We all have habits we know we should break, but finding the motivation to make a change isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for some inspiration, the best place to start is by learning from others’ mistakes. Here are 17 bad habits you’ll wish you had ditched a decade from now.
Not Staying Hydrated
Harvard Health recommends that we drink around 4–6 cups of water every day to stay hydrated and healthy. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget this essential aspect of life, which can cause you to become dehydrated and tired, and give you physical symptoms such as headaches and dry skin. It can even reduce your cognitive function, presenting a devastating domino effect on your life.
Poor Sleep Habits
We’ve all heard that it’s very important to get enough quality sleep every night to be at our best, but that doesn’t stop us from pulling all-nighters or staying up far too late. Failing to get a good amount of quality sleep can lead to chronic fatigue, decreased performance, and many other health issues.
Neglecting Your Health
This may seem like an obvious one, but despite it being extremely important and potentially lifesaving, many people fail to properly attend to their health and well-being. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting health checks when necessary can all add years to your life and make you feel much better overall.
Not Saving Money
It can be easy to overspend on modern-day temptations these days. But failing to save money can land you in big trouble when unforeseen emergencies come up. You may also regret this later down the line when you want money to invest in a property or similar investments.
Overusing Digital Devices
The surge in technology over recent years has significantly increased the amount of time we spend on digital devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets. While these devices can be used in moderation to assist us with everyday tasks and socialization, overuse can lead to eye strain, poor sleep, and a lack of physical activity.
Procrastination
We all struggle with procrastination sometimes, but that doesn’t mean we should accept it as a normal part of everyday life. Procrastination can cause us to spend hours of time feeling stressed and guilty over not doing something. It’s a good idea to use productivity tools such as to-do lists, SMART goals, and Pomodoro timers to aid you in overcoming procrastination.
Not Valuing Relationships
The busyness of our work and personal lives can easily cause us to overlook some of the most important relationships in our lives. Try to make a good amount of time to spend meaningful time with your loved ones and practice forgiveness instead of holding onto grudges.
Overworking
While you may not immediately think of working too much as a bad habit, this can cause significant health and relationship problems over time. You may become stressed or burned out, or even develop physical health issues from prioritizing working as much as possible over your well-being.
Not Pursuing Personal Interests
We’ve all had the experience of thinking about picking up a new or old hobby and then telling ourselves we’ll get around to it later. Unfortunately, that day never comes for many of us, causing us to miss out on opportunities to try new and engaging activities that enhance our skills.
Lack of Self-Care
According to the NIMH, self-care can improve both your mental and physical well-being. On the other hand, failing to take care of yourself can leave you stressed, unhappy, and potentially physically ill in the long run.
Avoiding Learning and Growth
Learning doesn’t need to stop when your official education stops. Stagnating in terms of learning and growth can cause you to stay in your comfort zone and miss out on new skills and experiences that could greatly benefit you both personally and professionally.
Letting Fear Guide Your Decisions
It can be scary to venture out of your comfort zone and make big decisions. However, if you make a habit of letting fear guide your decisions, you may end up avoiding risks and new opportunities that could improve your life in the long run.
Neglecting Personal Values
The expectations of society and those around us can make it difficult to hold on to our values. However, if we let external expectations dictate our actions, we prevent ourselves from living authentically, which will likely lead to long-term dissatisfaction and regret.
Constant Negativity
It’s normal and healthy to experience negative emotions when things don’t go as planned in our lives. But if you are constantly focusing on the negative aspects of life, you are likely causing yourself unnecessary pain and suffering. It’s important to balance out these negative thoughts with gratitude and the appreciation of positive experiences.
Skipping Sun Protection
According to Healthline, just 15 minutes of sun exposure is enough to cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. Failing to use enough sunscreen or other forms of sun protection puts your long-term health in jeopardy.
Constant Comparison with Others
Social media is a wonderful tool for connecting and socializing, but it has also led to an increase in harmful comparisons with others. According to the Jed Foundation, excessive social comparison can lead to an increased risk of depression, poor body image, eating disorders, and decreased general well-being.
Not Practicing Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be incredibly beneficial for one’s mental health and well-being. It can also be used to give you a greater sense of appreciation for the present moment and the little things in life.