When you want to improve your life, it’s natural to focus on things you can add — more exercise, for example. If you’re busy with work and family, it’s often easier to take something away. Subtracting things that make you miserable is a sure@ire way to feel happier, plus you’ll reduce stress and free up valuable mental space.
Speaking Negatively to Yourself
Negative self-talk is one of the most damaging things you can do to yourself. Left unchecked, it can destroy your con@idence, self-worth, and happiness. After all, if you say you’re an idiot enough times, you might start to believe it. Some ways to stop this habit are:
- Pay attention to your inner monologue. Notice when it’s negative.
- Interrupt negative self-talk. In your mind or out loud, say something like, “Hey! Stop that!”
- Add a positive thought. Replace your negative thoughts with more loving, constructive thoughts.
Staying Up Too Late
Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. If you’re staying up late and sacrificing sleep, it can cause a range of problems, including:
- Poor memory
- Low energy
- Premature aging
- Increased stress
- Car accidents
An appropriate amount of sleep makes it easier to exercise, eat well, and work productively. To get more sleep, try going to bed 15 minutes earlier every few nights, and make sure to turn off screens for an hour before bedtime.
Playing the Social Media Comparison Game
Do you ever scroll through Facebook or Instagram and compare yourself to the people you follow? If it’s making you feel bad, take action. Go through all your accounts and unfriend everyone whose posts bring up negative feelings. If you’re worried about offending friends and family, simply mute or unfollow them; you won’t see their posts, but you’ll remain connected. To make your social-media sphere a place of joy, try following accounts that make you happy. That way, you’ll get a smile or a laugh with every scroll.
Staying at a Job You Hate
There’s nothing worse than dreading work — it can infect every moment of your life. It’s not always possible to quit, but you can take steps to make a change:
- Start a side hustle. Work nights and weekends with the goal of going full-time in the future.
- Ask for a transfer. If you like your company but hate the job, ask for different responsibilities.
- Go back to school. Take steps toward a new career with an online degree program. The new challenge can help you combat burnout at work. You’ll be able to complete the classes as your schedule permits, and you can keep earning an income.
Buying Too Many Things
Many people turn to shopping as a form of comfort. It works in the short term, but in the long term, you might find yourself dealing with clutter, a small bank balance, and feelings of guilt. Try taking the opposite approach:
- Donate clothes that don’t fit
- Return unopened items
- Organize and declutter your home
- Sell unused gadgets and appliances
Improve Your Environment To Improve Your Life
As you take steps to improve your life, don’t forget about your home; a calm, restful environment has an instant effect on your well-being. Turn to Ducks in a Row for professional, hassle-free home organization.