Habits That Interfere With Your Happiness

[caption id="attachment_813373" align="alignleft" width="1068"] Bickstockphoto.com/Frustrated black woman sitting on floor contemplative.[/caption] Depressive disorders are real and require professional help. But if you do not have a history of depression, either in your own life or in your family, and you’ve been sensing that your bout of negative feelings have a cause grounded in external factors rather than internal brain chemistry, there is a chance that you partake in common habits that can keep a person from feeling happy. No matter how successful you are, how many friends you have, how attractive you are, or how intelligent you are, you will not be able to enjoy the benefits of any of that if you indulge in happiness-halting behavior. Some habits just throw a big, dark screen over your life and make it impossible to see how good you have it. Here are habits that could be interfering with your happiness. [caption id="attachment_701453" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Obsessing about others' opinions about you

There will always be somebody who doesn’t like you. You could be the most likable person in the world, and there are people who specifically don’t like likable people. Trying to chase the approval of others is like chasing your own tail; so give it up. If you like yourself, that’s all that matters. [caption id="attachment_714451" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Spending too much time on social media

There are a lot of political rants, angry posts about ex-boyfriends, photos of text message feuds and upsetting articles on social media. Limit your time in that odd place. [caption id="attachment_609490" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Indulging a spending habit

Whether it’s shopping for clothes or paying for delivery food instead of cooking, you know what your bad spending habit is, and you know that, while it feels good in the moment, it leaves you feeling like you can’t control your actions and you can’t control your bank account. [caption id="attachment_701360" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Idolizing objects

New shoes, a new couch, a new laptop, better makeup, trendier phone cases—you get the idea. All they leave you with is a sense of claustrophobia and emptiness. [caption id="attachment_701353" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Resisting alone time

Don’t be afraid of alone time; the more you have it, the more you’ll love it, but the more you put it off, the scarier it can become. You’ll end up dreading Sunday afternoons when you don’t have plans, and that’s no way to live. [caption id="attachment_715001" align="alignleft" width="425"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Having a false reward system

I can do something fun when this happens. I can start dating again when this happens. I get to travel when I achieve this. Don’t wait to do things that make you happy—you deserve to do them now simply because you are alive. [caption id="attachment_602268" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Spending time with the wrong person

Stop hanging out with people who don’t make you happy all because you feel bad for them. Maybe it would be good for them to realize their attitude pushes people away. [caption id="attachment_622021" align="alignleft" width="500"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Not just going for things

If the first thing you do when you think of doing something is tell yourself all of the reasons it won’t work out, you can’t be happy. Ask for the promotion, ask the guy out, start the book club, start writing the book. You’ll be too busy to even be unhappy. [caption id="attachment_702338" align="alignleft" width="420"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Doing the same thing every week

Some amount of routine provides a sense of security and stability, but too much routine can make life feel like one repetitive day after another until death. Mix things up. [caption id="attachment_698746" align="alignleft" width="468"] Shutterstock[/caption]

Comparing your success to others

There will always be someone more successful than you. Always. So this, like chasing the approval of others, is like chasing your tail. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday; that is almost always rewarding. [caption id="attachment_714816" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Fixating on your weight

You have this body, today, to live in, play in, exercise in, dance in, eat in, laugh in, socialize in—it’s so much more than a number. Don’t forget to enjoy it, even if it isn’t “perfect.” [caption id="attachment_575102" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Not speaking up

If you hold on to your thoughts and emotions for the comfort of others, all that happens is you end up with an ulcer and other people end up stuck in their ignorant ways. [caption id="attachment_716483" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Engaging in futile arguments

You know that arguing with your mom about the fact that she still tells you what to wear only leaves you feeling petty and dragged down. Let these arguments go. [caption id="attachment_605095" align="alignleft" width="500"] Credit: Shutterstock[/caption]

Putting a stop to your education

Never stop learning. Whether it’s an online class, a night school, an educational book or a monthly lecture, keep on learning and growing. It’s what life’s all about. [caption id="attachment_707725" align="alignleft" width="420"] Image Source: Shutterstock[/caption]

Hybernating

People can hurt you, say annoying things, be mean, be ignorant and more. But people can also be surprisingly wonderful, kind, intelligent, altruistic and funny. The benefits far outweigh the cons of leaving your house and meeting people.

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