If a woman wants to be truly happy as she gets older, say goodbye to these 10 habits

Getting older has its own unique journey, right? Especially for us women.

But you know what? Sometimes we’ve got some habits that just aren’t doing us any favors.

In fact, these habits might be keeping us from being as happy as we could be.

So, in this article, we’re going to chat about these 10 habits that might be tripping us up.

You might not think they’re a big deal, but they could be secretly stealing your happiness away.

So, if you’re ready to ditch some old habits and boost your happiness, keep reading.

Let’s say goodbye to these 10 habits and hello to a happier you!

1. Putting others’ needs before your own

It’s common for women, especially as we get older, to put the needs of everyone else before our own. But here’s the thing – it’s important to take care of ourselves too!

Think about it like this: When you’re on an airplane, and the flight attendants are explaining the safety procedures, they always tell you to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others, right?

That’s because you can’t help anyone if you’re not in good shape yourself.

So, start making yourself a priority. It doesn’t mean you’re being selfish or uncaring. It simply means you’re taking care of your own needs so you can be there for others.

Remember, saying ‘no’ sometimes doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a smart one who knows her limits and values her well-being.

2. Comparing yourself to others

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media and feeling a little down because it seems like everyone else’s life is better than yours? We’ve all been there.

But here’s a reality check: What people post online is often just the highlight reel of their lives. It’s not the full picture.

Comparing ourselves to others is a surefire way to feel unhappy. We’re all on our own unique journeys, with our own successes and struggles.

Instead of comparing, start celebrating. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Celebrate your progress. Celebrate the fact that you’re growing and learning every day.

3. Being afraid to take risks

I’ll be honest, I used to be a bit of a ‘play-it-safe’ kind of gal. It was easier and, well, safer. But you know what I’ve learned? Sticking only to what’s comfortable can really limit us.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to move to a new city for a job. It was an exciting opportunity, but it was also scary. I’d be leaving my friends, my family, and everything familiar.

But I took the leap. And guess what? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Sure, there were challenges and times of uncertainty, but those experiences helped me grow in ways I never could have if I’d stayed in my comfort zone.

So don’t let fear hold you back from trying new things or taking chances. Remember, growth happens outside our comfort zones.

4. Not getting enough sleep

Do you know that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night? But many of us, especially as we get older, aren’t getting enough.

Lack of sleep isn’t just about feeling tired. It can affect our mood, our energy levels, and even our overall health. Plus, when we’re tired, it’s harder to handle stress and keep a positive mindset.

I get it – life is busy. There’s always something that seems more important than getting a good night’s sleep. But if we want to be truly happy and healthy as we age, we need to make sleep a priority.

So let’s say goodbye to those late-night Netflix binges and hello to a good night’s sleep!

5. Forgiving and letting go of grudges

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, doesn’t it? And sometimes, those curveballs involve getting hurt by others. But holding onto grudges and past hurts doesn’t do us any good. In fact, it only keeps us stuck in the past and prevents us from moving forward.

Forgiveness isn’t always about the other person – it’s about setting ourselves free from the burden of resentment. It doesn’t mean what happened was okay. It just means we’re choosing to let go of the negative feelings tied to that situation.

This can be easier said than done, I know. But holding on to grudges is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go – it weighs you down and holds you back.

6. Constantly seeking approval from others

I’ll be the first to admit it- I used to be a total people-pleaser. I’d bend over backwards to make others happy, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness. But you know what I’ve learned? You can’t please everyone, and trying to do so is utterly exhausting.

The truth is, the only approval you really need is your own. Sure, it’s great to have the support and validation of others, but at the end of the day, you’re the one who needs to be happy with the person in the mirror.

So I’ve started living for me. I’ve started making choices based on what makes me happy, not just what I think will make others happy. And let me tell you, it’s been a game changer.

7. Ignoring your mental health

Let’s get real for a minute. We often focus on our physical health, but what about our mental health? It’s like we’re afraid to talk about it, like it’s some kind of taboo. But let me tell you, ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

Stress, anxiety, depression – these are real issues that many of us deal with. And there’s no shame in that. But there’s also no glory in suffering in silence.

I’m not saying you need to shout your problems from the rooftops. But don’t ignore them either. If you’re struggling, reach out to someone. Talk to a friend, a family member, or a professional.

And remember: taking care of your mental health isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.

8. Living in the past or future

Did you know that according to various studies, humans spend about 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re doing? That’s almost half of our lives spent in either the past or the future!

Living in the past can lead to feelings of regret, while constantly thinking about the future can cause stress and anxiety. But the truth is, the only moment we really have is the present.

Learning to live in the ‘now’ can significantly increase our happiness and sense of peace. It allows us to fully engage with our lives and appreciate what we have right here, right now.

So let’s say goodbye to dwelling on what was or what could be and hello to living in the present moment!

9. Not making time for hobbies

I remember a time when I was so caught up in work and responsibilities that I barely had time for myself. Let alone for any hobbies or things that I enjoyed doing just for the sake of it.

But then I realized something important – life is more than just work and responsibilities. It’s also about joy, passion, and doing things that make our souls sing.

So, I started painting again, a hobby I used to love but had neglected for years. And you know what? It made a huge difference in my happiness. It was like a part of me woke up that I didn’t even realize was sleeping.

Hobbies aren’t just ‘extra’ things to squeeze into our schedule. They’re vital for our well-being and happiness.

10. Ignoring your gut instincts

Ever had a gut feeling about something but ignored it, only to find out later that you were right? Yeah, me too.

Our intuition is powerful. It’s like our own personal guidance system. But so often, we ignore it because we’re afraid or uncertain.

But trust me on this: Your gut instincts are usually right. When something feels wrong, it probably is. And when something feels right, well, it probably is too.

So let’s stop second-guessing ourselves. Let’s start trusting our instincts more.

Let’s say goodbye to doubt and hello to trusting ourselves!

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Tina Fey

I'm Tina Fey, the founder of the blog Love Connection. I've extremely passionate about sharing relationship advice. I've studied psychology and have my Masters in marital, family, and relationship counseling. I hope with all my heart to help you improve your relationships, and I hope that even if one thing I write helps you, it means more to me than just about anything else in the world. Check out my blog Love Connection, and if you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter

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