Most people strive to achieve happiness in life. This usually happens after accepting the fact that life is short and that life is more difficult when you are unhappy. Our everyday habits have a great influence on our happiness and quality of life. However, there is a difference with chronic unhappiness and clinical depression. Clinical depression is when there is a chemical imbalance in the brain and unhappiness happiness happens as a result of the choices we make and our lifestyle. Just like depression, unhappiness can also be diagnosed and treated.
These are the 12 avoidable habits that cause unhappiness
1.Chronic complaining
People who are successful or happy do not complain as much as the unhappy people. Those who complain too much always have something bad and negative to say even in a good situation. It is very important to accept the fact that there will always be circumstances in life which can sometimes be unwanted and unfair. Instead of complaining about them which will get you nowhere, you should try to find a solution to your problems.
2.Being critical of yourself and others
Our self-image is greatly affected by how we talk to and about ourselves. Feeling good about yourself and knowing that you are worth is very important for your happiness. You must never think negatively about yourself even if you make mistakes. Also, accept that every person is different and that you cannot like and get along with everyone which is why you should never criticize other and you should accept their right to live happily.
3.Living beyond means
Most commercials and advertisements for cars, credit cards, gadgets etc. are promising a more fulfilling existence. However, even though buying something makes you feel good for a while, that feeling usually goes away fast. Instead of finding happiness in buying things you don’t really need, try to find something else that makes you feel better such as reading, sightseeing, exercising etc.
4.Negative addictions
Everything is good in moderation. However, if a certain habit or activity takes over your life you have to admit that you have a problem. Alcohol, drugs and other addictions have taken the lives of so many people that they are even considered epidemics. Try to find the things you are passionate about and focus on them.
5.Regretting the past
Besides being useless, regret is also very harmful. Studies have confirmed that chronic stress and depression can be caused by having repetitive negative thoughts about past decisions. Psychology Today claims that these 4 steps can help you cope with regret: 1. learning from mistakes by not dwelling, 2. if you can’t change the situation let it go, 3. making sure that you don’t feel too much blame and 4. positively reframing the situation.
6.Worrying about the future
We don’t have complete control over our future. Instead of worrying too much, you should live in the present fully embracing your existence, your abilities and talents. Once difficulties arise face them and enjoy the beautiful things that happen in the moment.
7.Being driven by fear
Fear can also lead to chronic unhappiness, especially fear of the unknown and unavoidable. If you feel fear for too long it may start controlling your everyday life. Never allow negative thoughts such as fear, anxiety, worry or other to shape your personality.
8.Delaying goals and dreams
Getting caught up in the routine of life may drift you far from your goals and focusing your talent and passion to what you want to achieve. The hardest step in life is making the first step towards your dreams and goals. Build a game plan for this step and then you will start to see the numerous possibilities.
9.Gossiping
Talking negatively about someone else can make you feel insecure and negative. If you are a happy person you know that you won’t achieve anything by doing something that is not worth your time or energy. Adults who are trying to improve their lives should never engage in such conversation.
10.Holding grudges
Animosity, just like negative emotions, is an unnecessary burden. This does not mean you should be ignorant, but if you allow negative behavior of other people to make you angry you are not doing anything good for your happiness. You have three choices, to forget, forgive or ignore and then move on.
11.Eating poorly
Foods that contain no nutrients can provide satisfaction which will not last long. On the long run, a diet poor in nutrients can lead to depression, weight gain, lack of energy, decreased productivity and overall bad health. On the other hand, a balanced and healthy diet can make you feel more energized, more alert and more productive. So if you want to look and feel great you must also eat well.
12.Expanding your problems
The first reaction to unhappiness and discontent is completely emotional which means we probably blow things out of proportion. Instead of letting emotions take over you should focus on finding a solution by looking at the problem objectively.
If you have some of these habits, you must first become aware and then follow the advice we have given in order to completely get rid of them