These toxic behavior traits aren’t just bad for us but they also prevent us from being the best version of ourselves. If you want to live a healthier life then it’s time to quit!

There are many toxic habits we engage in on a daily basis that impact our lives negatively. From smoking to overeating, these toxic behavior traits can have serious consequences for our health and well-being. 
If you’re looking to change your life for the better, it’s important to identify and eliminate these toxic habits from your routine. Keep reading to discover the most harmful ones that you should quit today.
But first, let’s discover the meaning of behavior traits.

What are behavior traits?

Behavior traits are the patterns of behavior that you display on a regular basis.

They are often related to your personality, but they can also be influenced by your environment and the people around you. Many people have a mix of positive and negative behavior traits.

What are negative behavior traits?

Negative behavior traits are defined as those behaviors that are harmful to yourself or others.

They can be either physical or mental, and they often lead to negative consequences.

List of toxic behavior traits you should quit to change your life

 Here’s a list of some of the most toxic behavior traits that you should quit:

1. Tolerating mean people
2. Regrets
3. Self-blame
4. Procrastination
5. Unhealthy pride
6. Constant worry
7. Hatred
8. Addictions
9. Perfectionism
10. Living in denial
11. Negative self-talk
12. Unhealthy eating
13. Insecurity
14. Social isolation
15. Neglecting responsibilities
16. Excessive complaining
17. Unlimited social media use
18. Lack of organization
19. Excessive self-consciousness
20. Overspending
21. Use of profanity
22. Aggression
23. Workaholic tendencies

1. Stop tolerating mean people to change your life

The type of persons you must not entertain in your life are the ones who are rude to you and others. 

While it’s understandable that mean people may have a lot going on in their life, it is no justification for them to be unkind or malicious.

Actually, these people are the worst for your mental health and should be avoided at all costs.

Social interactions can be a source of stress, negatively impact behavior, promote poor physical and mental health and increase mortality risk (Umberson & Montez, 2010). 

Tips for tolerating mean people 

• Say no. And stick to it
• Do not get into difficult conversations
• Keep your distance socially
• Maintain healthy relationships with the people around you

2. Regret is a toxic habit to track

Although there may be some benefits of regret including learning from past mistakes and self-reflection, excessive regret can have negative consequences.

Actually, when people feel a sense of regret about an action that is out of their control they may experience a higher level of depression, anxiety and anger.

It can affect your sleep, energy and concentration.

Regrets have such a negative impact on your mental health that it can even lead to physical symptoms. 

The best ways for dealing with regret

• Just apologize, even if it’s years later. A meaningful apologize and resolution to do better can heal many wounds.
• Also, finding a way to use this emotion to help others who are likely to make the same mistake and have similar regrets will help you overcome the emotional battle. Regret is fruitless.
• Finding ways to do better instead of wallowing in the negative emotion through supporting others. 
• Make better choices in the future and realize that you can never change the past.
• It’s not about making an excuse for our actions, but letting others know your reasons for acting in a certain way make make them more understanding. Often, you may not even be the only one to blame.

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.”- Hunter S. Thompson.

3. Stop self-blame to change your life

Self-blame will negatively affect your behavior and emotions.

It’s a way of blowing all your insecurities out of proportion. Subsequently, you will have a sense of shame and a lack of self esteem.

Stop carrying an additional, unnecessary burden.

Tips to start overcoming self-blame

• Stop being overly critical of yourself
• Work on your self love
• Take responsibility for your contribution and learn to move on

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

4. Procrastination is a toxic habit to track

Procrastination is another toxic behavior. Procrastination often occurs as a result of being afraid to do something, lack of self-confidence and problems with decision making.

Actually, some persons even convince themselves that they work better under pressure. 

Additionally, we tend to value immediately rewards more than future rewards.

Unfortunately, procrastination will cause you to miss many opportunities and lead an unfulfilled life. 

