some cheap-ish purchases that can dramatically improve somebody's quality of life?
Your "Bluebeard's room" probably contains the
big screen telly, the games consoles, the Boseheadphones, the eneloops,a year's supply of 12 pack Coles brand toilet paper and the home brewery kit.
No big screen, no games console, I have headphones but not Bose, I don't use Coles brand toilet paper (I steal from work… But I own work :( ), and the brewing kit is in the brewing shed.
Eneloops were a given so it doesn't score any points.
real intellectual books the bad guys win and everyone else dies.
Time to put discreet stickers on the spine of the books to indicate whether it's a good triumph or evil supremecy ending.
@[Deactivated]: I took a punt on the room, given the Ozbargain demographic and current trends:)
The hints with the book are:
a) written by a Russian, or
b) are considered "literature" or
b) have won a major award.
@try2bhelpful: I'm fairly safe then. I cannot think of any Russian authors in my library.
I think Greek would be the closest geographically.
Stress is totally avoidable, follow this rule: "Don't expect anything from anyone"
It's always when our expectations are let down, that we get stressed.
Train arriving late: don't expect train to arrive in time.
No dinner when you arrive at home: don't expect dinner when you arrive home.
No affection from the other half: Don't expect any affection
Neighbour who is loud or nasty: Don't expect neighbours to have common sense
Traffic Jam: Don't expect the road to be empty.
Don't expect anything, that means also don't expect the worse. Just head into the day.
That seems more like avoiding anxiety to me?
Taking a holiday
Not being so frugal you need to save every single dollar…
Buying higher quality items to help you with your job. A nice suit, nice shoes a decent computer, a keyboard with wrist support etc
I second this, i recently invested in a set of steel series arctis 7 and love them to pieces. feels great and is really useful for my needs. it was a bit pricey but it makes such a difference and feel like i should do this more
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/gaming-headset/steelseries-arctis-…
another adage is this: for tools (or anything) first buy the cheapest, and when it breaks buy the most expensive. that way you'll keep on using it and can warrant something premium and will be able to tell the difference.
"Been thinking lately about all the increasing issues (physical health, mental health, stress, etc) as a result of dealing with the complexities of modern life."
Yeah, not sure a consumer good is going to fix those things (apart from being a temporary distraction). They can be fixed though. Or rather, how you react and respond to them can be changed.
Agreed. Most consumer goods will not dramatically improve one's quality of life.
A friendly pet is a good purchase that hasn't been suggested yet
Roomba 630 robotic vacuum cleaner, still going strong after 4 years and 1 battery replacement. Does a great job on tiles & wooden floors.
Go to Tony Robbins next year in Sydney. Very helpful on dealing with all the issues life has. I just did it.
However, costs about $1500 dollars for 4 days, which I believe is worth it.
I've always wondered what people get out of a Tony Robbins' seminar.
Seems like a religion to me.
When did you do it and what did you get out of it?
Did it a few weeks ago through work as my directors have all done it (multiple times).
For me it was about getting and maintaining energy levels that you want and not feeling tired/exhausted/can’t be bothered at the end of each day.
It’s also about just putting life on hold for a few days and finding what actually fulfills you.
JB1
I went in 1998 and didn't have much idea what I was in for.
I took my teenage daughter the following year.
It was life-changing in a good way for me. Too many wonderful things & too personal to write about in this forum.
Can I suggest that you Google it. His 'seminar' is called UPW (Unleash the Power Within).
There's a 2for1 deal on gor his 2019 UPW until 12oct I noticed.
For those who are truly interested, you'll find the information that you need at the time that you need it.
All the best to you.
Great that it changed your life.
Can you give me examples or 1 example.
@JimB: I got clarity on what I wanted out of my life. I then learned how to figure out what was holding me back from getting it (in particular what disempowering beliefs I had about myself, my life, my relationships). I learned how beliefs are formed & how to create beliefs that serve me so that I can get what I want out of my life. I learned how to create lasting change in my life.
I was no longer at the whim of my emotions or a victim of circumstance. I learned how to design my life (and ended up teaching a course entitled "Design Your Life"). I still get asked to give talks on this. I live my life on purpose. I get told over and over how "lucky" I am (I travel & work overseas a lot). Luck has nothing to do with it. I learned how to design my life in 1998 at the seminar, and I do just that. I know how to find out what I want, whats hindering me, work through my limitations (limiting beliefs), make a plan and move towards my goal.
That's it in a nutshell. I hope that helps.
