3 Bad Habits You Should Change Starting Today

An individual's quality of life depends on the decisions they take each day. In this article, we explore three healthy habits one can develop to improve their ability towards tackling challenges and creating a positive frame of mind.

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Stop Impulse Shopping

Recreational shopping, boredom shopping, window shopping, or anything else you want to call it is the act of purchasing commodities not based on need, rather on impulse. Places like malls, supermarkets, and online marketplaces are well aware of this consumer behavior and bank on it to increase their sales. While this may provide you a burst of happiness in the short term, in the long run, you will end up spending a large sum of money on items that bring no value to your life.

According to research, individuals who visit retail stores are more likely to make impulse purchases. Additionally, they are 40% more inclined to overspend than their original budget. Here’s how to overcome this habit:

●      Use a budgeting app to keep track of your spending. It will alert you when you are about to reach your limit.

●      Always have a list of items before going shopping, allowing you to reduce buying things on impulse.

●      If you are prone to window shopping, start looking for alternatives to spend your time, such as going to a park, hitting the gym, etc.

Stop Saying Yes All The Time

Do you find yourself not having any time to dedicate to activities you love? Whether that be exercising, binge-watching, etc. Well, it’s time you learn to say no. Often individuals are afraid of saying no due to the fear of being perceived as mean, selfish, or less agreeable. However, if you find yourself lacking in taking care of your needs, it is important to take a step back and learn to prioritize yourself.

It’s easy to recognize when you overstep boundaries, however when you’re someone who constantly puts others over yourself, it becomes difficult to realize when others have done the same. Here are a few ways to balance your priorities while continuing to be a good friend, spouse, or co-worker:

●      Dedicate time daily towards activities that bring you happiness and a sense of fulfillment.

●      Communicate directly with others regarding your time and reasons. Identify those who respect your time and boundaries and those who don’t.

●      Accept that you cannot please everyone, there will always be someone who feels let down. However, your priorities need to come first.

As reported by Kaiser Permanente, spending time doing what you like helps to reduce stress and negative thoughts while increasing happiness and well-being levels.

Stop Overworking

As reported by Blue Water Credit, Americans on average work 47 hours per week which adds up to almost an extra workday. This is a significant commitment that demands effort and money. Given that you are investing such an immense amount of time weekly, your job must provide your life value and satisfaction. If it does not, it can lead to the following issues:

●      Feeling unmotivated to do the simplest of tasks

●      Reduction in productivity leading to missed goals and timelines

●      Anxiety about your finances, family, and the future

Finding a new job can seem like a daunting task, however, it will improve your mental health and overall quality of life. The pandemic has opened various new avenues for skilled professionals to monetize their talent. You are no longer stuck with the age-old concept of working 9-5. Opting to freelance or be self-employed will help you gain greater control over your time and finances. Here’s how to go about making a career change:

●      Make a list of pros and cons about your job. Look for opportunities that have the pros but also help overcome the cons.

●      Create goals from what you want to achieve with your new job, whether it be higher pay, more responsibilities, etc.

●      Take advice from your network, family, and friends; communicate your ideas to them, and listen to their feedback with an open mind.

The key to improving your quality of life is to become self-aware of your actions and learn to prioritize your health and needs before focusing on external things.

Auther/Writer: Gwen Payne