Tips to start overcoming procrastination

• Getting started
• Having a vision
• Setting achievable goals 
• Have a short term to-do list
• Finding more immediate consequence for your actions
• Tracking your progress. 
• Learning to value time
• Being more self disciplined, be better at making decisions and
• Holding yourself accountable

Read also: Ultimate guide on personal productivity

5. Unhealthy pride is a toxic habit

Pride is defined as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

It is also defined as an instance of this sense of satisfaction.  

Thus, pride did not originally have to do with self-esteem or boasting. Rather it was associated with effectiveness, honor and achievement.

However, in today’s society, pride has been closely associated with self-esteem and boasting to the point where it is considered one of the seven deadly sins.

Unfortunately, unhealthy pride can be hard to recognize.

Tips to overcome unhealthy pride

• Learn to accept criticism 
• Get out of your own head and to see your imperfections
• Value the contributions that others make towards your success.
• Be humbled by your success 
• Concentrate on your purpose and not your recognition
• Keep focusing on the unknown

Read also: Healthy and unhealthy pride: Causes, Signs & Best Practice

6. Stop worrying to change your life

Not only is worrying so draining but it’ll likely increase your stress hormones and anxiety. Subsequently, your blood pressure may rise. 

Worrying can also cause headache, stomachache, muscle ache, shortness of breath and affect your concentration and mood. And, it doesn’t even have a single good effect. 

However, excessive worry may be a sign of an underlying disorder so speak to your healthcare professional.

Tips to stop worrying

• To start, change your thinking and focus on positive aspects of a situation.
• Make a plan. 
• Gain perspective by thinking of time you will never get back.     
• Take each worry one by one. Ask yourself, what are the chances this will actually happen?
• Develop an action plan to deal with it if it does happen.
• Build your confidence by learning relaxation techniques, for example: deep breathing or meditation.   
• Identify factors that you feel trigger worry and make a plan to manage it when you feel your worry levels rising.  
• Stay busy and focused on the positive aspects in your life .  
• Do something enjoyable every day that makes you take time out for yourself.
• Finally, don’t underestimate how much worrying can affect your health and well-being.

"I will not allow anyone to walk in my mind with dirty feet." - Mahatma Gandhi

The following factors may contribute to worrying:

• A problem-focused approach to solving problems, where one tries directly to find a solution; instead of avoiding them contributes to worrying.
• Uncertainty about the outcome of your actions will make you more likely to worry.
• Negative or catastrophic interpretations that are made when one faces threats or losses. 

7. Stop hatred to change your life

Hatred is an intense negative feeling of resentment, anger or fury that may have been repressed for a long time.

These emotions are hard to control and can lead to health problems e.g. high blood pressure.

Tips to manage/overcome hatred

• Discover how to express your anger in more acceptable way. It’s ok to let these feelings out but learn to control it.
• Learn to forgive and let go of negative emotions.
• Get rid of unnecessary grudges, be the bigger person and take the higher road.

Read also: Understanding and overcoming hatred for someone

8. Addictions are toxic habits to track

When someone is addicted to something or someone, they are sacrificing emotional well-being by obsessing over things that are harmful.

Addiction is a way of coping with stress and emotions, but it’s a bad solution because it doesn’t solve anything long term.

Tips to manage addictions

• Learn to manage your time more efficiently 
• Observe how you spend your energy
• Focus on living a healthy lifestyle and be mindful of where your time and energy is going.
• Physically and emotionally withdraw from things that you know may trigger your addiction or bad habits. It’s ok to let go, give yourself some time out for a few days and focus on yourself.

9. Perfectionism is a toxic habit

Perfectionism is the need for things to be in immaculate condition.

It’s an extreme dedication that often disregards your physical and emotional well-being.

Perfectionism tends to block/delay personal progress.

It can also trigger psychological issues like anxiety, depression and addiction when you fail to meet unrealistic standards.

Tips to manage perfectionism

• Accept that there will always be room for improvement but learn to accept when you’ve done good enough or time is up.
• Prioritize your physical and emotional health.
• Ask yourself what you can do to improve your work. If it’s not set in stone then keep an open mind, try different options and see which one works best for you.

