As humans, we are creatures of habit. Habits encircle our daily routine and help us to grasp patterns that keep us moving forward. But not all habits are good for us. Some habits can have a negative impact on our mental, physical and emotional health.

Here are ten habits you should kick to lead a happier and healthier life.

1. Late-Night Snacking

Eating late at night is unhealthy for various reasons. Firstly, it can wreak havoc on your digestive system leading to weight gain and digestive issues. Secondly, late-night snacking often involves indulging in unhealthy junk food.

Eating junk food can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

2. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals is never a good idea. It can lead to dehydration, headaches, weakness, and a lack of focus. When you skip meals, your body creates signals to conserve energy, which means it burns fewer calories.

It can also cause overeating later in the day which can lead to weight gain over time.

3. Procrastination

Procrastination is often the result of feeling overwhelmed, demotivated or distracted. It’s eas to procrastinate when we believe we have plenty of time, which leads to cramming before the deadline.

This habit can be stressful, leading to poor health and a poor work-life balance. The solution is to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks and assigning specific timelines to help overcome the temptation to procrastinate.

Excessive social media browsing can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. It’s not uncommon for people to lose track of time while browsing social media, leading to wasted time and a lack of focus.

Experts recommend setting a timer or taking specific breaks to check social media to avoid becoming addicted.

5. Smoking

Smoking is one of the most dangerous habits around. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that destroy parts of our bodies, leading to lung cancer, heart disease, and problems with our respiratory system.

Quitting smoking can be challenging, but there are various support groups and nicotine replacement therapy available to help kick the habit.

6. Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can harm your liver, cause weight gain, and lead to addiction. People who drink regularly are also more likely to experience anxiety and depression.

The recommended amount of alcohol intake is around one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. If you drink regularly, consider setting a limit or seeking professional help.

7. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation can lead to a lack of focus, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Not getting enough sleep also increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Experts recommend getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night to improve your overall health.

8. Overthinking

Overthinking is a common habit, but it can be highly detrimental to your wellbeing. Overthinking leads to anxiety and can cause negative thought patterns that increase stress and feelings of sadness.

It’s crucial to focus on the present moment and take actionable steps to avoid overthinking.

9. Neglecting Exercise

Exercise is vital for overall physical and mental health. Regular exercise not only helps us maintain a healthy weight but also improves our focus, mood, and sleep patterns.

The recommended amount of exercise is a minimum of 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can make a significant difference in your overall health.

10. Holding Grudges

Holding grudges can be emotionally draining and counterproductive. While forgiveness can be challenging, it’s essential to recognize that holding onto anger and resentment only harms ourselves.

Letting go of grudges helps us move forward and provides peace of mind.