20 Bad Habits To Stop Doing Now To Improve Your Life

Everyone, including myself, tends to carry some type of bad habit with them. Something we do often that we know we shouldn’t be doing. Sometimes we might not even recognize our bad habits in the first place. Some of these bad habits are small and can be easily broken. While some, you may have some difficulty trying to let go. No one is perfect or alone in this, but the key to a better life is to stop anything unhealthy in the process.

Image by Angela Yuriko Smith from Pixabay

I think it’s safe to say that everyone has picked up a bad habit or two due to the COVID-19 lockdown. According to ValuePenguin, 61% of Americans are currently trying to break unhealthy pandemic habits. Which we can all agree was a stressful time for everyone. While everyone copes differently, some may pick up habits that are hard to get rid of. Below is a list of 20 bad habits to stop doing in 2022: 

1. Sleeping in late

Sleeping in is on the top of this of bad habits to stop doing because it can result in extreme laziness. Besides, waking up early and on time results in a more productive and longer-lasting day. You even have time to fit breakfast in, which is the most important meal of the day.

2. Complaining

No one wants to be around someone who complains and nags all day. Complaining is a very negative thing to do because it focuses on what you don’t have, instead of celebrating what you do have. Complaining doesn’t offer a solution. If anything, it makes the situation more difficult to handle.

3. Saying ‘yes’ to everything

A lot of people won’t see this as a problem, but over-extending yourself can be very draining. While it is nice for your presence to be desired everywhere, it is impossible to be everywhere at once and not disappoint people. Most people understand this, which is why you should only yes if you want to, not out of guilt.

4. Too much screen time

Everyone knows this isn’t a necessarily healthy habit unless you’re being productive. According to research, excessive screentime strains your eyes, causes obesity, depression, anxiety, and chronic neck and back pain.

5. Lying

Everyone has done this on occasion but if it’s a habit of yours then you might have a problem. It says a lot about your character. Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.” That line alone tells you why lying is bad.

6. Watching too much TV

Spending too much free time watching television can take away productivity for more necessary things. Now, I’m not saying no TV at all, but limit the amount you watch, or you’ll never get anything done. No one likes a couch potato.

7. Settling because you’re lonely

Going back to anything or anyone that’s bad for you because you feel lonely is the definition of low self-esteem. In a previous post I wrote about living alone at 22-23 years old and one thing I touched on was loneliness being good for the soul. Once you have mastered the art of being alone, you won’t settle for just anyone or anything.

8. Spending money you don’t have

Spending money just because you have it is not setting you up for any type of financial success. If you plan out where your paycheck is going before you get it (other than bills) is like robbing yourself. Next thing you know, your money is gone because you got too excited for payday. Hold off on things you don’t need until you don’t have to anymore.

9. People pleasing

Wondering whether or not people like you or approve of you or anything you do is also a form of low-self esteem. You’ll never be happy constantly seeking the approval of others. It causes anxiety and it makes you look bad. It’s easier said than done but the best thing to do is not care what anyone thinks. The only approval you should seek is your own. That is a huge key to a happy life.

10. Smoking/Vaping/Doing drugs

Everyone knows that cigarettes are cancer sticks but any type of smoke going into your lungs is ultimately never good for them. Vaping is becoming more and more popular but it has the same exact effects as cigarettes, we just can’t smell them. Doing drugs has its psychological and physical effects, depending on the drug of course. Either way, doing any of these things is like asking for a shorter life sentence.

11. Watching too much pornography

Now don’t get this one confused. We’re not talking about masturbating or having sex, we’re specifically talking about pornography. Many people start off watching porn at a very young age which can make it difficult to stop. Usually, when people get the urge to watch porn they have to act on it immediately. Most people even depend on it. Aside from all of the other things porn does, if you watch too much of it, it can lead to a very disappointing sex life.

12. Not eating healthy

Things like diabetes, high blood pressure, tooth decay, etc. all come from what you’re eating. A lot of people blame these things on genetics when in reality, is just an excuse to treat your body poorly. Your body is a temple so you should be very careful with what you put into it.

13. Biting your nails/fiddling with your hair

Biting your nail and fiddling with your hair are both habits formed due to an emotional disturbance. Your hands are filthy, especially the fingers. Therefore, biting your fingernails is like eating whatever germs are under your nails. Fiddling with your hair too much could easily lead to the loss of it right before your eyes.

14. Doubting yourself

The only person stopping you from being who you want to be is you. Doubt is very normal which makes it very hard to break. The point is to not let your insecurities be detrimental to your progress. Stopping yourself from getting somewhere before you even try is toxic to your own growth.

15. Living in the past

Living in the past is harmful because there is nothing you can do to change it. You are holding on to something that is already gone, which stops you from moving forward and living in the present. Don’t corrupt your memories by living in them forever. Let’s make new ones instead.

16. Not drinking enough water

Since our bodies are made up of about 70% water, it is important that we maintain those levels for a healthy body and brain functioning. Not drinking enough water can lead to many health problems such as low energy levels, moodiness, headaches, and many more. Therefore, it is suggested that we drink at least eight, 8oz glasses a day.

17. Procrastinating

Procrastination is a result of wasted time. Waiting until the very last minute to do something can leave you feeling very heavy or stressed when the time comes to finally do it. You’re probably not giving your best results because you’re cramming everything at once. Most people procrastinate out of fear, feeling overwhelmed, or even self-doubt. Once you are able to identify and break down the task in a way that works best for you, then you’ll be more productive.

18. Using profanity

If certain words are not allowed to be said around certain people or at a certain place, then they probably shouldn’t be said. To some people, using profanity can be offensive and to others and lacks common courtesy.

19. Over-working yourself

When the workday is over, it means you need to stop working (unless you are getting paid to do so). According to Business News Daily, instead of improving efficiency, after-hours emails hurt job performance. Working too much can also lead to stress and fatigue. Setting boundaries lessens the amount of stress on you and improves performance in the workplace.

20. Gambling

Gambling is considered harmless fun to some but too much of can also be considered an addiction. It’s a void, like drinking, smoking, eating unhealthy that most people run to. It can get worse if you let it get the best of you. With gambling, moderation is key.