A person can start their day with great positivity and prepare to begin work, but throughout the day, they may feel a decline in their mood. While some of this may be natural, certain habits can also contribute to unhappiness. According to a report published by Health Shots, issues such as overthinking, stress, unrealistic expectations, and constantly comparing oneself to others are just some of the habits that lead to dissatisfaction. Some may not realize this, but if they can eliminate these negative habits, they might find themselves happier. Psychologist and wellness coach Aneesha Jungjunwala advises that there are ways to brighten one’s life, including identifying the reasons for unhappiness and replacing them with what makes one happier. These habits include:
1. **Overthinking**
Overthinking is one of the largest habits that brings about unhappiness. Jungjunwala states, "When someone has a problem-centered mindset, they constantly reconsider their actions and tend to dwell on negative thoughts and overanalyze situations, which can lead to living in a state of anticipation and anxiety." She recommends shifting from a problem-oriented perspective to a solution-focused one. For instance, if someone is stressed about a work deadline, they can break tasks into manageable steps and focus on completing each efficiently.
2. **Excessive Focus on Minor Issues**
A person who is stressed is naturally unhappy; thus, reducing stress caused by minor situations by developing wisdom to discern the significance of various issues can contribute to happiness.
3. **Holding Grudges**
Clinging to past grievances limits the ability to live in the present, fostering continual rumination over past events, regret over decisions, or self-blame regarding situations. Jungjunwala explains that freeing oneself from the mental burden of holding grudges and choosing forgiveness creates space for a more positive and fulfilling present.
4. **Procrastination**
Procrastination is a habit that makes one unhappy, often rooted in reasons such as lack of enjoyment or noticeable difficulty. Understanding the underlying reason for procrastination is critical. Jungjunwala advises contemplating "the scenario where one delays a challenging project. Seeking help or breaking the task into smaller steps can make it more manageable and reduce procrastination."
5. **Comparing Oneself to Others**
Constantly comparing oneself to others diverts attention from personal growth, similar to driving while focusing on other cars instead of the road ahead. Jungjunwala states that "by focusing on oneself and one’s achievements, a person can avoid unnecessary collisions with distractions caused by external comparisons, thereby enhancing a sense of satisfaction."
6. **Giving Up Early**
Building healthy habits requires conscious effort and a commitment to personal well-being. Jungjunwala asserts that "by incorporating positive practices into daily life, a foundation for lasting contentment and happiness can be created," but it should be recognized that giving up early is a habit that will lead to unhappiness.
7. **Not Focusing on Yourself**
In the midst of daily life routines, it’s easy for a person to get lost in the tasks at hand and lose connection with themselves. Jungjunwala explains that "this disconnection can lead to challenges in understanding thoughts and feelings, which may result in feelings of unhappiness and the development of unhealthy habits."
8. **Not Getting Enough Sleep**
A research paper published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute focuses on how sleep affects overall health. Sleep helps relax the brain and prepares one for the next day. Thus, lack of sleep, especially among children and teenagers, can lead to mood swings, impulsivity, and can escalate to depression.
9. **Not Feeling Enough Gratitude**
A study conducted by the University of Montana revealed that when people are more grateful in their thoughts and words, they are also happier than those who are not. People feel more positive about themselves as well.
10. **Exposing Oneself to Negativity**
A study published in the Wiley British Journal of Psychology indicates that negative information about the world or society surrounding a person can affect mood levels and happiness, so maintaining positivity can be accomplished by reducing exposure to negative information and news.