@MishyMoo: Seems like it worked out very well for you.
Without being disrespectful it seems like you had some emotional issues prior to the seminar.
Also luck always has a part of your circumstances or how successful you are. We are all lucky to live in a country where education is free, income is relatively high and haven't been involved in civil war. Of course that's not to say that you haven't had to work hard to get where you are.
But we have all had luck to various degrees to get where we are.
I think I'll do more research before I sign up or dismiss it. I don't know if I will get anything out of it as a fairly well balanced person, I.e. no emotional problems, good relationship, fairly good career etc.
I've been to many motivational sessions due to work and it movitates me for about 30mins after the session ends..maybe I'm too sceptical But the long full on sessions screams cult or religion to me, similar to how some people I know get suckered into multi level marketing. It seems like many of the positive reviews on Tony Robbins come from people who are involved in MLM.
We are all lucky to live in a country where education is free, income is relatively high
I don't know what country you're living in but this is Australia where education is not free and incomes have been going backwards for 40 years.
The current median income is a mere 45K, just double what the government calls "the poverty line".
@Diji1: We're not persecuted for our race or religion.
No war.
1/3rd of the world lives on less than USD$2 per day.
Tell them we're not lucky to be living in Australia.
Education up to High School is free, Tafe is free and you can take a loan which you repay once you start working. Many international student's families save a lifetime to afford to send them to study here.
@MishyMoo: So it's basically about how people have to realise that they are in control of their life, and that if they have beliefs that they aren't as good as someone else, or as intelligent that they should stop doing that and believe in themselves?
@Ghost47: Yes…even more than that. It's like choosing 'how' you want your life to be, and learning the tools to create something outstanding for yourself. When you're able to identify beliefs that you have that are holding you back… Then the 'work' begins .. You learn how to create empowering beliefs that serve you. It's incredibly accelerated learning. Amazed at how much I learned over a few days. It's intense! Best seminar ever (I don't give that type of credit easily btw).
Watch HBO's doco called I am not your Guru on AR - he's a solution looking for a problem.
Will do. Seems a little too cult like for my liking.
He has done very well financially by charging a arm and a leg to people who want to be financially successful. I'll give him that much.
@JimB: Good on you for wanting to do your own research first. I suggest reading the introduction to Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People where he talks about character vs techniques. It's based on his thesis and his literature review of the self-help industry over the last 200 years in the US.
@JimB: I've heard people say that before. A cult is something that you're unable to get away from. It's really nothing like that.
Best money I've ever spent. It's ok with me that it's not for everyone.
@MishyMoo: I didn't say it's a cult, I said it's cult like.
I appreciate your thoughts and that it's helped you. At least I'm getting information on someone who has attended on here.. most reviews are based on US seminars.
I've been a Landmark session which wasn't for me, it seems like these seminars have one thing in common is to go from morning to very late in the night.. is that to make you so tired you just give in? I dunno.
to make you so tired you just give in
Possibly, also to give you the impression that you got value for your money.
There are some useful self-help tips in there. Most of them are fairly obvious. If you are doing something that makes you unhappy, do something else. Things like avoiding multitasking, which generally makes you less efficient.
The prosperity gospel preacher packaging is something that you either love or hate. I fall in the second category. There is only so much overweening earnestness and barely concealed narcissism that I can take. "A lot of people ask me, Tony, how come you are so successful?" etc.
I have seen Jordan Peterson in action as well. The self-help tips are largely the same. Clean your room, be conscientious in your appearance, take control, be responsible for your life etc. However, the packaging is quite different. Peterson is quite confessional, reflective, morose, a bit more hostile and flinty. He attracts the sort of jaded cynics that would never dream of going to a Toby Robbins seminar. I find myself responding more to Peterson, although as I said, its the same schtick in the end.
Basically, the death of God in western societies has left people - particularly those whose jobs seem rather pointless- with a deep sense of spiritual ennui, and a yearning for some kind of teleological purpose in life. Those sorts of people are also very interested in status and material success. So its an attempt at killing two birds with one stone.
edda1801
Totally agree!
Life Will Never Be The Same
😊😊
Listened to some of his CD-based courses 10-12yrs ago. Quite enjoyed them.
I'd have to add flights & accommodation to see him in Sydney. Will look into it tho.
Cheers.
Enjoy!
Is the stuff very different from a lot which is on YouTube?
There's nothing quite like a live Tony Robbins seminar.