• Learn to let go of work that’s completed even if it isn’t up to your standard so you won’t be obsessing over it anymore.
• Accept that not everything goes according to plan and it’s not all your fault.
• Finally, take pride in the work that you’ve done, don’t beat yourself up over it and keep trying.

10. Stop living in denial to change your life

Somethings in our lives don’t go as planned. When we are in denial about this, it triggers stress and anxiety which can lead to illness, depression and other mental health concerns.

Tips to stop living in denial

• Accept the fact that somethings aren’t meant to be
• Don’t pressure yourself into being something or someone that you’re not
• Be who you are, don’t be afraid to show your true self

“To change any behavior we have to slow down and act intentionally rather than from habit and impulse.” ― Henna Inam

11. Stop negative self-talk to change your life

Negative self-talk refers to the inner voice that constantly reminds you about all the things that’s going wrong in your life and says “you’ll never make it.”

This can put a person off task and make them lose hope.

Tips to overcome negative self-talk

• Firstly, take a step back and re-evaluate your situation.
• Be gentle to yourself and be kind, don’t put unreasonable pressure on yourself.
• Don’t let negative self talk hinder you from taking the first step. 
• If you want help, ask for it because asking for help doesn’t make you any less of a person.

12. Unhealthy eating is a toxic habit to track

A lot of people are unaware that unhealthy eating habits can numerous health problems.

Essentially, when you neglect your body by not looking after it, you’re not giving yourself the best chance to deal with the stresses of everyday life.

• Have a balanced diet and manage your energy intake.
• Eat mindfully, listen to your body and how it feels after you eat.
• Make time for yourself to plan your own meals and snacks ahead of time.

Read also: 21 Tips to stay motivated to healthy eating

13. Insecurity is a toxic habit to track

Insecurity is a toxic behavior trait. It is the negative emotion that comes from feeling insecure about yourself.

In fact, insecurity may stem from physical or emotional abuse, not being able to live up to others’ expectations and wanting to be your ideal self.

Tips to manage insecurity

• Accept the fact that you are who you are, nothing will change that.
• Don’t compare yourself to other people.
• Focus on the things that makes you unique and use those to your advantage instead of being insecure about them.

Read also: Can insecurity be cured? 6 Tips to defeat self-doubt

14. Social isolation is a toxic habit to track

Social isolation is a refusal to engage in social activities due to fear or anxiety, it can also be an avoidance towards certain people or groups.

Social isolation can sometimes trigger depression.

Tips to deal with social isolation

• Be aware of your social circles. Keep it small but be open to new people
• Re-connect with old friends, you never know where they could lead to
• Start small and try connecting with via social media like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice if you need it
• Take one step at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much, start slow.
• Understand that there are certain benefits to socializing with others. One of them being your mental health is maintained if you engage in regular social activities.    

• Get yourself ‘pushed’ into doing something that you’re afraid of. Even if it’s just watching a movie alone to get rid of the fear about going out by yourself.  

15. Stop neglecting your responsibilities to change your life

Neglecting your responsibilities is another toxic behavior trait that you should quit.

In fact, people who constantly neglect their physical and emotional needs are at risk of depression due to the buildup of stress in the body. 

This includes not paying bills on time, forgetting about appointments or birthdays, not finishing work on time or being lazy about doing the household chores.

Tips to stop neglecting your responsibilities

• Prioritize your tasks and be realistic about what needs to get done yourself
• Make time for yourself to relax, even if it’s only for 10 minutes in the morning
• Delegate some of your responsibilities to other people without being overbearing      
• Take control of your life

16. Excessive complaining is a toxic behavior trait

Complaining about everything in your life is a bad habit that has the potential to spiral out of control and become a negative form of coping.

While it may help you get things off your chest, constantly complaining about your problems can worsen them instead of making them easier to deal with.

