She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Toxic Habits

In this era of self-reflection, many of us have been given the opportunity to identify and tackle our unhealthy habits. By acknowledging and addressing these patterns, we can improve not only our own well-being but also our relationships with others.

The Power of Journaling

Through daily journaling, I’ve been able to pinpoint patterns and develop exercises to overcome my own toxic habits. For instance, I realized that checking up on an old colleague’s social media handles was making me feel sad and paranoid. By abstaining from this behavior for two weeks, I was able to break the habit entirely.

Common Toxic Habits to Unlearn

We’re not alone in our struggles with unhealthy habits. Here are some common ones to be aware of:

• Comparing yourself to others: Resist the urge to check up on ex-friends or coworkers on social media, as it can lead to feelings of negativity and resentment.
• Overworking: Establish clear boundaries by not answering non-emergency emails outside of work hours. This helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and sets a good precedent for others.
• Procrastination: Make time for important conversations with friends and family. Schedule specific times to respond to messages or calls, ensuring you don’t neglect those who care about you.
• Impulsive spending: Practice patience and avoid making purchases based solely on convenience. Compare prices, wait for sales, and prioritize saving money.
• Multitasking: Give yourself time to enjoy your meals without checking work emails or social media. This helps reduce mental exhaustion and promotes a healthier work-life balance.
• Unreliability: Follow through on commitments and favors. This builds trust and demonstrates respect for others’ time.
• Mindless scrolling: Avoid checking email or social media first thing in the morning. Instead, focus on your morning routine and prioritize self-care.
• Staying up late: Establish a bedtime routine to ensure you get enough sleep. This helps maintain energy levels and reduces the likelihood of burnout.
• Social media obsession: Limit your social media use to avoid feelings of upset and negativity. Recognize that these platforms often showcase only the highlights of others’ lives.
• Negative thinking: Challenge negative thoughts and focus on appreciating your accomplishments. Practice gratitude and self-compassion to improve your mental well-being.
• Self-deprecation: Refrain from making jokes about your appearance, as they can be triggering for others and damaging to your self-esteem.
• Assuming others’ financial situations: Avoid making assumptions about people’s financial circumstances. Focus on your own goals and finances, rather than comparing yourself to others.
• Past regrets: Let go of past mistakes and focus on personal growth. Recognize that everyone makes errors, and it’s essential to learn from them.
• Feeling pressured to fit in: Don’t feel obligated to drink or engage in activities that make you uncomfortable. Prioritize your own needs and preferences.
• Impulse buying: Practice mindful spending by asking yourself if you really need an item. Consider the long-term benefits of saving money instead of making impulsive purchases.
• Fear of others’ opinions: Remember that people are often too self-involved to care deeply about your actions. Focus on building your self-confidence and earning the trust of others through active listening.

By acknowledging and addressing these toxic habits, we can improve our mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.