6 Bad Habits to Ditch in 2022
Starting the new year right does not necessarily mean setting ambitious resolutions to achieve big goals. Whether you believe in the power of New Year's resolutions or not, making beneficial life choices does not always mean bringing something new into your life. In fact, it can sometimes mean quite the opposite.
Instead of focusing on adding things to your life, think about what you can let go of this year. Here are a few bad habits that you can ditch in 2022 to get the ball rolling in the right direction.
1. Scrolling Through Your Social Media Feed Endlessly
A habit that can quickly turn toxic is our endless exploration of our social media feeds. Now, this is not to say that social media is inherently evil and that you need to quit it immediately.
Social media has its benefits. However, for many people, it can be a source of enormous anxiety and stress, if not used the right way.
It is important to recognize how your usage of social media is affecting you in a negative manner. One of the ways to do that is to stop spending hours and hours mindlessly scrolling through your feed.
Once you’re updated on your near and dear ones, try to put the phone down and engage in real life instead of staying online.
2. Not Wearing Sunscreen Daily
Despite being the largest organ of our body, skin is often overlooked by many of us. Possibly, one of the worst skincare mistakes that we have all been guilty of is skipping on sunscreen.
This year, aim to wear sunscreen daily, making sure to reapply every couple of hours to get maximum protection from the harmful UVB and UVA rays coming from the sun.
3. Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to others often results in a big blow to your confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental health. Simply put, it sucks the joy out of your life.
Every time you compare yourself to others, your personal abilities are downplayed.
Make a conscious effort to constantly remind yourself of your capabilities and talents and be grateful for them. Always remember that everyone has a different path in life and you simply can’t compare yours with that of someone else’s.
4. Sitting Too Much
Prolonged sitting has long been linked with poor heart health along with increased chances of obesity and other health problems. Individuals who sit more are at a higher risk of suffering from an early death due to various diseases.
A 2017 study found that sedentary adults had almost double the mortality risk as compared to their active counterparts.
Instead of sitting for long periods of time, make it a point to take a short break every hour or so by getting up and having a cup of water or by simply stretching those muscles out.
5. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Poor sleep has been linked with numerous diseases. Most significantly, though, is the effect of bad sleeping habits on our cognitive functions. Various studies outline the mental decline that can result as a result of not getting appropriate shuteye.
This year, aim to get some more sleep than you did before. Maintain a consistent sleeping schedule and refrain from napping during the day so that you have no trouble dozing off at night.
