Letting Go of Unhealthy Patterns
Unfortunately, unhealthy patterns tend to be the easiest ones to create. Whether it be eating poorly, not exercising, scrolling for too long on social media, engaging in toxic relationships, or letting that important project gather dust; these bad habits (or lack of good ones) can wreak havoc on our lives. So, let’s get into some common unhealthy patterns and how we can get out of them.
Health: Breaking the Cycle of Neglecting Your Body
It’s easy to fall into routines that compromise our physical well-being. Whether it’s staying up too late or ignoring signs of burnout, neglecting our health can become an ingrained habit in our lives. The best way to start combating this is by making small, sustainable changes: prioritize your sleep, listen to your body’s needs, and keep track of how you’re feeling on a daily basis. Learning to pay attention to your body’s cues is the first and most important step in knowing what unhealthy patterns you possess and how you can go about changing them.
Exercise: Movement is Medicine
Many times, we approach exercise as a chore rather than an enjoyable part of our routine. Having this mindset can make staying active feel like a burden, when in reality, movement is medicine for your body. One of the best ways to help break this unhealthy mindset is by choosing activities that you enjoy; not just whatever workout plan is trending. If you like being outdoors, try hiking, running, going for walks, or playing tennis or pickleball. If you enjoy slower movement, try stretching, pilates, or some forms of martial arts. Once you find something you enjoy doing, it will be so much easier to stay consistent.
Food: Nourishment AND Comfort
Food is fuel… But it doesn’t just have to be that. Eating solely for comfort typically is not healthy, but an obsession with only eating “healthy” can become unhealthy in it’s own way, too. Focus on finding nutritious foods that are both healthy and enjoyable to eat. And you can still have treats, in moderation! Allowing yourself balance will be so much better for you in the long run. Learning to understand your body’s hunger and fullness cues is also important so that you don’t over or undereat.
Work: It Doesn’t Have to Be Your Personality.
Yep. That’s about all I have to say.
Relationships: Releasing Toxic Connections
Unhealthy relationships can be a huge energy-drainer, and can affect your ability to let go of your other unhealthy habits as well. Reflect on your relationships and evaluate what they bring into your life. Do they bring love, joy, peace, comfort, and happiness? Or do they bring anxiety, fear, or sadness? Setting boundaries and knowing when to distance yourself from bad influences is a key part of maintaining your mental and emotional health.
Moving forward, it’s important to recognize the importance of self-awareness. In order to make changes to your bad habits and unhealthy patterns, you first have to understand that you have them. Start with one area of your life, and gradually begin to implement better habits as you lose your old ones. Celebrate your progress, but be kind and graceful to yourself when you hit a wall or have setbacks. Growth is not linear, but usually a curve. Each step forward is a step toward a healthier and more enjoyable life.
Let go of what no longer adds value to your life.
