20 'not-so-unusual' habits women gave up that improved their life and mental health

While physical well-being is essential for a longer and happier life, mental health is equally important. As children, we often find joy in the smallest things, shielded from life's harsh realities. However, as we grow older, facing life's challenges can impact our mental health. Fortunately, making simple changes can significantly improve our well-being.

Many women are embracing small yet impactful lifestyle and behavioral changes to improve their lives. With women playing crucial roles in every field, prioritizing mental health is essential. Whether it's avoiding distractions or setting healthy boundaries, they are learning to let go of things that hinder their peace and happiness. When Reddit user u/imlazyandidontcare asked, "What's one thing you stopped doing recently that has made your life and mental health so much better?" hundreds of inspiring responses poured in. Here are 20 habits women have given up to enhance their lives and mental health.

 1. Stressing over work

"Working. I retired early. I am done. It's the best decision ever." -u/chico41.

2. Desserts

"I stopped having desserts. Zero. It's been more than 7 months. Without having sugar to rely on for de-stressing, I had to learn to manage my stress better through healthy alternatives. 100/100 would recommend." -u/Puitzza.

3. Being a people pleaser

"I stopped running myself ragged, trying to make someone happy who repeatedly chooses misery. And stopped taking people at their word but by their actions." -u/actual_trashpanda.

4. Unnecessary connections

"I cut off a bunch of people who were definitely not my friends/well-wishers. A literal purge. I feel weightless and happy now. And the best part is, none of these so-called people have noticed it yet. That tells you a lot about what their intentions were in the first place." -u/Dr_Pheonx.

5. Fear of missing out

"I constantly check on people on social media who I'm not friends with or who have forgotten I exist. I have never been successful at infiltrating a 'tribe' of women and becoming a part of that sisterhood I so crave. But always looking for what I'm missing out on doesn't help me feel any better about not having it."-u/PancakeQueen13

6. Social media

"I stopped using social media (other than Reddit), no Facebook, no Instagram as of June 1. My confidence has gone up. Consumerism has gone down. I'm more engaged with my friends, asking questions about their lives. I'm also more invested in the moments because I don't need to make everything 'Gram' worthy." -u/Peach-OH-29.

7. News

"I stopped being obsessed with the news. I had tons of news apps that I was constantly flipping between. Canada also isn't allowing news to be posted on social media anymore, so I don't see it there either. I may be somewhat ignorant as to what's going on in the world, but my mental health is much better for it." -u/LA0711.

8. Anger

"Being angry at people. A lot of folks have hurt me very badly. They'll never apologize. They'll never feel bad. They'll also never be in my life again. But letting go of some of that anger has loosened a tightness in my body and mind. I won't forgive them, but being angry isn't serving me anymore." -u/The_Queen_Of_Andor.

9. Dating

"Not recently, but I gave up dating 6 years ago. So much less stress and depression. Life is very peaceful." -u/Kakashisith.

10. Dating apps

"I deleted dating apps. I don't feel like I'm missing out by not being on them and I'm able to focus on myself and the people around me. I hated going on dates with total strangers, so I've been asking people I know to set me up." -u/Hsixtwosix.

11. Negativity

"I've broken away from negative influences that make me question myself and that make me embrace unsettling emotions and instead have reveled in my own serenity and escape. My well-being comes first before anything or anyone." -u/Adventurouss-77.

12. The "perfect life" belief

"Giving up on the idea of living a perfect life. That isn't to say I am not going to try to make my life great or as best as it can be, but after so much disappointment (my wedding wasn't all I hoped it would be, my friend circle, my family, my job), I finally realized that we can do everything right and still not end up with the life we wanted. But sometimes, life gives you something better. My husband isn't everything I wanted, but he is everything I never even knew I needed and life with him is in itself perfect." -u/WanderingSondering.

13. Being nice

"I'm learning to stop people pleasing and allowing people to treat me any kind of way with no repercussions. I'm trying to learn my worth and to stop putting people on a pedestal. What made me want to change? The fact that I realized that people pleasing and being 'nice' does not win you brownie points with people. They just respect you less." -u/Responsible_Web_7578.

14. Consuming dairy 

"I stopped drinking milk / eating dairy products and stopped drinking coffee. The first one is because I'm mildly intolerant and the second is for my stomach, but I feel a lot better mentally as well." -u/ThrowRAsnickerdoodle.

15. Obsession on weight

"Weighing myself. Although I am trying to lose weight, I stopped weight myself since I get really obsessed with it." -u/ladymagnolia87.

16. Not prioritizing oneself

"I stopped de-prioritizing myself day-to-day. I organize all of my activities according to my own wants and needs. My income, happiness, comfort, enjoyment, rest and preferences are all my responsibility. So now, I'm optimizing for them first. I've never felt more like a grown-up than when I expected other grown-ups around me to fend for themselves." -u/eliece.

17. Low self-esteem

"I improved my inner voice. No one will ever talk to me more than I talk to me. I no longer call myself names. My self-esteem has improved immensely and I love that this didn't cost me a cent. Just mindfulness." -u/Librat69.

18. Smartwatch

"Wearing a watch that tells me every notification that comes in from my phone. I understand I can turn this off, but then, all the phone is good for is the time. I've worked out, it's better for me. I love it." -u/Slowestgreyhound.

19. Unhealthy coping mechanisms

"Shopping or eating when I'm sad or upset. I challenge my motivations when I have those urges and choose other coping mechanisms. Thanks therapy!" -u/Littlewing1307.

20. Daydreaming

"Maladaptive daydreaming. I decided that instead of fantasizing about living my dream life, I should actually go after it. I've been using every spare minute to do something productive, like take training in my field and work out. I haven't daydreamed since last year. Something just kind of clicked in my head." -u/jaxxattacks.