You also get to meet many like-minded people who also want to get the most out of life
I had the opportunity to drive many teachers to a convention and also had the pleasure to talk to many staff. Education has no cost it is what you do with it that determines the value. Tony knows what he is teaching is what others miss to teach you.
For an Ozbargain Hunter there are self development courses that go in similar directions. Dale Carnegie is one I can think of. Anyone out here to make valuable suggestions?
Pushbike as a daily driver if distance isn't an issue.
Save money, stress, in same cases time, better health, less stress.
Punching bag with a picture of who ever or what ever makes you stressed attached to the bag lol.
Or a good pair of shoes makes a lot of difference.
I'd suggest things that you might use everyday, which have a substantial degree of variability in their quality/comfort/experience depending on how much one is willing to spend or research options. As Ryanek has already said, a mattress is a good one, or as Supasaiyan suggested a nice, very comfortable pair of walking/jogging shoes, would be my pick. I think these are really good suggestions.
Some other things that I don't think have already been said might be;
If you feel lonely, a dog/cat or guinea pig helps a lot to relieve stress, anxiety and loneliness…
If you look for realaxing things: bath bombs, essential oil,a good outdoor setting like a comfortable long chair and some sun will help…
You don t need to spend money to improve your own comfort..you can go for a long walk, read a book or even cook will make your mind better…it s all about loving yourself and enjoying daily things…
A pet sounds like temporary fun but this ends when you find that it has no switch but personality instead. Go travel to a poor area, talk to locals and soon you feel so much better off.
Electronic Bidet for $999 - https://www.bidets2go.com.au/bio-bidet-supreme-bb-1000/
If you got some faeces on your arm, would you just wipe it off with some tissues and leave it at that?
Your life will change forever.
1) why are you getting faeces on your arm?
2) why are you sticking your arm down a toilet/washing it off with a bidet?
Shit happens.
Wet wipes as the cheaper alternative?
These don't break down though, so you will block your pipes and need to get a plumber out which will cost thousands.
what goes in, eventually has to leave again. Switch from quantity to quality food but keep the quality longer on your taste buds and do not prolong total eating time. If things get sticky the bidet might just leaves less smelly hands (or arms??) behind.
A good used kayak from gumtree. Plenty of fresh air, exercise at your own pace, get right back to nature up close and personal, very de-stressing. No ongoing running costs, join a meetup kayaking group and make heaps of new friends. Kayakers are usually very social and friendly - touchscreen phones don't work so well when your hands are always wet.
Also mountain bikes, or even Dirt Bikes.
A scenic drive through the hills is also rejuvenating. Or perhaps a morning run (with good shoes). A spa/massage too.
Basically anything that works your body, will have an effect on your mind.
The trick is to take a "chillout" session, and meditate. After recharging, grab a pen and paper and write what you want to achieve in 5 years, and what you need to get done in the next two weeks and try to formulate a realistic schedule…then apply it and do it consistently. It will boost your self-esteem tremendously and put you on a path of personal success. That's the lesson schools fail to teach people.
tenga flip.
Is it better than the tenga egg?.. Cos that was a crap!
about $65 better
Thanks - now this is on my google search history.
and no doubt in your cart on ebay.
Mushrooms (with magical properties) =).
This is only to get an idea of what it is like to be without ego. Then work on that ego.
Hmmmmm Mushrooms u say….
Bad ego! bad!! go away!!
In a couple of months they can be had for free, at least in the warmer states.
A good stereo sound system, with tube amp, floorstanding speakers and headphones, then get all your favourite music on FLAC or actual CD's. Note: This only applies if you have good taste in music, which basically means you don't listen to top 40 radio.
All that under 1K? My Speakers were more than that.
r/gatekeeping
You mean this only applies if you don't care about spending money on diminishing returns on audio quality. This is a hobbyist's route and not a quality of life improvement.
Stick Vaccum (Dyson)
Agree. Bloody awesome.
You will feel amazing if you adopt a pet - the giving and receiving of much love is a powerful tonic :)
offer a pet walking service, get paid while having fun
How about spending it on airtasker jobs for people to come and do all the things on your to do list that you have been struggling to get to?
Alternatively, if that isn't the thing causing you stress then a night of coke and hookers can do wonders.
Nah, Dyson Stick Vacuum is the winner so far for improving my mental health.
Gym membership
I dont get that, recently put a gym at home, cost: $95 for 160kg weight plates, 2 sets dumbell, curl bar and strait bar plus 6 sets of rubber coated dumbells a step platform and exercise ball.
$100 for boxing bag stand $50 for bag
$30 for exercise bike and $30 for weight bench.
