Holding on to things that no longer serve us can be like lugging around a heavy suitcase – it’s tiring, draining, and ultimately slows us down.

But how do we know when it’s time to let go? What are the signs that we should stop clinging on and start moving forward?

That’s what I want to talk about in this article. I’ve identified 8 clear signals that indicate it’s time to release what’s no longer serving you.

So, if you’re still holding on, keep reading. These signs might just help you lighten your load and find a new direction.

1) You’re constantly feeling drained

Ever noticed how some situations or relationships leave you feeling exhausted and drained? That’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right.

Often, we hold on to things or people because we’re used to them. They’re familiar, and the thought of letting go can seem daunting. But if these situations or relationships are consistently leaving you depleted, it might be a clear sign that they’re no longer serving you.

Remember, our energy is finite. Where we choose to invest it matters. If something or someone is constantly taking without giving back, it might be time to reconsider their place in your life.

Listen to your body and your feelings. They’re usually much smarter than we give them credit for. If you’re always feeling drained, it may be time to let go and move on.

2) You’re not seeing any growth

Here’s something I’ve experienced myself. A few years back, I was stuck in a job that was comfortable but unfulfilling. There were no opportunities for growth, no new challenges, and as a result, I felt stagnant.

I kept holding on because the job was safe and predictable. But one day, I realized that I wasn’t learning or growing anymore. That’s when I knew it was time to move on.

Growth is a vital part of life. If you’re in a situation where you’re not evolving or improving – whether it’s a job, a relationship, or even a mindset – it might be an indication that it’s no longer serving you.

Remember, life is too short to remain stuck. Growth might be uncomfortable at times, but it’s also exciting and fulfilling. So if you’re not seeing any growth, consider it a sign that it’s time to release and move forward.

3) You’re constantly stressed and anxious

Stress and anxiety are normal parts of life, but when they become your constant companions, it’s a clear signal that something needs to change.

Did you know that stress and anxiety can actually change the structure of your brain? According to research, prolonged exposure to stress hormones can shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

So if you find yourself constantly on edge, losing sleep, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, it could be a sign that you’re holding onto something that’s no longer beneficial to your health or happiness.

It’s important to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental wellbeing. If something in your life is causing you excessive stress or anxiety, it might be time to let it go.

4) You’re compromising your values

Values are the guiding principles that dictate our behavior and action. They help us determine what’s important in life.

If you find yourself frequently compromising your values due to a situation or a person, it’s a clear sign that they’re no longer serving you.

For instance, if honesty is one of your top values, but you’re in a situation where you have to lie or hide the truth frequently, it’s a red flag.

It’s essential to stay true to who you are and what you believe in. If you’re constantly betraying your values, it might be time to release what’s causing it and move on.

5) You’re losing sight of who you are

Sometimes we get so caught up in holding on to something – a job, a relationship, an old version of ourselves – that we start to lose sight of who we are.

If you’re looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person staring back at you, or if you’re suppressing your passions, dreams, or desires because of what you’re holding on to, it’s a poignant sign that it’s time to let go.

Our identities and self-worth should never be compromised. If something or someone is causing you to disconnect from your true self, remember, it’s okay to let go.

You deserve to be authentic. You deserve to be you. Don’t let anything or anyone make you forget that.

6) It’s affecting your other relationships

I’ve had friendships that were so demanding and emotionally draining, they began to affect my relationships with other people. I was so consumed with trying to maintain these friendships that I started neglecting the people who truly cared about me.

The truth is, when we hold on to something toxic, it doesn’t just affect us – it affects everyone around us.

If you’re noticing a strain on your other relationships because of what you’re holding onto, it’s a sign that it’s time to let go.

Our connections with others are too precious to risk. If what you’re holding onto is causing harm to these connections, it may be time to reevaluate and move on.

7) You’re constantly justifying it to yourself

If you constantly find yourself making excuses or justifying why you’re still holding on to something, it might be your subconscious trying to tell you that it’s time to let go.

Whether it’s a toxic relationship or an unfulfilling job, if the negatives outweigh the positives and you’re still trying to convince yourself otherwise, it’s a clear sign that it’s no longer serving you.

Remember, the things and people that truly belong in our lives will not require constant justification. They will enrich us, not deplete us. So if you’re constantly justifying, consider it a sign that it’s time to release and move forward.

8) You’re not happy

Happiness is not a destination, it’s a journey. If what you’re holding onto is consistently robbing you of your joy and peace of mind, it’s the most telling sign that it’s time to let go.

We often hold onto things out of fear – fear of change, fear of the unknown, or even fear of our own potential. But remember, life is too short to spend it unhappy.

If you’re not happy, give yourself permission to let go. You deserve joy. You deserve peace. Don’t let anything or anyone take that away from you.

Embracing the power of letting go

The process of letting go is deeply intertwined with our personal growth and wellbeing.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that the act of forgiveness, a form of letting go, can lead to higher levels of satisfaction and improved mental health.

Letting go does not mean giving up or admitting defeat. Rather, it’s a powerful declaration of self-care and self-respect. It’s about acknowledging that you deserve better, and giving yourself the freedom to seek it out.

Releasing what no longer serves us might be challenging, but it’s a journey worth embarking on. Each step towards letting go is a step towards embracing your true self, your authentic happiness, and your potential for growth.

As you ponder these signs, remember – you have the power to release what no longer serves you. And in doing so, you pave the way for new opportunities, experiences, and joy to come into your life.