There’s an unspoken pressure in the modern world to constantly do more, be more, and show that “more” to everyone else on various digital and physical platforms. But what if the secret to a calmer, happier, and more focused life wasn’t doing more but doing less?
This is not a novel concept, yet considering letting go of certain habits and behaviors often feels revolutionary. In this opinion piece, I’ll detail 18 such things that I, as a non-professional, independent individual, decided to cease and how they transformed my mental health.
Multitasking
Once heralded as a productivity godsend, multitasking has been revealed to be a fundamentally fragmented approach to navigating life’s demands. This practice often results in heightened stress levels and subpar outcomes. This is due to the divided attention and incomplete focus it entails.
Mindless Social Media Scrolling
Scrolling mindlessly and endlessly through various social media platforms often becomes a reflexive action rather than a deliberate choice. This habitual behavior consumed a significant amount of my time and led to unwarranted comparisons and judgments about different aspects of my life, impacting my overall well-being and mental clarity.
Neglecting My Physical Health
Prioritizing work over taking care of my body, I often skipped meals or workouts in favour of more important tasks.
This approach soon resulted in feelings of discomfort and increased fatigue. It made me realize the importance of balancing work and self-care.
Bottling Up Feelings
I’d often find myself in situations where I would suppress or ignore my true feelings about certain things, trying to convince myself that I was being efficient and conserving energy.
However, despite my efforts, those buried emotions would always resurface unexpectedly, catching me off guard.
Engaging in Negative Self-Talk
The harsh, self-critical voice in my mind seemed never-ending, ready to pounce on any mistake I made.
It felt like a constant presence, casting doubt and negativity on my every move. However, I learned to identify and quieten this inner critic through introspection and conscious effort. This transformation marked a significant turning point towards cultivating self-love and acceptance.
People-Pleasing
The urge to constantly seek approval and cater to everyone’s needs proved impossible and draining.
However, understanding the importance of respectfully declining requests or setting boundaries alleviated the pressure. It brought about a sense of freedom and empowerment.
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Binge-Watching TV Shows
Escaping into shows was often a mental salve, but I’ve found more profound joy and relaxation in books and hobbies that engage my creativity.
I’ve discovered that consuming mindlessly dulls my senses while actively creating something brings a sense of achievement and fulfilment.
Speed Reading
Reading to meet a target had been depriving me of the true essence of the experience. However, as I’ve started to slow down and relish each word, my admiration for literature has grown immensely.
Savouring the words, unravelling their meanings, and immersing myself in the narratives have brought a new depth and richness to my reading journey.
Conforming to Trends
I frequently found myself chasing the newest fads, whether it was a trendy diet, fashion craze, or lifestyle trend that seemed to be all the rage.
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However, the moment I embraced and accepted my unique individuality, I felt the relief and contentment I had been seeking.
Workaholic Tendencies
I always glamorised being busy, thinking it was the key to success. However, I’ve learned the importance of stepping back, taking breaks, and allowing myself to rest.
This shift has not only improved my relationships, but also sparked more creativity and innovation in my work.
Checking Email First Thing
I’d start my day in a reactive state, responding to others’ priorities. Purposely checking my email later has reclaimed my mornings. This has allowed me to focus on my goals and tasks, leading to greater productivity and fulfilment.
Neglecting Fun
I found the concept of fun somewhat frivolous for a while and overlooked its importance. However, I have since made a conscious effort to proactively plan and include activities in my schedule that genuinely bring me joy.
I now recognize these moments as vital to my overall well-being, viewing them not merely as incentives for my diligent efforts but as essential elements that contribute significantly to my happiness and fulfillment.
Resisting Change
Whether significant or minor, every change was consistently met with resistance, leading to unwarranted stress and challenges.
Enhancing my adaptability remains a continuous and evolving process, yet the rewards of this endeavour are invaluable. They offer a profound sense of tranquility and mental well-being.
Comparing My Journey to Others
The comparison trap can be insidious, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. However, once I shifted my focus to embracing my own path, with its unique set of goals, aspirations, and individuality, I experienced a profound sense of relief and contentment. It was rewarding.
Over-Packing My Schedule
I used to fill my days to the brim to feel productive, constantly cramming tasks into every minute. However, this relentless overscheduling eventually took its toll, leading me to burnout. It was then that I realized the importance of allowing room for flexibility in my schedule.
Embracing this change has proven to be a continual and gratifying practice, enabling me to find balance and well-being amidst life’s demands.
Fearing ‘Wasted’ Time
In the past, I used to view any time not spent being “productive” as time “wasted.” However, my perspective has evolved. I now recognize the importance of rest in maintaining a sustainable and balanced lifestyle.
Over-Committing
Saying ‘yes‘ consistently resulted in taking on numerous projects, draining energy levels. Recognizing the importance of saying ‘no‘ has been pivotal in setting more realistic expectations. I found a better balance between managing my workload and my well-being.
An Obsession with Perfection
Striving for perfection used to paralyze my progress in the past. However, I’ve learned that accepting that ‘done‘ is often better than ‘perfect‘ has significantly transformed my approach.
This newfound mindset has not only unlocked more creativity and innovation in my work but has also positively impacted my personal life, allowing me to embrace imperfections and focus on progress over unattainable perfection.
The Decision-Making Process
These changes were identified over time as I noticed patterns of stress and discontent. Initially, letting go felt like losing part of my identity. The familiar discomfort of each change also brought unexpected relief as I felt lighter, with fewer burdens to bear.
The Journey to Improvement
Initially, these changes were met with turmoil. There were days I craved the old habits like old friends. But as time passed, I found joy in the freedom and peace they afforded. New habits took their place, ones that nourished me in ways I hadn’t understood before.
The Positive Impact
Improving my mental health has been one of the most rewarding journeys of self-discovery. I am more present, content, and myself now than I have been in years. While the changes were complex, the mental clarity and emotional well-being tradeoff has been immense.
These 18 things were anchors to an often stormy mental sea. Their release has allowed me to sail through life with a newfound serenity and a deep appreciation for the simple and extraordinary moments that make life worth living. I encourage anyone feeling the same weight to seriously consider what they could stop doing to regain control of their mental health. It’s not a step backward; it’s a quantum leap forward.
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