Embarking on a journey of self-care can often feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start.
The starting point may not always be about adopting new habits, but rather, letting go of some old ones.
Sometimes, the best way to begin taking care of yourself is to say goodbye to those behaviors that are causing you more harm than good.
In this article, I’m going to share 8 habits you should consider quitting if you’re serious about self-care. Trust me, it’s simpler than you think.
1) Neglecting sleep
Let’s start with the most basic but often overlooked habit – sleep.
We live in a culture that often glorifies busyness and tends to undervalue the importance of a good night’s sleep. And it’s not uncommon to find people bragging about how little sleep they get.
But here’s the hard truth – neglecting sleep is one of the worst things you can do for your health and overall wellbeing.
Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Think of it as the ultimate act of self-care. It’s your body’s way of healing, restoring, and recharging itself.
If you’re someone who often burns the midnight oil or feels guilty about getting those full eight hours, it’s time to rethink.
Say goodbye to those late nights and hello to healthier sleep habits.
And remember, practicing self-care is not about adding more to your plate, but rather about taking care of what’s already there.
A good night’s rest should always be at the top of that list.
2) Skipping meals
Another habit that needs to be kicked to the curb is skipping meals.
I’ll admit, I used to be guilty of this. In the hustle and bustle of my daily life, I’d often find myself skipping breakfast or working through lunch.
I convinced myself that I was too busy, that I could just eat later.
But here’s what I learned – skipping meals is not a productivity hack. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
When we don’t fuel our bodies regularly, our energy levels drop, our concentration wanes, and our mood takes a hit. It’s like trying to drive a car without fuel – it simply doesn’t work.
I’ve since made it a priority to nourish my body with regular, balanced meals and the difference has been night and day.
Not only do I feel more energized and focused, but I also feel more in tune with my body’s needs.
If you’re in the habit of skipping meals, consider this your wake-up call. Your body deserves better. And trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it later.
3) Living in clutter
Believe it or not, the state of your living space has a direct impact on your mental wellbeing.
Clutter can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Living in a messy environment can make us feel overwhelmed and out of control.
On the other hand, a clean and organized space can bring a sense of calm and order.
If your living space is currently more chaotic than calm, consider this an invitation to declutter. Start small, maybe with a drawer or a corner of a room.
You’d be surprised at how liberating it feels to let go of things you don’t need anymore.
Self-care isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about letting go. And that includes letting go of clutter.
4) Ignoring your emotions
In a world that often prioritizes logic and reason over feelings, it’s easy to fall into the habit of ignoring our emotions.
We bottle them up, push them aside, or simply pretend they don’t exist.
But here’s the thing – emotions are a vital part of who we are. They’re our body’s way of communicating with us, signaling when something is off balance.
Ignoring your emotions is like ignoring a warning sign on your car’s dashboard. Sooner or later, it’ll catch up to you.
Instead of brushing your feelings under the carpet, start acknowledging them.
Give yourself permission to feel without judgment or guilt. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes.
Self-care is about taking care of your whole self – and that includes your emotional wellbeing.
5) Putting others before yourself
Many of us have been taught that putting others first is the noble thing to do.
We wear our selflessness like a badge of honor, often at the expense of our own wellbeing.
But here’s a heartfelt reminder – it’s not selfish to prioritize your needs.
Think of it like the safety instructions on an airplane. You’re always told to secure your own oxygen mask before helping others. Why?
Because you can’t effectively take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself first.
If you’ve been putting everyone else’s needs before your own, it’s time for a change.
Start saying ‘no’ when you need to. Start setting boundaries. Start taking care of yourself.
Self-care is not just about pampering yourself. It’s about respecting yourself and acknowledging your worth.
And you, my friend, are worth every bit of care and love you give to others.
6) Overworking
There was a time when my work was my life. I’d put in long hours, bring work home, and even sacrifice my weekends.
I thought this was the only way to be successful, to prove my worth.
But all it did was leave me burned out and disconnected from everything else that mattered in life.
Overworking is a habit that many of us fall into, often without even realizing it.
We live in a society that equates busyness with success, and it’s easy to get caught up in that narrative.
But the reality is, overworking doesn’t lead to success. It leads to burnout, stress, and a diminished quality of life.
It’s important to understand that your worth is not tied to your productivity.
It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to not be ‘on’ all the time.
If you’ve been pushing yourself too hard at work, take this as a sign to slow down.
Your health and happiness are more important than any job.
7) Neglecting physical activity
In our modern, fast-paced lives, physical activity often takes a backseat.
We spend long hours sitting at desks, in front of screens, leading to a sedentary lifestyle.
Neglecting physical activity is not just bad for your physical health, but also for your mental wellbeing.
Physical activity is a proven stress buster and mood lifter.
It releases endorphins, also known as ‘feel-good hormones’, which can significantly boost your mood and energy levels.
Even simple activities like a brisk walk, a quick stretch, or a short yoga session can make a huge difference.
If you’ve been neglecting physical activity, now is the time to make a change. Start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration.
The goal is not to achieve a perfect body, but to take care of the one you have.
After all, self-care is about nurturing and nourishing your body, not punishing it.
8) Not asking for help
The most crucial habit to say goodbye to, in my opinion, is not asking for help when you need it.
Too often, we see asking for help as a sign of weakness, when in fact, it’s a sign of strength.
It takes courage to admit that you can’t do everything on your own.
Whether it’s seeking professional help for mental health struggles or simply asking a friend to lend an ear when you’re going through a tough time, reaching out for help is an act of self-care.
If you’re grappling with something, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
You’re not alone, and there are people who genuinely care about your wellbeing and want to support you.
Final thought: It’s a journey
Embarking on a journey of self-care is not a one-size-fits-all process. It’s deeply personal and unique to each individual.
What’s important to remember is that self-care is not a destination, but a continuous journey.
It’s about showing up for yourself, day after day, even when it feels hard or inconvenient.
And keep in mind that letting go of habits that don’t serve you is just as important as adopting new ones.
As the renowned writer and philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
Take that first step today. Say goodbye to those habits that are holding you back from taking care of yourself.
Each step you take towards self-care is a step towards a healthier, happier you.
Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. And most importantly, believe in your ability to make positive changes in your life.
Because at the end of the day, you are your most long-lasting relationship. Treat yourself with the love and care you deserve.
