I am guilty of committing some of these toxic habits myself but I am working on changing that, promise! I am trying to be the best version of myself and that means cutting toxic practices out of my life. These habits have some pretty large effects on your mental health and physical health so the quicker you learn to stop doing them, the better and happier you will feel!
Checking Email/Social Media First Thing in the Morning
I get those screentime notifications from Apple every week and I’m lowkey embarrassed about how much time I spend on my phone. I average about 7 hours a day *hides face in shame* I find it hard not to be as I am usually on Pinterest or watching Youtube videos or Googling one of the 50 random questions that pop into my head throughout the day.
One thing you can work on, however, is not grabbing your phone as soon as you wake up in the morning. I know it is a part of the morning routines of many people to scroll through email or social media in bed for a few minutes after they wake up.
But did you know that people who use social media can end up feeling unhappier? We judge and compare our lives to others and it can make us feel kinda down. While you’re about to go work your 9-5 job, you see all these people on Instagram jetting off to Paris to live their best lives. Haha AWESOME, right? ????
This is a hard habit to break because what else are you supposed to do after you turn your alarm off?
Instead of email and social media, do a quick meditation session!
I only recently started meditating and before I really didn’t understand the point of it. Like I’m just supposed to quietly think? Turns out, there is more to it than that. I’ve been using an app called Balance that teaches meditation skills to newbies like me and has guided sessions. You can do one as short as 3 minutes.
Comparing Yourself to Others
It is so easy to compare yourself to other people and feel lesser than because you are not in the same place as they are. On social media, we see all these people with successful businesses, gorgeous houses, slim waists, fully stamped passports that jealousy may arise.
Well, I am here to tell you to STOP.
There is no point in comparing where you are at in your journey to where someone else is. You don’t know how hard they worked to get where they are or how long they have been working.
If someone has been in the gym every day for the last 5 years, of course, their body will be in better shape than someone who has only been working out for 5 months! Focus on yourself and what you need to do. It does not matter what others are doing, it matters what YOU are doing!
Not Setting Goals
To conquer goals, you have to first set them! The most successful people don’t just go with a flow with a plan or purpose in mind. They have goals and stay focused on reaching them.
You should have daily goals to help you stay productive.
Every night I like to write down 3 goals I have for tomorrow so if I start feeling overwhelmed I already know the 3 most important things I want to get done for the day.
Living Too Much In The Past
I am so guilty of this. From past relationships to past travels, I am often reminiscing over memories both good and bad.
There is no problem with having fond memories but when you live too much in the past, you are not making the most of the current moment or focusing on creating a great future for yourself.
Leave past mistakes and failures in the past where they belong. When you keep thinking about them, they become your present and who wants to keep reliving shitty memories??
When you find yourself stuck in the past. Go look in a mirror and say this “I need to Keep. Moving. Forward.”
Not Forgiving Yourself for Mistakes
We all fuck up some times. It is human to make mistakes. Some people are much better at brushing off their mistakes and moving forward while others remain obsessed over their failures. You need to learn to forgive yourself when you make a mistake, big or small.
When you keep focusing and kicking yourself over mistakes, you put yourself in a bad mental state and stall any forward progress. Mistakes are not meant to be the end of the world. Use them as learning opportunities to improve and just be sure not to make the same mistake again.
Don’t be so hard on yourself!
Pushing Yourself Until You Burnout
I get it. You’re busy. You have things to do. But pushing yourself when you are completely exhausted is not healthy. Everyone needs breaks sometimes…and sleep and food and time just to chill. When you are doing things running on 50% you won’t be giving it your best effort!
So take care of your mind and body so you can always bring your A-game to whatever you do.
Worrying about Things You Can’t Control
You are going to drive yourself crazy trying to fix things out of your control. You can’t dictate how other people behave. You can’t control morning traffic delays. All you can do is learn how to be flexible and adaptable when things are not going your way.
Sometimes life screws us and it does suck! But changing your mindset and accepting things you cannot control will make you a lot less stressed. And less stress is always a good thing.
Keeping Toxic People in Your Life
I have really been working on getting this toxic habit out of my life. If someone in your life makes you feel bad or sad or just bring negative energy into your life, cut them off. You do not need someone in your life if they are not going to be a positive force.
Hanging around toxic people leads to toxic thoughts and poor mental wellbeing. And that is not what we are going for! We want to feel great about ourselves and be emotionally healthy! If a person is bringing more bad than good into your life, seriously, let them go.
P.S. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO THESE DUDES, ladies. Don’t let toxic men mistreat you. I have this problem of giving guys wayyy too many chances. Don’t be like me!
Letting Self-Doubt Get to You
How many times have you thought to yourself “I can’t do this” when trying to get something done? Cut it out! You should be your biggest cheerleader, not your biggest critic.
It is not okay to tear yourself down even if things are not progressing as quickly as you would hope. I want you to be a damn motivational speaker when you talk to yourself.
I can do this. Don’t give up. Keep on pushing.
These are the thoughts that should be in your head. You are not going to be able to do something if you keep telling yourself you can’t. Believe in yourself and don’t doubt your abilities.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Yes, this is a toxic habit! Toxic to your health! Don’t you want glowy skin and healthy organs and all that jazz? I myself am so bad at drinking enough water. The recommended daily value of 64oz seems so high to me lol. Try getting a reminder app to give you a little push to up your water intake. And a cute water bottle never hurt either.
If you commit to breaking some of these toxic behaviors, you will surely see the benefits! You’ll feel better about yourself, feel less stressed and maybe even have clearer skin! Habits are hard to break but I know you can do it if you want it badly enough.
What are some toxic habits you want to break? Leave a comment below!
Wanna start a blo
Keep breathin’,
Kay ????
Wanna start a blog like this one or your own side hustle? Get going today! ????
Angie says
Water gets over looked a lot in the be happier lists. I love that you included it here because it plays an important role!
Kay Zane says
I noticed that too! So I had to include it in mine! Thanks for commenting 🙂