A new year often begins with big promises — waking up earlier, working harder, eating better and doing more. But within days, the excitement fades and life slips back into its familiar routine of work, family duties and overflowing inboxes.
This year, instead of adding more goals, try doing the opposite. Remove a few unnecessary habits. Let go of things that quietly drain your time, money and energy. Here are 32 simple things experts say you can stop doing — and still live better.
Replying to every email
Only respond when necessary. The more emails you send, the more you receive.
Spending too much time on ‘shallow work’
Constant messaging drains energy meant for meaningful tasks.
Overthinking your outfits
Wearing one colour from head to toe always looks put together.
Using moisturiser separately
Most sunscreens already have moisturising properties.
Checking investments daily
If your plan is long term, daily price swings don’t matter.
Expecting yourself to be perfectly tidy
Give mess a place — a clothes chair or a basket works fine.
Fixing every problem for your child
Struggling a little helps children grow.
Complicated exercise routines
Simple moves you enjoy work best.
Scheduling intimacy like a task
Make space for connection, not pressure.
Over-complicating coffee
Good beans matter more than fancy gadgets.
Finishing books or shows you don’t enjoy
Quit early and move on.
Staying too long at parties
Leave when you’ve had enough.
Comparing your sex life
What works for others doesn’t matter.
Overthinking how you look during intimacy
Focus on how you feel.
Endless group chat planning
Use simple scheduling tools instead.
Trying to see everything on holiday
Doing less helps you enjoy more.
Returning to work immediately after travel
Give yourself one buffer day.
Over-decorating your home
Fewer items look better and are easier to clean.
Lavish children’s parties
Simple play and cake are enough.
Chasing a ‘best friend’
Small, everyday connections reduce loneliness.
Dressing for others’ approval
Wear what makes you happy.
Applying to every job blindly
Networking works better than mass applications.
Following ‘get rich quick’ advice
Unfollow and ignore.
Dieting during emotional stress
Your brain needs fuel, not restriction.
Avoiding all conflict
Healthy disagreement builds connection.
Filling silence during grief
Listening quietly is often enough.
Planning your career too rigidly
Adaptability matters more than detail.
Tracking every parenting metric
Focus on raising good humans, not perfect scores.
Blaming your partner for your emotions
Your feelings are your responsibility.
Living for social media approval
Your online image doesn’t define you.
Trying to control children’s behaviour constantly
They learn more by watching you.
Saying yes to everything
Protect your energy — it’s limited.
Sometimes, progress isn’t about doing more. It’s about letting go.
