At the end of every year, people start thinking about resolutions and all the things they need to start doing to have a better life. We all have the best of intentions at heart, and January brings with it a clean slate. This year, I’m proposing a few things to stop doing in the new year for the sake of your mental, physical, and emotional health. While I’ll be the first to admit these aren’t all going to be easy, I think you’ll find if you stop doing these things you’ll feel better from head to toe.
- Stop caring what others think
This one is perhaps the hardest one on the list, but it’s the most critical for your mental and emotional health. When we worry nonstop about what others think of us, we often don’t do the things we want or need to do. It can keep us from quitting the job we hate, leaving the spouse that is hurting us the most, moving to a cheaper neighborhood, and so many other things.
The best advice I can give you is to start flooding your mind with positive talk. Start with something simple like, “It’s okay for me to make my own decisions” or “I’m allowed to want something different than other people.”
When we start accepting that we have the right to act and be how we want to be, we start gaining the confidence we need to become the best version of ourselves.
Along with this same line of thinking are the next two things you should stop doing:
- Stop saying yes when you should be saying no
You don’t have to do everything that is asked of you, and you shouldn’t try to be a superhero!
- Stop trying to please everyone
Bottom line – if you keep trying to please everyone, you will fail. To make matters worse, you could end up resenting everyone
- Stop eating junk
It is so easy to grab a candy bar when we skip lunch, or eat the unhealthiest thing on the menu at dinner. But, did you know that what you eat and drink can have a direct impact on more than your waistline? People who eat junk food, and consume sugary sodas and snacks are more depressed, get less quality sleep, and have less energy.
Plan ahead, and make healthier choices. Your body and mind will thank you. While you’re at it…
- Stop making excuses about working out. Move your body more, and you’ll notice your stress and depression levels will go down!
- Stop staying up late
Not getting enough sleep can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
- Stop being negative I dare you to try to be the most positive person you know in the New Year. Things like complaining, gossiping, and being jealous only make you feel bad. Do yourself a favor – look on the bright side and focus on all the positive things you can instead. It will feel so much better!