We all want to change our lives for the better. But knowing what to avoid can take time to pinpoint. In general, having a burger once in a while or drinking alcohol won’t hurt you—but repeated or excessive indulgence in bad habits can lead to physical and mental harm.
If you’re looking for some tips on how to improve your life, then look no further—here are some habits to cut out of your life once and for all.
1. Toxic Situations
Toxic people or situations are tough and can negatively impact your life. The stress of dealing with these things can be unbearable, and it’s not good for your physical or mental health. If you can do it safely, try to set boundaries or confront the troublesome person or circumstance. If the behavior or problems don’t improve, consider cutting the person out of your life or removing yourself from the situation.
2. Smoking
Using nicotine is something we should all avoid. It may feel good in the moment, but it has many negative health impacts. Smoking contributes to heart, lung, and gum disease, as well as many types of cancers. After quitting smoking, many people find their anxiety and depression symptoms improve, and heart disease risk decreases significantly. Quitting is often challenging; reaching out to a loved one, doctor, or therapist can help you transition.
3. Isolation
Spending time with loved ones is a pivotal activity for a better life. Loneliness is not good for your well-being and it contributes to things like dementia and depression. Spend time with your family or join a group to make new friends. These are great ways to fight loneliness.
4. Underestimating the Sun
Going outside and basking in the sun is a great way to get fresh air and destress. However, don’t underestimate the sun. Wear sunscreen and cover your skin whenever possible. Studies show that too much exposure to the sun ages our skin and increases the chance of skin cancer. Even folks with higher levels of melanin should follow these tips. While the possibility of skin cancer is lesser, it is still a risk.
5. Drinking
Many occasionally enjoy a glass of wine, but skipping drinking is essential to live your best life. Alcohol consumption contributes to anxiety, depression, liver disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Finding ways to cut back, like finding nonalcoholic drinks you enjoy, is a great first step. If cutting back is difficult, consider talking with a loved one, therapist, or doctor.
6. Unhealthy Eating
Having a nutritious and well-rounded diet is an excellent step towards a better life. Focusing on more nourishing foods such as fish, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, and whole grains will improve overall health. A diet with these foods helps to prevent cancer, dementia, and more. In addition, it often improves symptoms of things like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
7. Screen Time Before Bed
Sleep is one of the most important things we do each day. A good night’s rest helps to heal the body and brain, like your heart and mental health. Too much screen time before bed prevents you from falling asleep due to the screen’s light, and excessive screen time isn’t good for your mental well-being.
8. Sedentary Lifestyle
Many of us have jobs requiring lots of sitting, but be sure to find time to move for a better life. Exercise is excellent for the body and mind, helping to prevent conditions such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease and lessening symptoms of anxiety and depression. A walk or quick exercise video is a great place to start.
9. Dodging the Doctor
Many of us don’t go to the doctor as much as we should, whether because we forget, can’t afford it, or don’t want to. But regularly going to the doctor, dentist, or therapist is a great way to lead a better life. Providers can help you identify and treat different ailments, such as a vitamin deficiency, high blood pressure, a cavity, or depression before they worsen.
10. Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can be incredibly difficult to avoid, but there are ways to fight and improve it for a better life. Focus on the positive instead of the negative, such as what you like about yourself versus what you don’t. Act confident even if you aren’t. You will often gain true confidence. And most importantly, be kind to yourself and forgive yourself.
11. Procrastination
For a better life, try not to procrastinate. It can be overwhelming and stressful when there’s lots on your to-do list, but putting things off too long can worsen the situation. Doing a small item on your list or giving yourself time each day can be a great way to tackle your goals. Above all else, don’t beat yourself up.
12. Spreading Yourself Too Thin
Trying to do too many things at a time can be overwhelming and stressful. Maintain an agenda or calendar to keep track of your to-do list and goals. Set a time to complete just one task without worrying about the rest. Also, feel free to ask for help or let someone else do a task for you.
Try Your Best
Although cutting back or avoiding everything on this list would be ideal, it’s a lot. Plus, not everyone has the ability or access to tackle everything. Avoiding things like smoking and toxic people are just a few steps you can take to better your life. If you need help trying any of these tips, reach out to a loved one, doctor, or therapist.