8 tiny daily habits that you don’t realize are making you miserable, according to psychology

If you’ve ever had one of those days where you just feel off, but can’t quite put your finger on why, psychology might have some answers for you.

Sometimes it’s not the big things, but rather small, unnoticed daily habits that can chip away at our happiness.

From the moment we wake up until we close our eyes at night, we all have rituals and routines we follow. However, some of these might actually be making us miserable without us even realizing it.

I’m no stranger to this. I’ve found myself caught in patterns that seemed harmless but were actually impacting my mood and overall wellbeing.

Of course, we’re all unique, and what affects one person might not affect another. But understanding these potential happiness thieves could be a step towards improving your everyday life.

So let’s delve into these eight tiny daily habits that are making you miserable, according to psychology. It’s time to shed some light on them.

1) Scrolling through social media first thing in the morning

Think about it, how often do you find yourself reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up?

It can feel almost instinctive to check your social media feeds. But this seemingly harmless habit could be setting you up for a day of misery.

According to psychology, the comparison trap is a real thing. When we expose ourselves to the highlight reels of other people’s lives first thing in the morning, it can make us feel inadequate about our own. That’s not a pleasant way to start the day, is it?

But it’s not just about comparison. It’s also about the time and mental energy we’re wasting on mindless scrolling when we could be doing something more productive or fulfilling.

This habit subtly chips away at our happiness and self-worth over time.

2) Being too organized

Now, don’t get me wrong. Organization and planning are great tools for managing time and reducing stress. But taken to an extreme, they can actually make you unhappy.

There’s a fine line between healthy organization and obsessive control. Crossing that line can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

For instance, if your day doesn’t go exactly as planned or if something is out of place, it can throw you off and make you feel miserable.

Also, being overly organized can rob you of spontaneity and the joy that comes from unexpected moments. Life is full of surprises, and not all of them need to be neatly scheduled or planned for.

So while it’s good to have a plan, remember to leave some room for flexibility and spontaneity. It might just make your day a little brighter.

3) Skipping meals

We’ve all been there.

You get busy with work or other commitments and before you know it, it’s late afternoon and you haven’t eaten lunch. While this might seem like a small thing, it can have a substantial impact on your mood and overall wellbeing.

Your brain needs a steady supply of nutrients to function properly. When you skip meals, your blood sugar levels drop, which can lead to irritability and fatigue.

Furthermore, the feeling of hunger can be distracting, making it hard to focus on tasks at hand. This can result in feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, further contributing to your misery.

Making regular meals a priority not only helps stabilize your mood but also boosts your energy levels and productivity. This simple habit can significantly enhance your day-to-day happiness.

4) Neglecting self-care

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before your own. You might think that you’re just being selfless and responsible. But constantly neglecting your own needs can slowly make you miserable.

Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

It’s like the safety instructions on an airplane – you need to secure your own oxygen mask first before helping others. If you’re not taking care of yourself, eventually you won’t be able to take care of anyone else either.

It doesn’t have to be anything grand or time-consuming. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to do something you enjoy, like reading a book or taking a walk.

Or it could mean saying no when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and not feeling guilty about it.

You’re important too. Your needs and wants matter. So make sure to take some time for yourself each day. It’s not just good for you, it’s good for the people around you too.

5) Staying up too late

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of this at some point. You promise yourself you’ll go to bed early, but then you get caught up in a movie, or you’re scrolling through the internet, and before you know it, it’s way past your bedtime.

While staying up late occasionally might not be a big deal, consistently getting less sleep than you need can take a toll on your wellbeing.

Lack of sleep can leave you feeling grumpy and out of sorts the next day. It can also affect your ability to concentrate and make decisions.

We’re all different, and some people naturally need more sleep than others. But generally, most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

If you start focusing on this you might just find that a good night’s sleep makes all the difference to your mood and outlook.

6) Overloading on caffeine

Picture this: It’s been a long day, you’re feeling drained, and you reach for that extra cup of coffee. It’s something I used to do quite often.

Caffeine can feel like a lifesaver when you’re tired, but it can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and restlessness.

Plus, it can interfere with your sleep, which we’ve already established is crucial for your wellbeing.

It’s okay to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or tea. But try to avoid relying on caffeine to get you through the day.

Instead, consider other ways to boost your energy like a quick walk outside, or even a power nap if possible. These alternatives will leave you feeling refreshed without the negative side effects.

7) Procrastinating on important tasks

I’ll be straight with you. Procrastination is a happiness thief. It’s easy to put off tasks that seem daunting or tedious, but all that does is create a cloud of stress that hangs over you.

Every time you think about that task you’re avoiding, it’s likely accompanied by a pang of guilt or anxiety. The task itself might not be fun, but the relief and sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once it’s done far outweighs the temporary discomfort of tackling it.

So, stop putting it off. Break the task down into manageable chunks if you need to, but get started.

You’ll be doing your future self a huge favor and lifting a weight off your shoulders. Trust me, it’s worth it.

8) Ignoring your feelings

Here’s the bottom line. Your feelings are valid and important.

Brushing them aside or suppressing them under the guise of being “strong” or “fine” can lead to a build-up of emotional stress and ultimately, unhappiness.

It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. Acknowledge your emotions, give yourself permission to feel them, and then let them go.

By listening to and accepting your feelings, you’re honoring yourself. You’re acknowledging that your emotional health is just as important as your physical health.

And in doing so, you’re taking a major step towards a happier, healthier you. Remember, it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference. 

Final thoughts

Life is a journey, filled with ups and downs. And it’s the little things—the habits we form and the choices we make—that can truly shape our happiness.

This article has shed light on some subtle habits that may be stealthily stealing your joy. But remember, acknowledging them is just the first step. The real change comes when you decide to take action.

Every moment you spend nurturing your wellbeing is a moment well spent.

To be truly content, it’s crucial that you listen to yourself, respect your needs, and not let external factors dictate your happiness.

Here’s to making small changes for a big impact. Here’s to leading a life filled with more joy and less misery. You deserve it!