Less then a years membership and i can use it at any time…
If u have the space in your house to set that up….
Yeh true, but you dont need all that? Do sqauts lunges ect ect. The only thing stopping you exercising is you.
@Seedy seed: I also have a home gym but some people like the social aspect of a commercial gym. Seeing their gym bros and checking out (with respect) attractive girls. Each to their own.
Did you buy this from gumtree?
I'm looking to set something up at home to avoid the daily trip to the gym
Garage sales nd gum tree. You could also hit up the scrap metal recyclers in your area too.
A decent squat rack can set you back for a upto a grand. You just can't bench press everyday on a flimsy 30 dollar bench.
Dumbell press? Whos doin bench press at home for fitness? But id say a bench with the bars to hold the bar was designed exactly for that.the $30 bench was a decent second hand york one? Not sure what you think i bought…
breville bes 920 espresso machine, a little cup a luxury every day.
Life is about responsiblity purpose and work - spend it on a pet or a garden air pod starter kit
When I'm on my death bed I can guarantee you that I won't look back on my life and wish I had taken on more responsibility and work.
Work gives a lot of people meaning. There's this whole concept of FIRE floating around, but look at the richest people in the world; Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett.. these guys haven't retired early, they're still working their arses off because that is what satisfies them and gives their life meaning.
When these guys are on their death beds I'm sure they'll be content with the life they've had and how much they have contributed to society.
A gym membership, for sure. Chances are it won't even set you back by a full $1000, so use the rest of that dosh getting a few lessons with a personal trainer to set you on the right path.
Make sure you have the motivation to carry through with what you start! A lot of people make the mistake of purchasing a membership and never making full use of it. However, once you make a habit of going to the gym, you may find a few things changing about your life in terms of attitudes and practices…
That's just my 2c on how you might spend some time and money to improve your quality of life. I don't think it's going to work for everyone, but it's worth a shot. Even without going to the gym, spending some of that $1000 on some running shoes or a tennis racket and just spending some of your day really moving might really change your day.
This is pretty much proven scientifically. Get a personal trainer once a week as well. This made heaps of difference to me and I just need to find time to do it again, but work and family can get in the way.
Gym and personal trainer for 3 months, it will change your mind and your body.
If you work retail you can get a significant discount on some gyms.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/296117
Spend $250 on a Swedish, hand-made, Granfors Bruks block-splitting axe and split some wood
Very therapeutic and stress relieving and good for your physical health too - and you'll be warm in winter
Wasnt there a ebay seller selling them for $60 ect last year?
If they were genuine GB splitting mauls, them it was the deal of the year
Cant remember if i saw on here or the bushcraft forum??
Can't go wrong with a good axe!
Think and grow rich - Napoleon Hill. Wont cost you more than $100 but will definitely change your life. Good luck!
Or just read the books about Napolean Hill. Equally life changing.
(Dude is a massive weirdo)
If you can get one for under 1k, a heat pump dryer. Makes washing so much easier when it's raining or you just cbf, and a heat pump dryer has low running costs. Use mine all the time during winter
After reading horror stories and double checking against warranty periods I can't see the appeal vs a normal tumble dryer. Definitely agree with kerrigans under 1k caveat as it takes LONGER to dry stuff and in most cases new warranty is only 2 years on even the $4000+ models which would break your lower running costs if it broke out of warrranty. Future tech for someone else to perfect and make cheaper for sure. Thanks Kerrigan since I didn't even know these were a thing against traditional tumble dryers.
12 month gym membership for at my local gym for $300…been using it everyday. It certainly helped improve my mood a lot since I'm getting quite depressed lately so a good investment it is
There is nothing you can buy that will improve the quality of your life, you can buy a facade but that is it. It has to come from within you.
Kinda agree more with this.. shouldn't be so much a question of what you can buy to improve quality of life (assuming your meeting the basic human needs which I feel most are in Australia.. ie. Buying a roof over your head or food\water).. the risk with finding improvements like this is the hedonic treadmill we end up finding ourselves on
If you are hungry, buying food improves your life. Cold, buying a blanket, jacket or heater can make life warmer. Platitudes are nice and all, but in reality we cant wander free and live off the land.
@[Deactivated]: Good concept, but for the real intellectual books the bad guys win and everyone else dies.
Your "Bluebeard's room" probably contains the big screen telly, the games consoles, the Bose headphones, the eneloops, a year's supply of 12 pack Coles brand toilet paper and the home brewery kit.