12 Sneaky Behaviors That Might Be Sapping Your Happiness

Happiness is subjective. It can mean different things to different people. Yet, the general rules apply to everyone, and it's in our hands to create our own happiness.

As we age, we often become more consumed with responsibilities and are forced to see the true, often ugly side of the world. In the process, you may pick up habits and attitudes that impact your overall happiness.

Making simple changes to our habits can be a huge help in aging gracefully and happily. Here are 12 behaviors to stop now if you want to be happier as you age.

Overthinking

If only there were an off switch to stop overthinking and worrying, right? Sadly, there isn't. In reality, it requires a conscious effort to avoid falling into this trap.

Spending time replaying past scenarios and worrying about the future will do no good. This “would've, should've, could've” mindset will only worsen your worries.

Being Hung Up on the Past

It's okay to reminisce and think about all the good times you’ve had — we all do it. The problem is getting so hung up on them that you're unable to enjoy and appreciate the present.

When phrases like “those were the days” and “it's not the same anymore” become a regular part of your thoughts and conversations, that's where the issue arises. Learn to be present in the moment while being thankful for the past and hopeful for the future.

Comparing Yourself to Others

We've compared our lives and accomplishments to friends, peers, family, and even celebrities, whether it's about their success, money, fame, love, housing, or car.

Looking up to others for motivation is one thing. Comparing yourself to them and never feeling adequate with what you have will make it difficult to be happy. Be content in your life and keep striving to be better in a healthy capacity.

Keeping a daily gratitude journal is a great way to combat this.

Comparing Your Younger Years

Not only should we not compare ourselves to others, but we shouldn't compare ourselves to that spry, younger version we used to see in the mirror. You're not the same person you were a few years ago — you're not even the same person you were yesterday!

Comparing the you of today with your younger self is an act of futility. You may not have the same levels of energy you once had, and you may not look the same, but that's completely okay. You can take up exercising, start a good skin care regime, and eat a good diet to look and feel better.

Embracing who you are and what you've been through and accomplished with each decade of life is vital.

Holding on to Grudges

We all encounter people we don't agree with and have all been wronged at some point. As we age, these instances may become more common, and it's up to us to handle them.

Holding hatred and anger in your heart can do more harm to you than they do to the person they're directed at. Holding a grudge takes up space in your heart that could be filled with love and happiness. It's easier said than done, but rid your heart of all the hatred before it makes you bitter.

Forgiveness and letting go are for your benefit, not theirs.

Being Unable to Say No

While being a good person is something everyone should try to be, being too kind and considerate is often taken for granted. It is okay to help others, but it is important to make yourself your priority and learn to say no every now and then, especially if it affects your peace.

Learn to set healthy boundaries and communicate them to the people around you so that they know which lines to never cross. Distance yourself from things and people that bring negative energy into your life.

Not Focusing on Your Health

Health is wealth. It may sound cliché, but you only realize the true value of good health when you lose it.

Neglecting your health, especially as we age, will eventually catch up with you. It's never too late to start eating healthy, make time to exercise and meditate, and take a break when needed.

Neglecting Self-Care

When you treat life like a race, you miss out on moments that matter. Prioritizing self-care requires us to slow down and learn to enjoy life.

Take time for things that bring you happiness and joy. These can include reading a book with a hot cup of coffee, taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk in nature, or taking a much-needed vacation.

Fearing Change

Change is inevitable. It is a part of life and what keeps it going. Everything around you changes over time, even you.

Being content and comfortable with things that aren't serving you just because they are familiar will do nothing but slow down your personal growth. Embrace change rather than fear it and learn to grow with it.

Isolating Yourself

Humans need relationships and connections to be happy. Your friends and family play an integral role in the quality of your life, and your close inner circle can improve your happiness. It's important to work to build lasting relationships with them.

It's okay not to want to socialize sometimes. The point is to not neglect these important relationships in your life and to understand their worth and value.

Not Addressing Your Flaws

The first step to self-improvement and growth is acknowledging your problems and flaws. No one is perfect, and there's always room for improvement.

If you don't address these issues and turn a blind eye to them, you'll be stuck right where you are. Do a little introspection and be willing to work on yourself. You are your life's biggest project.

Fighting the Aging Process

You can't stop growing up and growing old. Why should you? It's a natural life process that every living thing goes through, and we are lucky enough to experience it.

Some people try to fight the aging process, particularly their appearance. Rather, focus on taking care of yourself and feeling good in your own skin (literally and figuratively). Boast the wrinkles and fine lines as a badge of honor, and embrace it all!