Do you want to be happier? Here’s a list of simple habits you should stop ASAP.

You may think that you need to make big changes in your life to be happier, but that’s not always the case. There are simple things you can stop doing right now that will help you improve your mood and feel better about yourself.

By making small changes, you can create a happier and more fulfilling life for yourself. So, if you’re ready to start feeling better, read on for some tips on how to simplify your life and boost your happiness.

According to research, happiness is achievable with simple cognitive and behavioral strategies. However, other studies show that those who are focused on being happy may in fact be less happy than those who aren’t due to feelings of disappointment when happiness is in reach. So be sure not to make your efforts for happiness backfire (Mauss et al., 2011). 

Things to stop doing now to be happier

There are many things we can do to be happier in life, but there are also some things we should stop doing if we want to be truly happy.Here’s a list: 

• Comparing yourself with others
• Letting negative thoughts take over
• Spending time with people who bring you down
• Worry about things you can’t control
• Holding on to anger and resentment
• Focusing on your mistakes
• Trying to do everything yourself
• Settling for less than you deserve
• Trying to be someone you’re not
• Not living in the present
• Letting others control your life
• Overcommitting yourself
• Not forgiving yourself
• Ignoring your intuition
• Not taking risks

1. Stop comparing yourself to others to be happier

It’s impossible to be happy if you’re constantly comparing yourself to others. You’ll always find someone who is “better” than you, and that will make you feel inferior.

Instead, focus on being the best possible version of yourself. Appreciate all the wonderful things that make you unique. 

In today’s society, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others. You might look at someone on social media and think “why can’t I have/do that?” or “I wish I looked like her.”

It’s important to remember that everyone is different and has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Don’t judge yourself so harshly.

Read also: 4 Powerful steps to finally overcome self-blame

2. Letting negative thoughts take over will affect your happiness

It’s easy to get wrapped up in negative thoughts. In the middle of a tough day, it seems like they’re all we can focus on. 

We let them takeover our minds and take control of our emotions. Before we know it, we’re stuck in a downward spiral that’s hard to break free from.

However, if you let negative thoughts take over, they will consume you. You’ll become depressed and unhappy.

Instead, try to focus on the positive things in your life, and push the negative thoughts away.

Read also: 23 Simple tips to control negative emotions

3. Stop spending time with people who bring you down to be happy

Are you spending time with people that bring you down? If so, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationships. 

It’s not healthy to spend time with people who make you feel bad about yourself. You’re worth more than that!

Spend your time with people who make you feel good and help you grow. You’ll be glad you did.

4. Worrying about things you can’t control will hinder happiness

Are you one of those people who can’t stop worrying about things you can’t control? Worrying is a natural human response to uncertain or dangerous situations. 

But for some people, worry becomes a habit that’s hard to break. Constant worrying can lead to anxiety and depression, and it can even impact your physical health. 

Instead, focus on the things you can control, and let go of the things you can’t.

Lots of persons find solace in the words of the serenity prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi

5. Anger and resentment will affect your happiness

It’s understandable to feel resentment after being wronged, but holding onto that anger can be harmful both mentally and physically.

As such, forgiveness is important to truly move on.

6. Stop focusing on your mistakes to be happier

Focusing on your mistakes and not forgiving yourself will only make you unhappy. Instead, learn from your mistakes and move on.

Read also: Master plan to boost low self-esteem/confidence

7. Stop trying to do everything yourself to be happier

Trying to do everything yourself is very stressful and it will make you unhappy. Delegate tasks to other people, and let them help you.

8. Stop settling for less than what you want to be happier

You should always aim high and go after what you want. If you don’t get it, at least you will know that you tried.

To do this you’ll need to stop trying to please everyone and ignoring your own needs.

Remember that putting your happiness on hold is a mistake. You should always make time for activities that make you happy and don’t let work consume you.

Not only do you deserve to be happy, but it also boosts your productivity. 

9. Trying to be someone you’re not will hinder happiness

Trying to be someone you’re not will only make you unhappy. Be yourself, and be proud of who you are.

10. Not living in the present will affect your happiness

To be happier, you should enjoy each moment, because it will be gone soon enough. Be mindful of the present moment, and appreciate what is happening right now.

Read also: Unlocking the pros and cons of regretting the past

11. Letting others control your life will affect your happiness

You should be in control of your own life, and you should make decisions that are best for you. Don’t let other people tell you what to do.

12. Overcommitting yourself will affect your happiness

Overcommitting yourself is a mistake. You need to set boundaries and learn to say no. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed.

Saying “yes” when you really want to say “no” will only lead to frustration and unhappiness. Learn to say no, and don’t let yourself be overwhelmed. You need to take care of yourself first and foremost.

Read also: 10 Key reasons why being a perfectionist is bad

13. Ignoring your intuition will affect your happiness

You should always trust your intuition, because it is usually right. If something feels off, pay attention to it. Your intuition is trying to tell you something.

14. Not taking risks will affect your happiness

You need to take risks in order to experience new things and grow as a person. If you never take risks, you will never get out of your comfort zone. Try something new, and take the plunge.

15. Not being grateful for what you have will affect your happiness

Not being grateful for what you have is a mistake. You should be grateful for all the good in your life, and you should appreciate all the blessings you have received.

If you are constantly focusing on what you don’t have, you will only be unhappy. 

Read also: 11 Key ways to develop an attitude of gratitude

"There is only one happiness in life, to Love or to be Loved." - George Sand

Final words on simple things to stop doing to be happier

Stopping these bad habits can make all the difference in your happiness. 

How many of these things do you do? If you can work on eliminating just a few of them, you’ll be well on your way to living a happier life.

How do I break bad habits that affect my life?

Whether it’s a habit of procrastination, nail biting, or overeating, bad habits can have a major impact on our lives.

They can interfere with work or school, damage our relationships, and negatively affect our health.

Fortunately, there are a few proven strategies that can help us break bad habits. Read more

What are some toxic habits that I need to quit?

We all have habits that are not good for us, but some habits can be downright toxic.

If you’re struggling to break a bad habit, it may help to know that you’re not alone.

Here are some common toxic habits that you need to quit. Read more

References

Mauss IB, Tamir M, Anderson CL, Savino NS. Can seeking happiness make people unhappy? [corrected] Paradoxical effects of valuing happiness. Emotion. 2011 Aug;11(4):807-15.

Rastelli C, Calabrese L, Miller C, Raffone A, De Pisapia N. The Art of Happiness: An Explorative Study of a Contemplative Program for Subjective Well-Being. Front Psychol. 2021 Feb 11;12:600982.