Say goodbye to these 7 common habits if you really want to change your life

Making changes in our lives isn’t always easy.

This can be especially true when it comes to breaking habits that we’ve been doing for a long time.

But if you’re serious about improving your life, there are 7 common habits you might need to say goodbye to.

1. Saying “Yes” When You Want to Say “No”

It’s a habit many of us have. We say “yes” to things because we want to be nice or helpful. Or maybe we’re afraid of missing out.

But when we say “yes” too much, it can leave us feeling tired, stressed, and even resentful.

This habit can stop us from doing the things we truly want to do. It can take away time we need for ourselves.

We might end up feeling like we’re always doing things for others and never for ourselves.

So, how can you break this habit?

Start by being honest with yourself. If you don’t want to do something, it’s okay to say “no”.

It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it will become easier.

2. Procrastination

I was once the king of procrastination.

From tasks as simple as taking out the trash to more critical ones like meeting work deadlines, I would often put things off until the last minute.

It was a habit that added unnecessary stress to my life.

I’d promise myself I would get to it later, only to end up rushing to finish the task just in time.

Procrastination didn’t just make my life more hectic. It also impacted the quality of my work and left me feeling perpetually behind.

Breaking free from the grip of procrastination wasn’t easy.

I started by breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.

I began setting deadlines for myself, and I stuck to them.

I also found that using tools like a planner or a to-do list helped keep me accountable.

Today, I can honestly say that by leaving procrastination behind, I’ve become more productive and less stressed.

And not just in work, but in all areas of my life. I feel more in control of my time and I’m proud of the work I do.

It just goes to show that small changes can have a big impact on your life.

3. Mindless Scrolling on Social Media

Here’s a fact that might surprise you: according to a study conducted by GlobalWebIndex in 2023, the average person spends about 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media.

That’s almost one whole day per week!

Over the course of a year, it adds up to more than a month spent scrolling through posts, pictures, and videos.

The habit of mindless scrolling can consume a significant chunk of our time, often without us realizing it. It can interfere with productivity, sleep, and even our mental health.

To curb this habit, consider setting aside specific times during the day for using social media. There are also apps and phone settings that can help you track and limit your usage.

Another useful tip is to unfollow or mute accounts that don’t make you feel good or offer you any value.

By being more mindful of your usage, you can free up time to focus on activities that are more beneficial and fulfilling.

4. Neglecting Physical Activity

Physical activity is key to our health and well-being, something most of us are aware of.

Yet, in our busy lives, exercise often takes a back seat.

Whether it’s due to a lack of time, energy, or motivation, neglecting physical activity is a common habit that can negatively impact our health and mood.

Regular exercise has countless benefits: it can help maintain a healthy weight, boost your mood, reduce stress, and lower the risk of many diseases. Despite this, a significant number of people do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.

To break this habit, start small. Even a short walk around the block or a quick at-home workout can make a difference. You can also find activities you enjoy—like dancing, biking, or hiking—which can make exercise feel less like a chore.

Breaking the habit of neglecting physical activity can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. So, make it a goal to move more and sit less. Your body and mind will thank you.

5. Multitasking

Multitasking seems like a great way to get more done at once.

But studies show that our brains aren’t as good at handling multiple tasks as we think.

In fact, trying to do several things at once can actually make us less efficient and more likely to make mistakes.

When we multitask, we’re not truly doing things simultaneously.

Instead, our brains are constantly switching focus from one task to another.

This mental juggling act can be exhausting and can even affect our ability to concentrate over time.

To break this habit, try focusing on one task at a time.

Turn off your phone notifications when you’re working on something important.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a short break to clear your head.

6. Neglecting Self-Care

I used to view self-care as a luxury, something that was nice to do if I had the time, but not a necessity.

Between work, family obligations, and trying to maintain a social life, I always felt like there were more important things to attend to.

Over time, this habit of neglecting self-care took a toll on my mental and physical health.

I felt constantly tired, stressed, and on the brink of burnout. It was only when I reached this breaking point that I realized something had to change.

I started to prioritize self-care, carving out time each day for activities that helped me unwind and recharge.

This might be reading a book, taking a walk, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

Initially, it felt selfish to dedicate time solely to myself.

But I soon realized that by taking care of my own well-being, I was better equipped to handle other aspects of my life. I was more focused, productive, and had more energy to give to others.

7. Overcommitting

I’ve always been a “yes” person. I would accept every project, every favor, every social gathering – constantly overcommitting myself to a bursting-at-the-seams schedule. I thought that by doing this, I was being productive, responsible, and sociable.

However, what this habit really did was leave me perpetually exhausted, under constant stress, and with no time for myself.

There was a turning point when I realized that I was spending so much time fulfilling commitments that I had little time left for the things that truly mattered to me.

I was missing out on valuable personal time and opportunities to pursue my passions. It was then that I decided to change.

I started by being more selective about the commitments I took on. I learned to assess my bandwidth realistically and politely decline tasks or engagements when I was already at capacity. This wasn’t easy – I worried about disappointing others and possibly missing out. But over time, I discovered the benefits of having a more manageable schedule.

I now have time to invest in activities I truly enjoy and in self-care routines, without constantly feeling like I’m racing against the clock. By breaking the habit of overcommitting, I’ve managed to regain control over my time and my life. It’s a change that I didn’t realize I needed, but I’m glad I made.