11 Habits to Let Go of to Protect Your Mental Health

We all strive for happiness and inner harmony, but often we create stress and anxiety through habits we don’t even think about. Mental health requires not only care, but also letting go of what harms it.

We all strive for happiness and inner harmony, but often we create stress and anxiety through habits we don’t even think about. Mental health requires not only care, but also letting go of what harms it. Here are 11 habits it’s time to leave behind.

1. Forcing yourself to relax “on a schedule”

Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are wonderful, but if you do them just because “you should,” relaxation becomes a task rather than a break. Focus on the process instead of the result: notice your sensations, take walks, breathe deeply, and simply observe the world around you. Allow yourself to relax without rules.

2. Constantly criticizing yourself

Self-criticism increases stress and hinders recovery. Try reframing negative thoughts in neutral terms: instead of “I failed again,” say “Today was hard, and that’s okay.” Small daily wins strengthen your mental well-being.

3. Using food as an emotional outlet

Eating sweets or fatty foods during stress only heightens anxiety and guilt. Instead, go for walks, do breathing exercises, and choose healthy foods. Listen to your body and take care of yourself mindfully.

4. “Freezing” emotions with alcohol or entertainment

Series, video games, or alcohol may distract you temporarily, but they don’t solve the underlying problem. Mindfully experiencing your emotions through walks, yoga, music, or drawing restores inner balance and reduces stress.

5. Never putting your phone down

Constantly staring at your screen activates your nervous system and prevents relaxation, especially in the evening. Turn off notifications, take breaks, and practice mindfulness to avoid overloading your mind.

6. Multitasking without breaks

Trying to do everything at once overloads the brain, reduces productivity, and creates a sense of emptiness. Focus on one task at a time, take short breaks, and plan your day mindfully.

7. Filling every minute with tasks

Being constantly busy leads to burnout and insomnia. Even 30 seconds of deep breathing or a glance out the window signals your brain to relax and supports mental health.

8. Ignoring fatigue

Working yourself to exhaustion leads directly to stress and lower emotional energy. Listen to your body, take regular short breaks, go to bed on time, and alternate activity with rest.

9. Postponing problem-solving

Constantly saying “I’ll do it later” increases anxiety and a sense of overwhelm. Break tasks into small steps and take action gradually—this way you feel in control of your life.

10. Constantly comparing yourself to others

Comparisons destroy self-esteem and heighten anxiety. Focus on your own progress: celebrate achievements, develop skills, and see others’ successes as inspiration rather than a measure of your worth.

11. Ignoring social connections

Focusing solely on work or personal tasks at the expense of connections with loved ones leads to isolation and emotional burnout. Support from friends and family reduces stress and helps recovery. Even short walks or messaging helps maintain emotional balance.

By letting go of these habits, you’ll not only reduce anxiety but also create space for joy, inner harmony, and mental health. Take care of yourself—it’s your most important investment!