The clock's ticking down to the end of 2024. And with the New Year just around the corner, most of us are taking glimpses at the whole year that is passing us by and making resolutions, goals and promises for 2025.
We all think of many things we want to start doing while writing a New Year's Resolutions list, but how many of them are the things you need to stop doing?
Though it's important to form good and healthy habits for a better lifestyle (like regular exercise, eating clean and whatnot), it's also just as important to let go of your bad habits this new year. While there's never a bad time to change your life, the new year offers us a clear starting point - a clean slate - to make bigger changes and commit to new goals.
But are you even aware of what bad habits or lifestyle choices are bad for you? Well, if you don't, then no worries! We have compiled a list of major things you should say goodbye to this new year, and though you will find a couple of predictable ones (smoking and unhealthy diet), the others will make you pause and reassess your lifestyle.
So, let's jump in and see what habits or things you need to let go of this new year to become better and healthier!
Table of Contents
- Habits/Things To Let Go Before New Year
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Habits/Things To Let Go Before New Year
We all have those pesky little habits we'd love to kick to the curb, but let’s be real—some bad habits pack a much bigger punch into your life than others. Here are those habits you have to ditch before the New Year rolls in:
1. Smoking — breathe easy, ditch the ciggies
It's no news that smoking is bad for your health — they say so right on the box! And yet, many people continue to smoke regularly. Did you know that nearly 16 million people are living with a smoking-related disease? Does that deter you from smoking? It should.
Smoking takes the number one spot as the cause of preventable diseases, so let that sink in! When you smoke cigarettes, you inhale thousands of chemicals that disrupt your immune system. It doesn’t just make you sick — it also slows down your recovery from other illnesses, making bad health even worse. If you’re a chronic smoker, even a common cold will hit you harder, like a bad guest who overstays their welcome.
If you have tried and failed at quitting smoking, then you may have an addiction which can be difficult to deal with. It's best to reach out and ask for help. You can consult a doctor about how to safely reduce your nicotine intake and have your loved ones help you through the journey.
Also Read: The Truth About Smoking: Does It Cause Weight Loss? 4 Tips To Quit Smoking
2. Poor Diet — your body’s not a trash can; stop feeding it like one!
Just like smoking, a poor diet can open the door to preventable diseases like diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and many others. Not giving your body the right nutrients can mess with the immune system, making it tougher to bounce back from other illnesses.
So, take a look at your regular diet and remove all things unhealthy — from sugary drinks to packaged foods to fast food. But we know completely removing these can prevent you from ever fixing your poor diet. So, what you can do instead is reduce the intake of unhealthy foods to one day a week, or better yet, one meal a week! Additionally, you can also try healthier food swaps.
3. Too Much Alone Time — don’t let loneliness slide into your DMs
There's nothing wrong with enjoying your own company, but humans are social creatures by nature — and too much time alone is a one-way ticket to isolation, depression, and anxiety. You don’t need to hang out with someone every day, but keeping relationships alive does wonders for your mental and emotional health!
4. Not Sharing Concerns With Doctors — don’t keep it hush-hush
Going to the doctor can be slightly nerve-wracking, but spilling the beans on your health concerns is super important — especially as you get older. Sharing changes in your health can help doctors identify conditions early and prevent any conditions from developing or getting worse.
5. Lack of Sleep — stop scrolling, start snoring
In today’s world, sleep often gets shoved to the bottom of the priority list. But remember that sleep is a key part of your overall well-being. With proper sleep, you're giving your body the time it needs to rest and recharge.
Give your body 7-9 hours of quality sleep to repair, recharge, and function at its best. Keeping your circadian clock in check is important, so try hitting the pillow at the same time each night and steer clear of bright screens for at least an hour before bed — it’ll make falling asleep a whole lot easier.
6. Skipping Exercise — skip the stress, not the workout!
Well, good physical health does not stop at a healthy diet. Exercising is just as important to keep yourself healthy and fit and make your body stronger - inside and out.
Exercise is also great for your mental health, even if you start with just 10 minutes a day! Make it a priority to move, take in your surroundings, and unplug from screens. Regular exercise can give you more energy, reduce anxiety, ease depression, cut down stress, and help you sleep better—just to name a few perks!
7. Overworking Yourself — success isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon!
Say no to skipping breaks, doing unpaid work or pushing yourself too hard. Overworking might seem like the key to success, but it often leads to burnout and neglecting your mental health. So, find that balance between work and relaxation to stay productive without sacrificing your well-being.
8. Always On Your Phone — don’t let your screen steal your time
How long do you think you spend on your phone each day? You might guess, "Oh, maybe 1-2 hours," but the reality could be closer to 6-7 hours! Check your screen time data to see for yourself. Then, go through your phone and adjust the settings so only the most important apps send you alerts or notifications. Be conscious of your phone usage throughout the day, and turn it off when it's not needed.
You can also try reading every day for its many benefits as a better alternative to using your phone.
9. Sitting All Day — don’t be a chair potato
Many of us now work from home or sit at a desk all day—hello, chair life! But there are many health risks of sitting all day, both physically and mentally. Not great! Get up every 45-60 minutes, even if it’s just for a quick stretch! If you find it difficult to take these breaks, a standing desk might be a game-changer!
10. Delaying Your Own Happiness — your peace matters!
How many times have you forgiven someone only to end up hurt again? It’s easy to confuse forgiveness with giving someone a fresh chance, but here’s the thing—real forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. If you’re constantly letting old friends, family, or ex-partners back in only to repeat the cycle of hurt, this is the year to unlock the power of healthy boundaries and finally put yourself first!
Expert’s Advice
Habits are tough to break, so if you don’t reach your goals in record time, give yourself some grace. The key is to want to make the change and keep trying. Persistence will eventually pay off, and one day, you’ll realise the habit has shifted without even noticing. If you want to kick off 2025 on a high note, our experienced and compassionate counsellors are here to help, whether you're making big changes or healing from the past.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
In today's fast-paced modern society, most of us feel the need to be busy in order to meet society's expectations. It's almost as if being busy is a badge of honour, and how busy you are determines your success. Sometimes, we get busy as a form of avoidance to take our attention away from something we need to deal with in our lives. This new year, along with quitting your other bad habits, ditching the concept of being busy, dialling up your self-care routine, and taking care of yourself,
FAQs
1. What is a good habit to adopt in the new year?
A great habit to adopt in the new year is practising mindfulness to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
2. What things should we give up in the new year?
We should give up negative self-talk, procrastination, and unhealthy habits that drain our energy and happiness.
References
- https://caringheartcounseling.com/5-bad-habits-to-change-in-the-new-year/
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/top-wellness-habits-to-carry-into-the-new-year-2025-for-a-healthier-you/articleshow/116266932.cms
- https://www.xonecole.com/habits-to-break-new-year/4-getting-less-than-6-8-hours-of-rest-every-night
- https://www.visitingangels.com/gadsden/articles/unhealthy-habits-to-break-in-the-new-year/18319
- https://simplifyexperts.com/7-habits-to-break-in-the-new-year/
- https://drjemma.co.uk/let-go-before-new-year/
- https://danreiland.com/5-big-bad-habits-break-better-new-year/
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