We all have those habits that don’t add any value to our lives that we’d love to stop doing…if only we knew how, or what to replace them with!
In this post, I’ll be sharing the habits that you should quit TODAY, and what you could be doing instead to better your life, become healthier and boost your happiness.
1.Mindlessly Scrolling Through Your Phone
We’ve all been there – you say you just want to have a quick look at Twitter and two hours later you’re three years deep into your boyfriend’s friend’s girlfriend’s friend’s Instagram, wondering how you ended up there. Scrolling aimlessly can be very addictive and it’s so easy to immerse yourself in for hours on end. But actually consider what value this is bringing you, other than finding out the name of your ex boyfriend’s new girlfriend (don’t do this either!)
Instead, designate specific times of the day to go on your phone – maybe 10 minute intervals at lunchtime, when you get home from work or school, in the evening. Try going without your phone in the morning – it’s been proven to boost happiness and focus, so instead choose to read a chapter of a book when you wake up.
Most people I know set an alarm to wake them up at a specific time – but they also have at least three more so that they can go back to sleep for 10 minute intervals before actually getting up. While this seems like a good idea when you’re tired in the morning, you’d actually feel a lot better if you just got up for the first one. The quality of sleep you’re getting in those 10 minutes is really poor, and it cuts into time in the morning where you could be doing something productive.
Instead, after your first alarm goes off, count yourself down from 3, and after 1, just get up. Then, in the extra 10 or 20 minutes you have, complete that annoying task you’ve been putting off forever so that you can start your day feeling productive and accomplished.
3. Buying Things You Don’t Need
I recently wrote an article on how to practice minimalism, ie. the concept of living with less. One of the first things to overcome on your journey to becoming a minimalist is to quit buying things that you don’t really need, such as clothes or home decor pieces. Buying these things does bring initial joy and satisfaction but, if you already have a bursting wardrobe, you have to ask yourself if there is really any need for you to buy much more.
Instead, start saving the money you would spend on material things so that you can buy experiences with your loved ones instead. Decorate a jar or purchase a pretty money box, and aim to put aside a little bit of money each week. Meanwhile, make a list of fun things that you can save up for.
Yes, it’s fun to socialise and have a good time with your friends on the weekend. But going clubbing and drinking every weekend is expensive, pretty unhealthy for your physical and mental health, and it can make you lose days at a time while you recover.
Instead, aim to go out maybe every other weekend to start, or eventually cutting down to once a month. You could maybe find other fun activities to do with your friends on Friday and Saturday nights or, if your friends still really want to keep going out, begin to build a separate group of friends to spend time with who aren’t big drinkers.
5. Being Constantly Busy
Probably the habit that you absolutely must quit asap. Nowadays, how successful a person is is based on how busy they are. But actually, being busy all the time is incredibly unhealthy, and detrimental to your health, happiness and productivity in the long run. Having sufficient rest and time to relax is essential to living a balanced life, and allows you to avoid burning out.
Instead, make time for self care. I’ve made a few posts about self care such as Self Care For People With No Time, and 20 Self Care Box Ideas. Find things to do that you find relaxing, and make sure to practice at least once or twice a week. Alternatively, take up meditation and mindfulness to reduce stress.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found it useful!
Lots of love,
Natalie xx
