As we age, our routines often need to change, whether we like it or not. Some habits that once worked well may no longer be practical, especially in older age. So, to put you on the right path, here are 18 routines that you may still have from when you were younger that you really need to grow out of.
Ignoring Hydration
Water is a very important part of our health, making up about 70% of our body weight. However, many of us forget to drink water until we’re dying of thirst. There are many contradictions on how much water to drink per day, but the Mayo Clinic recommends 2 to 4 liters, depending on gender and body weight.
Not Making Time for Hobbies
Not making time for hobbies can lead to more stress, as hobbies have a special role in making us feel relaxed and satisfied. Simply finding an activity that you enjoy can bring a lot of happiness into your life. Making space for these activities can help improve our mental health and make us feel more fulfilled.
Skipping Breakfast
As you rush out the door, skipping breakfast seems like a minor oversight, but it’s a habit that greatly reduces your morning energy levels. In addition to energy levels, a balanced breakfast gives you other nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Overusing Social Media
Scrolling through social media has become a reflex, and we need to question how this habit affects our daily lives and moods. It not only badly affects our mental health but also wastes time and damages productivity. Help Guide reports that social media has been linked to depression and anxiety in many users.
Prioritizing Work Over Everything
It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget about everything else. However, it’s important to find a balance between work and fun times. Taking breaks and setting limits at work can help. Remember, being busy all the time doesn’t mean you’re living a full life—it’s okay to take time for yourself and enjoy other things too.
Neglecting Physical Activity
The sedentary lifestyle is more common than ever, making it crucial to intentionally incorporate movement into our day. There are many simple exercises you can do in your daily life. Healthline recommends a few moves such as bridges, squats, and push-ups.
Procrastinating Important Tasks
Putting off tasks until the last minute is a stress-inducing habit, but it can be dealt with using mindful planning and discipline. Some tricks for stopping procrastination from Mind Tools include starting small, avoiding distractions, and finishing what you start.
Relying on Caffeine
Many of us rely on caffeine to start our day, but this habit can have downsides. Excessive caffeine can affect our sleep and energy levels. Simply reducing our caffeine intake gradually can lead to better health, and there are many other ways to boost our energy naturally.
Staying Up Too Late
Watching TV shows late into the night can seem fun, but it’s actually not good for you. When you don’t sleep enough, it makes you tired and unfocused the next day. It’s better to have a bedtime routine that helps you relax and understand how sleep works. This way, you’ll sleep better and feel more refreshed.
Eating Processed Foods
Eating snacks and meals that are ready-made and come in packages might seem quick and easy. However, these foods are not always good for you in the long run. Eating foods that are fresh and not processed is much healthier. You can start by making small changes in what you eat.
Not Prioritizing Mental Health
Sometimes, we’re so busy that we forget to take care of our minds. If you’re feeling really tired and don’t enjoy things like you used to, it might be time to focus more on your mental health. Doing small things every day to take care of yourself is important. And if things get really tough, it’s okay to ask for help from a professional.
Spending Without Budgeting
Buying things without thinking about how much money you’re spending can cause stress later. It’s a good idea to make a plan for how to spend your money. This plan is called a budget. Some apps and tools can help you keep track of your spending: this way, you can avoid surprises and feel more in control of your money.
Overlooking Personal Relationships
When we get too busy, we sometimes forget about the people who matter most to us. However, spending time with family and friends is very important for our happiness. By simply making an effort to find time in our schedules, we can strengthen our relationships and build deeper connections.
Ignoring Self-Education
Interestingly, learning doesn’t have to stop once school is over. Our growth, both personally and professionally, can benefit a lot if we continue to learn new things. There are many resources available for self-education, and by setting goals that are easy to achieve, we can keep growing. Simply put, learning throughout our lives keeps our minds sharp and our curiosity alive.
Neglecting Skin Care
Taking care of our skin might seem like it’s not that important, but it actually is. The first steps, like cleaning your face daily and using sunscreen, are simple but make a big difference. Having a good skincare routine can make us feel more confident and healthy. Therefore, adopting simple habits for skin care can be a big boost to our overall well-being.
Letting Fear Guide Decisions
Fear often holds us back from new experiences and opportunities. It limits personal growth and detracts from our daily lives. Let go of your fear and embrace a few risks. It’s the only way you will get to enjoy your life to the max.
Forgoing Regular Check-Ups
Prevention is better than cure! Try to visit your doctor at least once a year to make sure that your body is in good shape. You should also consider seeing a dentist, gynecologist, and dermatologist for an all-round check-up.
Hoarding Clutter
Clutter not only crowds our physical space but also our minds. Focus on getting things that actually matter to you instead of just buying worldly things. There are options, such as selling or donating, if you end up with too much.