The secret to growing happier as we age isn’t just about accumulating experiences and wisdom. It’s also about what we leave behind.

You see, happiness isn’t just about adding things to our lives. It’s often about subtracting the habits that hold us back.

That’s where this article comes in. If you’re committed to a future of more smiles and less stress, it’s time to wave goodbye to these 10 habits.

Let’s dive in. 

1) Neglecting your health

One of the biggest barriers to happiness as we age is the neglect of our physical health.

It’s easy to push exercise and a balanced diet to the side when life gets busy. But remember, your body is your vehicle in this journey of life. If you don’t take care of it, it won’t be able to carry you far, let alone towards happiness.

Health isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about cultivating a sense of vitality and wellbeing that carries us through our days with energy and joy.

There’s a saying that goes, “If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.” If you want a happier future, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of neglecting your health.

Start small. Take a walk today. Eat an extra piece of fruit. Every little bit counts, and over time these small changes can add up to a big difference in your happiness.

2) Holding onto grudges

Want to know a secret? Holding onto grudges is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Years ago, I had a falling out with a close friend. It was one of those arguments where harsh words were said, and feelings were deeply hurt. For the longest time, I held onto that grudge. Every time I thought of them, I’d feel this pang of anger, this rush of bitterness.

But one day, I realized something. That grudge wasn’t hurting my friend – they had moved on. It was hurting me. It was taking up mental and emotional space that could be filled with joy, love, and positivity.

So, I decided to let go. I forgave my friend – not for them, but for me. And you know what? It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean allowing others to walk all over you. It means freeing yourself from the chains of past conflicts to make room for future happiness.

If you want to grow happier as you age, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of holding onto grudges.

3) Staying in your comfort zone

Did you know the term “comfort zone” was first used in a psychology paper in 1908? Back then, scientists discovered that a steady level of performance could be achieved without any sense of risk or anxiety. That’s your comfort zone.

But here’s the catch. While it’s comfortable inside this zone, staying here too long can lead to stagnation. It can limit our experiences, our learning, and most importantly, our happiness.

Pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones can be scary. We face the unknown, and we risk failure. But it’s also where growth happens. It’s where we discover new interests, meet new people, and learn about ourselves.

If you want to be happier as you get older, consider saying goodbye to the habit of always staying in your comfort zone. Take a step into the unknown. You might just find your next source of joy.

4) Comparing yourself to others

In this age of social media, it’s incredibly easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We see their highlights reel – their perfect homes, their exotic vacations, their seemingly flawless lives – and we can’t help but feel inadequate.

But here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of joy. It blinds us to our own accomplishments and worth. It makes us feel like we’re always falling short, when in reality, we’re doing just fine.

Remember, everyone is on their own journey, with their own set of circumstances and challenges. What you see online or even in person is often not the full picture.

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. After all, your life isn’t a competition – it’s a journey meant to be enjoyed at your own pace.

5) Neglecting self-care

In our quest to live up to the demands of life, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves. We’re often so busy taking care of others – our children, our parents, our partners, our friends – that we end up putting ourselves last.

But here’s a reminder: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. It’s about taking the time to recharge, to rest, and to do what makes us feel good.

Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, going for a run, or simply spending some quiet time alone, self-care is vital for our mental and emotional well-being.

If you want to be happier as you grow older, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of neglecting self-care.

You’re important too. And you deserve to be taken care of.

6) Ignoring your emotions

We’re all guilty of it. We brush off our feelings, tell ourselves we’re fine when we’re not, and bottle up our emotions until they start to overflow.

But here’s the thing: emotions are not our enemy. They’re a part of us, a part of being human. They’re our body’s way of communicating with us, telling us what’s wrong and what needs attention.

Ignoring our emotions doesn’t make them go away. It just pushes them down, where they can fester and grow into something bigger, something harder to deal with.

If you want to be happier as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of ignoring your emotions. Allow yourself to feel, to express, to process. It’s okay to be sad, to be angry, to be scared. It’s okay to cry, to scream, or to laugh. Embrace your emotions – they’re part of what makes you, you.

7) Avoiding tough conversations

I’ll admit it. I used to be a master at dodging difficult discussions. Whether it was addressing a friend’s hurtful comment or expressing my displeasure with a colleague’s behavior, I would always find a way to avoid confrontation.

But the truth is, those unspoken words and unresolved issues were silently eating at my peace of mind. It took me a while to realize, but avoiding tough conversations doesn’t make the problem disappear. It just postpones the inevitable.

Having those challenging talks can feel uncomfortable, but they’re crucial for understanding, growth, and maintaining healthy relationships. The relief and clarity that come after are absolutely worth it.

If you want to be happier as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of avoiding tough conversations. Speak your truth – respectfully and honestly – even if your voice shakes.

8) Always saying “yes”

It seems strange, doesn’t it? How can saying “yes” to things make us less happy? Isn’t grabbing opportunities and being open to new experiences the key to a fulfilling life?

Well, here’s a different perspective. While it’s great to be open-minded and adventurous, constantly saying “yes” can lead to over-commitment and burnout. It can leave us with no time for ourselves, no room for rest, and no energy for the things we truly love.

Time is our most precious commodity. Every time we say “yes” to something, we’re saying “no” to something else.

Learn the power of a respectful and thoughtful “no”. It’s not about being selfish. It’s about setting boundaries and valuing your own time and energy.

9) Dwelling on the past

We all have regrets, mistakes we’ve made, and decisions we wish we could change. It’s natural to look back on these moments and wonder “what if?” But spending too much time dwelling on the past can keep us stuck, unable to move forward.

The past is a place of reference, not residence. We can learn from it, but we can’t change it. What we can change, however, is our future.

So instead of dwelling on the past, try focusing on the present and looking forward to the future. What can you do now that will make your future self happier?

If you want to be happier as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of dwelling on the past. Remember, the best time for new beginnings is now.

10) Chasing perfection

Perfection is an illusion. It’s a never-ending race with no finish line. No matter how much we achieve, there’s always something more to strive for, something more to perfect.

The pursuit of perfection can leave us feeling perpetually unsatisfied, constantly falling short of an unattainable ideal. It can rob us of our joy and blind us to the beauty of our achievements and progress.

So here’s the most important thing you should know: happiness doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from accepting ourselves as we are – flaws and all.

If you want to be happier as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of chasing perfection. Embrace your imperfections. Celebrate your progress. Be kind to yourself. You are enough, just as you are.

Embracing the journey

As we navigate through life, the pursuit of happiness remains a common thread that binds us all. Yet, what often goes unnoticed is that happiness isn’t a destination. It’s a journey.

The renowned philosopher and writer, Alan Watts, once said, “The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.”

As we age, our understanding of happiness evolves. It’s not about the constant high of success or the ceaseless pursuit of perfection. It’s about embracing our authenticity, celebrating our progress, and learning to let go of habits that no longer serve us.

So take this moment to reflect on your own journey. Are there any habits you’re holding onto that are hindering your happiness? Remember, every day offers a new opportunity to let go, to grow, and to move one step closer towards a happier you.