For most of us happiness isn’t usually destroyed by one big, dramatic event. Most of the time, it fades slowly because of small habits we repeat every single day without noticing.
These habits often feel normal. Even justified. Sometimes they even feel productive. But over time, they drain our energy, confidence, and joy.
The Constant Comparison
Scrolling through social media, seeing someone else’s success, body, relationship, or lifestyle and immediately feeling like you’re behind.
Comparison is one of the fastest ways to kill happiness because it turns life into a competition that never ends. There will always be someone doing “better” than you in some way.
The Constant Past
Replaying past mistakes. Worrying about future problems. Overthinking conversations that already happened.
When your mind lives everywhere except the present, peace becomes impossible.
The Constant ‘YES’
People-pleasing feels like kindness, but it often comes at the cost of your own well-being.
Over time, constantly ignoring your needs leads to resentment, exhaustion, and emotional burnout.
The Constant Happiness DELAY
“I’ll be happy when I get the job.”
“I’ll relax when things settle down.”
“I’ll enjoy life once I fix myself.”
This habit delays happiness indefinitely.
The Constant SELF-CRITICISM
That harsh inner voice that criticizes everything you do? It’s exhausting.
Self-criticism doesn’t make you stronger it makes you anxious and afraid of failure.
The Constant NEGLECT
Skipping sleep. Ignoring rest. Eating poorly. Never slowing down.
Sometimes unhappiness isn’t emotional it’s physical exhaustion pretending to be a life problem.
The Constant HOLDING ONTO
Old grudges. Regrets. Painful memories you revisit again and again.
Holding on doesn’t protect you it keeps the wound open.
How can I overcome Unhappy Habits?
- Spotting the real habit (not just the behavior)
Most unhappy habits are coping strategies in disguise.
Instead of:
- “I doomscroll too much”
Ask:
- “What feeling am I avoiding or soothing?”
Common roots:
- Stress → procrastination
- Loneliness → scrolling / overeating
- Self-doubt → overworking / perfectionism
Naming the emotion underneath. That’s the lever.
2. Interrupt it but don’t eliminate it
Trying to “stop” a habit usually backfires.
Aim to pause it instead.
Trying the below should help:
- When the habit shows up, pause for 10 seconds
- Ask: “What do I actually need right now?”
- Even if you still do the habit, that pause weakens its grip over time.
Final Thoughts
We at Mentoring Minds Counsellors understand that Unhappy habits don’t mean you’re broken.
They mean you’re human.
Change doesn’t require perfection or a complete life overhaul. It starts with awareness, small shifts, and a little patience with yourself.
You don’t need to be happier overnight.
You just need to move one step closer today.
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