10 Things You Should Stop Doing to Become Happier and Healthier

Happiness and health are often described as goals to pursue, but sometimes, it’s more about what we choose to let go of. Life is full of habits, beliefs, and routines that subtly drain us of joy and well-being. Here’s a look at ten things to stop doing if you want to reclaim a happier, healthier life—backed by real-life stories from people who made these changes and saw their lives transformed.

1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparing our lives to others’ highlight reels, especially on social media, can be a fast track to dissatisfaction. No one else has your unique journey, and comparing can often obscure that.

Story: Journalist and author Ann Shoket once struggled with comparing her career progress to her peers’. She eventually realized that the time she spent feeling inferior could be better used honing her craft and focusing on her goals. Embracing her unique journey led her to publish The Big Life, a book that inspired countless young women to find their own path without comparison.

2. Stop Saying “Yes” to Everything

Saying “yes” to every opportunity can lead to burnout and resentment. True happiness often involves setting boundaries, which frees up time and energy for what…