It’s that time of the year again. When people jump out of their comfort zone and force themselves out into the world of 40 days without their vices. Lent is a period to reflect on the things, people, and habits that you have idolized and to discover what’s really important in your life. And so with fear, people push themselves to their limits. Some decide that instead of giving something up, they’ll take on a good habit for those days such as saying something nice to a stranger every day or starting to volunteer at an animal shelter. But if you’re looking for ideas of unhealthy habits to let go of, you’ve come to the right place.
1) Hangovers
You only get one body ladies, so take care of it! Start drinking moderately and say goodbye to those recovery weekends that begin with mornings spent on the bathroom floor, chugging water and Tylenol. Your liver and your wallet will thank you.
2) Bad self-image
Take these 40 days to throw away any snarky comments directed at yourself and minutes spent in front of the mirror examining your blemishes, and replace them with affirmations of “I love myself just the way I am.”
3) Binge-watching shows on Netflix
We all know how addicting Netflix is. It basically offers you the world at your fingertips. But hours spent staring at your laptop could be spent going on adventures with friends, settling down with a new book, or even taking the time to cook yourself a meal.
4) Toxic friendships
Unfriend all those people (in real life and on Facebook) that treat you like crap and you’ll feel renewed and rejuvenated. Take this time to assess the friends in your life and decide which friendships are healthy and which are causing you more stress than happiness.
5) Talking to your exes
Force yourself to delete those numbers, those messages, and those pictures. Moving on is difficult but you’re only making it harder on yourself if you keep indulging in a relationship that is long gone.
6) Passive-aggressiveness
Stop being passive aggressive and start being straightforward with people. Speak your mind and be honest. It’ll save you loads of time and energy, and the people around you will definitely appreciate it.
7) Holding grudges
Let go of those promises you made to yourself to never forgive those who hurt you. It’ll be difficult but through the process you’ll learn that holding grudges hurt you more than the other person.
8) Procrastination
Take up a good habit of doing things earlier than the night before they’re due. Your stress will decrease and you’ll find yourself with more free time to do more fun things.
9) Make-up
Give up those hours spent dolling yourself up and learn to be okay with the natural and raw version of you.
10) Shit talking
If you have something to say to someone, say it to their face. Apply the “Golden Rule” to this and remember that you wouldn’t appreciate overhearing your best friend throwing shade about you.