Habit #1 — "What's Next?"

A seemingly trivial thought plagued my mental well-being: the nagging question of "What should I do next?"

After a demanding workday or during weekends, I never quite felt rejuvenated. It felt as if there was always another task looming. I often began new activities before finishing previous ones.

When I ran out of tasks, I felt uneasy, worrying I wasn’t being productive enough. This compulsive need to find something else to do heightened my anxiety and prevented me from resting.

Even during meals, I found myself analyzing the restaurant's pricing strategies, pondering how I might apply them if I owned a restaurant. On social media, I would compare myself to others, feeling inspired yet inadequate.

This relentless pursuit of new opportunities kept me in a cycle of chasing unattainable goals, which ultimately left me feeling unfulfilled.

It took my grandfather's wisdom to help me understand that this mindset was more harmful than beneficial.

Here’s how to combat this:

• Embrace moments of boredom; allow yourself to rest.
• Don’t feel guilty for not being "productive."
• Try meditation or jotting down your thoughts.
• Minimize exposure to global news.
• Spend time alone with your thoughts—no distractions.

This practice will help you comprehend why you're perpetually on the go without a clear goal.

Habit #2 — "Focusing on Minor Frustrations"

Picture this: You wake up feeling tired and irritable. Checking your phone reveals a missed call from your boss.

As you prepare for the day, you can't shake off your complaints about the early hour and your dissatisfaction with your job. At work, you engage in conversations filled with grievances about life's unfairness, ultimately exhausting yourself by day's end.

Complaining is a significant energy sapper. Here’s why:

When you dwell on what's wrong in your life, it fosters a negative mindset, leading to feelings of helplessness. This cycle triggers stress responses in your body and drains your creative energy.

According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, contributing to fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

To counter this, consider:

• When you find yourself complaining, evaluate if it truly warrants your energy.
• Shift your focus towards the positive aspects of life, like relationships, health, and happiness.

Habit #3 — "Late-Night Screen Time"

Did you know that people spend an average of over 10 hours a day in front of screens? This habit can be surprisingly draining.

Staying up late to binge-watch shows or scroll through social media stimulates your brain, making it difficult to fall into a restful sleep. Insufficient sleep leads to grogginess and poor food choices, perpetuating fatigue.

To enhance your energy:

• Activate airplane mode on your phone an hour before bed.
• Opt for reading or a calming bath instead of screen time.
• Keep devices out of the bedroom to resist the temptation.

Habit #4 — "Controlling Others"

One of the most exhausting pursuits is trying to control others—whether they are friends, family, or coworkers. This effort often stems from our desire for approval.

However, the reality is that attempting to control others can create friction and disappointment. We often intervene in areas where people don't seek our guidance, leading to unnecessary conflict.

To alleviate this burden:

• Reflect on your motivations for wanting to control others.
• Understand that everyone is capable of making their own choices.

Habit #5 — "People-Pleasing"

Are you often preoccupied with how your actions will be perceived by others? While it's commendable to support those around you, constantly prioritizing others can deplete your energy.

Research from Healthline indicates that people-pleasers frequently experience higher levels of stress and fatigue, as they neglect their own needs.

To counteract this:

• Before committing to new tasks, assess your capacity to take them on.
• Remember that self-care is crucial; you can't help others if you’re running on empty.

Habit #6 — "Morning Notifications"

I continue to battle the urge to check my phone first thing in the morning, but I’ve noticed its negative impact. This habit heightens anxiety and distracts me from a proactive start to the day.

Instead of diving into notifications, consider:

• Taking a few moments to breathe and gather your thoughts.
• Engage in activities that uplift you, such as reading or meditative practices.

Habit #7 — "Multitasking Madness"

A study from Harvard reveals that nearly half of our waking hours are spent multitasking. Ironically, multitasking often drains our mental energy rather than boosts productivity.

To combat this:

• Create a to-do list and tackle one item at a time.
• Set time limits for tasks and remove distractions.

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