Tips to avoid excessive complaining

• Take responsibility for your actions and own your problems
• Don’t complain about everything but try to find a positive aspect, no matter how small it may be
• Try to find out where you can make changes in your life

“Toxic people attach themselves like cinder blocks tied to your ankles, and then invite you for a swim in their poisoned waters.” – John Mark Green

17. Limit social media use to change your life

A lot of people are fond of posting their “best” moments or how successful they are on social media which makes it difficult for people suffering from mental health issues because they feel like they’re not living up to the “ideal” version of themselves. 

Tips to manage social media use

• Try to spend less time on social media. Set a dedicated time
• Avoid social media at certain times especially before bed
• Focus on the present
• Be mindful about what you’re exposing yourself to online because it can trigger negative emotions in you.

Read also: Screen time for kids: 8 tips to win full control

18. Lack of organization is a toxic behavior trait

People who are disorganized often run late for important appointments, forget to pay their bills on time or haven’t done their groceries.

But, the more you’re disorganized, the more it will trigger feelings of stress and anxiety because you’re concerned that things won’t get done.

Tips to manage lack of organization

• Try to abide by a schedule or create one if you don’t have one.
• Do things in a specific order, it will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

19. Excessive self-consciousness is a toxic habit to track

Self-consciousness is the realization of your own abilities and appearance which leads to negative thoughts.

When you’re too preoccupied with what other people think about you, it can lead to depression.

Tips to avoid excessive self-consciousness

• Be aware of how other people perceive you and accept yourself as a whole
• Keep in mind that your appearance is not the only thing that defines who you are as a person.
• Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on what makes you unique
• Remember that you likely notice your own flaws much more than others

20. Stop overspending to change your life

Spending too much money without being mindful of your daily expenses is a toxic behavioral trait that you should avoid.

In fact, overspending causes financial stress which is a major cause of anxiety and depression – and divorce.

Tips to stop overspending

• Try to set out a budget for yourself and stick with it.
• Limit unnecessary spending, only spend money on the necessities.
• Remember that you’re not alone in this and there are people who are willing to help you cope with your financial problems.

Read also: Personal financial stress: How to escape a toxic cycle?

21. Use of profanity is a toxic habit to track

Profanity is the use of bad or offensive language which has the potential to be very harmful in everyday life. 

Although some argue that they are benefits to using profanity, profanity may likely intensify the conflict.

Using profanity can contribute to feelings of anxiety, frustration and stress.

Tips to manage the use of profanity

• Try to find different ways of saying what’s on your mind.
• If you’re feeling angry, take a walk to help calm yourself down instead of resorting to using profanity.

22. Aggression is a toxic behavior trait

Being aggressive towards others is a toxic behavior trait with the potential to trigger violent behavior which can lead to serious consequences like getting arrested or hurt. 

Aggression also contributes to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Tips to avoid aggressive behavior

• Take time to relax by listening to calming music or doing activities that help you relieve stress.
• Try not to project your anger onto others because it can lead to confrontations which can turn physical.

“When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.” – Thomas Jefferson

23. Workaholic tendencies is a toxic habit to track

Workaholic tendencies is also a toxic behavior trait. When you’re a workaholic, it means that you’re addicted to your job and might be neglecting the things that are most important to you.

Workaholism is a toxic behavior trait because of the pressure from being overworked as well as feelings of guilt from not spending enough time with friends and family.

Tips to overcome workaholic tendencies

• Remember to take time off of work and relax
• Learn how to delegate tasks so you can balance your career with the important things you have going on in your life.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed, it’s better than putting yourself into more stress than necessary

Final words on toxic behavior traits you should quit to change your life

Although it may seem daunting, quitting these toxic behavior traits can change your life for the better.

If you’re having trouble quitting on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Fortunately, there are many resources available to you, and with a little effort, you can break free from the chains of toxicity. 

What bad habit do you need to quit today? Let me know in the comments below.

Read also: Burnout from work: Signs, Causes & Prevention

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How to break toxic habits?

Are you struggling to break a toxic habit? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to overcome bad habits, especially if they’ve been practicing them for a long time. 

However, it’s important to realize that there is no shame in seeking help.

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Reference

Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. Journal of health and social behavior, 51 Suppl(Suppl), S54–S66