3 things you do every day that make you sad

Have you ever felt that happiness is just out of reach despite your efforts? The answer probably doesn’t lie in what’s missing from your life, but in some deadly habits that are quietly sapping your happiness.

These behaviors, although seemingly harmless, have a negative impact on your energy, self-esteem, and satisfaction. The good news is that by identifying them, you can take action to replace them with practices that promote wellness. Here are 3 reports in an article by psychologist Jeffrey Bernstein psychologytoday,

1. Compare yourself with others

Scrolling through your Instagram feed can quickly become a hassle. Whether it’s a co-worker’s dream vacation or a friend’s professional success, social comparison acts as a thief of happiness. This increases your insecurities and causes you to overestimate your achievements. Social media, in particular, shows an idealized version of other people’s lives, forgetting the imperfections of everyday life.

Tip: Reduce the time you spend on social media, or take a break. Every day, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re proud of, whether they’re small victories or moments of gratitude. This refocuses your attention on your successes and increases your confidence.

2. Neglecting gratitude

When your day starts with a bang and ends with complete exhaustion, it’s easy to just look at what’s wrong. However, ignoring the small positive moments in your daily life deprives you of an essential source of happiness. Scientifically proven gratitude improves mental health, reduces stress and promotes a more fulfilling life.

Tip: Be it morning or evening, incorporate a gratitude ritual into your daily routine. Write down three things you are grateful for, such as a pleasant conversation or a good meal. This simple, yet powerful practice reorients your mind toward the positive aspects of your life.

3. Postpone what really matters

We all have dreams: to write a book, travel or launch a project. However, the distractions of everyday life often take over, causing these aspirations to fade into the background. This type of procrastination not only pushes your goals further away, but it also destroys your sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, leading to latent frustration.

Tip: Each day, identify an important goal-related task and allocate 20 minutes for it. Break your big projects into achievable steps. Every small step forward creates a feeling of accomplishment, motivating you to keep going.