6 HABITS EVERYONE SHOULD DROP TODAY

Relinquishing these common tendencies can help you feel more emotionally grounded, say experts.

1 SHOPPING FOR HAPPINESS

“So much of our energy is spent chasing things we think will make us happy,” says psychologist Dr Amy Johnson, author of The Little Book of Big Change. “The next holiday, losing a few kilos – they never lead to lasting happiness.” However, teaching a child how to read, having adventures with friends, working in the garden – intangibles like these give you real warm and fuzzies.

2 TRACKING THOSE WHO DISAPPOINT YOU

We all remember someone who didn’t come to our party or a person who didn’t reply to our email or text. “This ‘injustice collecting’ causes you to see the glass as half empty versus half full,” says psychologist Dr Renee Exelbert. “Instead, embrace gratitude for those who do show up.”

3 CONSTANTLY CHECKING YOUR PHONE

Keep your phone off the table – or, better yet, in your bag – when you’re with people. “You can’t focus [when it’s in view]; it shortens your attention span,” says clinical psychologist Dr Lori Whatley. Keep your full attention on the conversation.

4 COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS

“By learning to focus on yourself instead of others, you can decrease your stress and anxiety, increase your happiness and self-esteem and live a more purposeful and authentic life,” Dr Exelbert says.

5 NOURISHING GRIEVANCES

“Holding on to anger may increase blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease,” Dr Exelbert says. To switch gears, start thinking about all that’s going well for you.

6 MANAGING EVERYTHING

Whether you’re dealing with a group project at work or planning a family reunion, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing most of the work to ensure results. But let other people pick up the slack. “We go through life as if we’re responsible for every outcome we experience,” Dr Johnson says. “We fail to recognise just how much happens effortlessly. Seeing what’s working through us, for us, without effort needed, is a giant relief.” Allowing others to shoulder some of the burden will lower your stress levels and you may be pleasantly surprised with the outcome – even if it isn’t perfect. E