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THRIVING NOT SURVIVING

Take on a wardrobe challenge and seven other ways to sort out your life in 2025

Read on for our list of top wellbeing buys for under a fiver

TO thrive in 2025, start as you mean to go on by overhauling your lifestyle.

This JanYOUary, put your well-being first so you’re fit to face whatever challenges come your way.

Woman packing sweaters into boxes in a walk-in closet.
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These top tips will help you overhaul your lifestyle and make the most of every pennyCredit: Getty

Living well on a budget can be difficult, but these top tips will help you overhaul your lifestyle and make the most of every penny.

1. TAKE ON THE WARDROBE CHALLENGE: Only keep the clothes you love.

It will make getting dressed each day easier and less stressful.

Whenever you wear an item, turn its hanger around so you can tell it’s been worn.

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At the end of the year, sell any items you haven’t used.

2. MAX YOUR STORAGE SPACE: We’d all like a bigger home, but few of us can afford it.

Instead, make the most of what you’ve got by incorporating extra storage.

Grey storage ottoman with six drawers.
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The Livarno Home Storage Ottoman from Lidl is just £29.99Credit: Lidl

From clearing away the kids’ toys to keeping paperwork organised, a tidy house means a tidy mind and helps you feel more in control.

Try the Livarno Home Storage Ottoman from Lidl for just £29.99.

It’s in store from Sunday.

I'm a money-saving mum and my super simple hack stops you overspending in the supermarket - it works every time

3. GET A SUPPORTIVE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE: Having close pals is one of the best ways to boost your mental health.

Write a list of your best mates and form a friendship circle, where you get together regularly and maybe do little tasks to support each other.

Three women enjoying coffee together in a kitchen.
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Close friends are great for your mental healthCredit: Getty

You could hold a “swishing” session to swap old clothes and update your wardrobes; arrange babysitting nights — you look after a friend’s child, and vice versa, to give you both a break — or host a monthly “pot luck” supper, where you each bring a dish to a gathering.

4. TACKLE YOUR LIFE ADMIN: Is your “to do” list overflowing?

Struggling to keep on top of your emails?

Weekly planner chalkboard.
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Try this chalkboard for £10 from Sass & BelleCredit: sassandbelle.co.uk

Set aside 15 minutes each day to plough through the admin.

Create separate files within your personal email for responsibilities such as electricity bills, insurance or school messages, and make a paperwork box for any incoming letters.

Sync your phone’s diary to your email and online calendar, and set alerts so you don’t miss a thing.

Buy a basic blackboard planner so the whole family knows what’s on each day.

Try this chalkboard for £10 from Sass & Belle.

5. FOCUS ON FAMILY: The secret to successful parenting is not to be perfect, but just good enough.

Involve your kids in household chores, from cleaning to cooking, to win you some time back — and don’t stress if the house is a bit messy.

A father and son smiling in a car, the son holding a soccer ball.
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Time with the kids with strengthen family bondsCredit: Getty

Instead, invest time in listening to your children, playing with them when you can and watching them learn and grow.

The days may feel long, but the years are short, so make some happy memories.      

Get help and advice from professional health visitors at netmums.com/coffeehouse.

6. GROW YOUR OWN GRUB: Houseplants are trendy, but growing your own food is even better.

Plant basic seeds, such as salad leaves, cress and herbs, in pots on your inside windowsills.

Packet of common cress seeds.
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Grow your own cressCredit: The Range

They will brighten the room in ­winter, provide free food and are organic, too.

Try cress seeds, 49p, from The Range.

7. CURATE YOUR CUPBOARDS: There’s no need to have an Instagram-worthy posh pantry, but organising your cupboards will cut down what you spend on food and make meal planning easier.

Arrange tins and dry goods on to separate shelves, with the oldest items at the front so they get used first.

Pop spices and packets into a basic storage box so you can find them easily.

Make a list of everything in your freezer and pin it on the front with a ­magnet.

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Cross off what you eat and add a note of what you buy.

That way, you’ll always know what you have stocked up.

Wellbeing buys for under a fiver

Stillness aromatic candle in gray glass jar and box.
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Relax with a scented candle. The Habitat Wellness Stillness 120g boxed candle was £5, now £3.75, from Habitat at Sainsbury’sCredit: supplied
Shimmering Bath Soak bottle.
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Soak away your stress with Body Stories Spa Shimmering Bath Soak, 250ml, £1 at PoundlandCredit: supplied
Two teal satin pillowcases.
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Sleep soundly on this silky-feel satin pillowcase. Simply Amelia Satin two-pack, £4.99 from AmazonCredit: Supplied
Indoor plant in patterned pot.
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Go green with this easy-care houseplant. Green Plants in Greystone ­Pottery, £3.99 at LidlCredit: supplied
Gratitude 5-minute journal set with pen, lip balm, and face mist.
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Give thanks for the small stuff. Relax Five-Minute Gratitude journal set, £5 from AsdaCredit: supplied
Six-pack of Milbona Kefir Shot Strawberry.
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Treat your tummy with Milbona Fruit Kefir drinks, 6x100g, £1.79 at LidlCredit: supplied
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