Picture this: you’re sitting by the window, watching the world slow down as the years pass by. Wouldn’t it be a relief if, with each year, you felt a little lighter?
Imagine letting go of the unnecessary worries and endless “what ifs” that hold you back. As we get older, anxieties can feel like a heavy bag we’ve dragged along for years—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you want more peace and a calmer mind, it might be time to let go of certain habits that quietly fuel your stress.
In this article, we’ll explore seven behaviors that, if left behind, could free up more space in your life for ease, joy, and a little more laughter.
Ready to leave the baggage behind?
1) Dwelling on the past
Ah, nostalgia. A sweet sentiment, right? Well, not always.
Ruminating over the past – especially your mistakes or missed opportunities – is like driving a car while constantly looking in the rear-view mirror. It won’t take you forward.
Sure, it’s crucial to learn from past experiences, but obsessing over them? That’s a no-go.
Understand this.
The past is a place of reference, not residence. If you’re constantly dwelling on what was, you’re not fully embracing what is or what could be.
2) Neglecting self-care
Once upon a time, I was a classic workaholic.
Putting in those long hours, skipping meals, and burning the midnight oil – oh boy, was I proud of my “hustle.”
But here’s what I learned the hard way.
Neglecting self-care isn’t something to be proud of; it’s a one-way ticket to Stressville and Anxious-town.
I was constantly tired, irritable, and anxious about the smallest things. It was only when I landed in the hospital with severe exhaustion that I realized something had to change.
Taking care of your physical health is crucial for your mental well-being. Some fundamental necessities, and not luxuries, are:
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
- Plenty of water
- Adequate sleep
Don’t wait for your body to scream for attention before you start taking care of it. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
3) Seeking perfection
Let me confess something.
I used to be a die-hard perfectionist. Everything had to be just right:
- The perfect job
- The perfect house
- The perfect life
But guess what? Perfect doesn’t exist.
It’s like chasing a mirage in the desert. You keep running, but never reach it. And all it leaves you with is exhaustion and anxiety.
Here’s what I’ve come to understand.
Life isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. It’s about embracing your flaws and turning them into strengths. It’s about accepting that you’ll make mistakes and that’s okay.
So, let go of that relentless pursuit of perfection. Embrace the beautiful mess that is life.
When you stop chasing the illusion of perfect, you start living a life that is genuinely yours.
4) Comparing yourself to others
Ever heard of the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy?” Well, it’s spot on.
We live in a world that’s constantly urging us to compare ourselves with others. Whether it’s wealth, looks, or success, there’s always someone who seems to have it better.
But here’s what you need to remember.
Everyone is on their own unique journey. Your path is different from mine, and that’s okay. The only person you should be comparing yourself with is the person you were yesterday.
Comparing yourself to others only breeds discontent and anxiety. It robs you of your happiness and prevents you from appreciating your own progress.
Celebrate your victories, learn from your failures, and continue to grow at your own pace.
5) Ignoring your emotions
Did you know that an average human experiences around 27 distinct emotions? That’s a whole lot of feelings!
Life is a rollercoaster of emotions. Joy, sorrow, anger, surprise – they all have their place in our lives. But here’s where many of us go wrong. We try to suppress the negative ones.
Instead of acknowledging our feelings, we bottle them up, hoping they’d just disappear. But guess what? They don’t.
Ignoring your emotions is like trying to hold a beach ball under water. Sooner or later, it’s going to pop up with a greater force.
Emotions are not the enemy. They’re signals, telling us something about ourselves or our lives.
So, the next time you feel sad, angry or scared, don’t push those feelings away. Acknowledge them. Understand them. You’d be surprised how much anxiety this simple act can alleviate.
6) Being too hard on yourself
We all make mistakes. We all have regrets. It’s part of being human. But the key to a less anxious life lies in how we handle these hiccups.
You see, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism. To dwell on our mistakes and beat ourselves up over them. But this only adds to our anxieties.
So, here’s what I suggest.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Be your own cheerleader instead of your worst critic.
Did you mess up at work? It’s okay, everyone does at times.
Did you snap at someone you care about? Apologize, make amends, and learn from it.
Remember, you’re a work in progress, and every setback is a setup for a comeback. So, give yourself some grace, some room to grow.
7) Avoiding change
Life is a constant ebb and flow of change.
It’s in the changing seasons, the waxing and waning moon, the rising and setting sun. Change is as natural as breathing.
Yet, so many of us resist it.
We cling to the familiar, the comfortable, fearing what lies beyond the known. But this resistance only breeds anxiety.
Embracing change, on the other hand, opens up a world of possibilities. It allows us to grow, to learn, to experience new things.
Embrace the journey
Letting go of anxiety is like setting down a weight you didn’t realize you were carrying.
Imagine stepping into your days with a clearer mind, ready to embrace what life brings, rather than getting tangled up in “should haves” and “what ifs.”As you age, each choice to release one of these anxiety-fueling behaviors becomes a small act of freedom.
So, take a deep breath and remember—you’re allowed to choose peace.
Little by little, by saying goodbye to these habits, you’re making room for a more peaceful, content, and joyful version of yourself.
After all, you’ve spent a lifetime building wisdom and strength. Now, let this next chapter be one of ease and liberation.
