Bad Habits You Need To Break ASAP
Why I Needed To Get Honest With Myself
There’s nothing like catching yourself doing something annoying for the hundredth time and suddenly thinking… Why am I still like this?
That’s how this whole “breaking bad habits” thing started for me. I wasn’t trying to completely change my life or anything dramatic — I just got tired of the little ways I was making things harder for myself. Scrolling mindlessly when I felt overwhelmed. Saying yes when I meant no. Avoiding tasks until they stressed me out. Nothing huge on its own, but over time, they added up.
I started paying closer attention to my daily patterns — and realized I had more than a few habits that needed to go. Not out of shame or guilt, but because I wanted to feel a little lighter, a little more in control. So if you’re in that same boat — feeling stuck or frustrated with your own patterns — this post is for you.
1. Procrastinating Things That Take 5 Minutes
YThis one snuck up on me. I’d avoid little things like replying to a text, booking a dentist appointment, or wiping down the counter — and then feel weirdly stressed about it for days.
What helped: I started using the “two-minute rule.” If something takes less than two minutes, I do it right away. Sounds simple, but it shifted so much mental clutter for me.
I still fall into this sometimes, especially when I’m tired or anxious. But now I recognize it faster and try to just knock it out.
2. Doom-Scrolling When You’re Tired or Bored
I don’t even want to know how many hours I’ve lost to the TikTok-black-hole at 11 p.m. It’s not just the time — it’s the way it makes my brain feel afterward. Foggy, overstimulated, and honestly a little empty.
It took me a while to admit this habit wasn’t “harmless” anymore. So I started charging my phone in a different room at night, and using screen time limits (even though I override them sometimes — oops).
One night I left my phone in the kitchen and just lay in bed thinking. I hadn’t done that in forever. And it felt… peaceful. I actually fell asleep faster.
3. Saying Yes When You Want to Say No
I used to think being agreeable made me a kind person. But really, it just made me burnt out.
Saying yes to every favor, event, or project out of guilt left me with no energy for the stuff that actually mattered. I’d end up overwhelmed and quietly resentful — not exactly a win-win.
Now, I try to check in with myself before agreeing to anything. If I feel hesitation, I pause. Saying, “Can I think about it and get back to you?” buys time without pressure.
One small win: I said no to a group trip I didn’t want to go on, and instead spent that weekend doing nothing at home. It was glorious.
4. Comparing Yourself to Everyone Online
This one’s tricky because it creeps in subtly. You see someone’s “morning routine” or “perfect relationship” and suddenly feel like your life is behind.
I’ve learned to recognize when this kind of comparison spiral starts. Usually it hits when I’m already feeling unsure or tired. The solution isn’t just “stop comparing” (easier said than done), but curating what I consume.
I unfollowed a bunch of accounts that made me feel like crap — even if they were aesthetic or “inspiring.” Now I focus on creators who are honest, funny, or down-to-earth.er it. It sounds silly, but it worked — I actually started treating rest as non-negotiable.
5. Making Jokes About Yourself That Aren’t Actually Funny
I used to joke about being a mess, being broke, being lazy — thinking it made me relatable. But over time, I realized I was reinforcing this negative identity without meaning to.
Humor is great. But constant self-deprecation? Not so much. It started shaping how I saw myself.
So now I try to catch those little digs before they slip out. I still make fun of myself sometimes (who doesn’t?), but I’m more mindful of the language I use.
One time at brunch, I made a joke about being “chronically chaotic” because I forgot my wallet — again. Everyone laughed, but on the way home, I felt weirdly down. Like I’d just labeled myself as unreliable and sloppy — and everyone agreed. It was a small moment, but it stuck with me.
6. Ignoring Your Body’s Signals
Skipping meals because you’re too busy. Drinking three coffees before realizing you haven’t had water. Pushing through headaches or exhaustion because “there’s too much to do.”
Been there, too many times.
The hard truth is, your body will make you listen eventually — whether through burnout, illness, or chronic fatigue. I’ve learned this the hard way.
So now I try to listen sooner. I pause to stretch. I actually drink water when I’m thirsty. I’m slowly learning that rest isn’t lazy — it’s necessary.
And food-wise? I used to reach for chips, cookies, or random snacks all day because I wasn’t giving myself real meals. It felt easier in the moment, but I’d crash an hour later and wonder why I couldn’t focus. Now I try to actually sit down and eat something with protein and veggies, even if it’s super simple.
7. Living in Reaction Mode 24/7
When every day feels like you’re putting out fires, something’s gotta give. For me, this habit looked like constantly checking messages, jumping from task to task, and never feeling grounded.
I didn’t realize how much this reactive mode drained me until I had a calm morning once — no notifications, no rush, just quiet. It felt completely different.
What helped: Creating tiny pockets of calm. I started doing 10 minutes of “no input” time each morning — no phone, no talking, no music. Just me and my thoughts. It reset my whole vibe for the day.
Progress, Not Perfection
I’m still breaking some of these habits. Honestly, a few are regular guests in my life — especially the phone one. But being more aware of them has made a huge difference.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being honest with yourself, noticing the patterns that hurt more than help, and making slow, kind changes over time.
If any of these bad habits hit home, don’t beat yourself up. Start small. Pick one. Get curious. See how it feels to let it go — even just for a day.
Which one are you ready to quit?
