
As the New Year is approaching, it is the perfect time to throw back on daily habits that quietly affect our health and happiness. Small lifestyle choices, which are repeated daily, can slowly drain our energy, impact mental health, and harm overall health. Letting go of a few unhealthy habits before the New Year begins can help you start fresh, feel better, and build a healthier routine for 2026.
According to psychologist Dr. Manish Borasi, Senior Psychiatrist, Bhopal, bad habits are tough to break, but healthy habits have a positive impact on the life. Starting a fresh and healthier year with a proper plan and mindfulness will help you lead a healthy life. If you want to kick off 2026 on a high note, here are 8 bad habits you should quit before welcoming the New Year.
So, take a look at your regular diet and remove all unhealthy things, from sugary drinks to packaged foods to fast food.
Eating excessive junk food

Eating junk food and having a poor diet can open the door to preventable diseases like diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and many others. Not giving your body the right nutrients can mess with the immune system, making it extremely tougher to bounce back from other illnesses.
Lack of sleep

Nowadays, sleep is often at the bottom of the priority list. But remember that sleep is a very important part of your overall well-being. With proper sleep, your body takes its time to rest and recharge. Give your body 7-9 hours of quality sleep to repair, recharge, and function at its best. Avoid screens for at least one hour before sleeping because it makes falling asleep a whole lot easier. Smoking and alcohol

Smoking and drinking excessive alcohol can harm both physical and mental health. They make the immune system weak, damage vital organs like the lungs and liver, disturb sleep, and reduce overall energy levels. Quitting or cutting down on smoking and drinking alcohol habits can improve breathing, boost immunity, enhance mental clarity, and help you start the New Year on a healthier note.
Staying Inactive and Procrastinating

A lifestyle with no exercise and procrastinating daily can drain your energy and hold you back from personal growth. Lack of physical activity affects both body and mind, and delaying tasks increases stress and makes productivity slow. Staying active and taking timely action helps in improving focus, boosting mood, and helping you build healthier habits in the New Year.
Excess Screen Time

Spending too much time on screens Weather on phones, laptops, or televisions can damage the eyes, disturb sleep schedules, and damage attention spans. It often leads to inactivity, mental disturbance, and increased stress. Limiting screen time helps in improving focus, making the sleep quality better, and improving overall mental well-being.
Holding on to the Past and Comparing Yourself to Others

Holding on to past mistakes or comparing yourself to others affects your confidence and mental well-being. It creates unnecessary pressure on your mind and prevents personal growth. Letting go of the past and focusing on your own life helps in building self-worth, positivity, and a healthier mindset.
Ignoring Stress and Mental Health

Ignoring stress and issues related to mental health can slowly affect both your mind and your body. Constant pressure on minds without proper care may lead to anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. Appreciating your feelings, taking breaks, and looking for support when needed are important for overall well-being and a healthy balanced life.
Ignoring Water Intake

Ignoring water intake can lead to dehydration, low energy, and headaches and can also result in poor concentration. Proper hydration is important for digestion, skin health, and overall body function. In 2026 make a habit of drinking enough water daily, as it helps in keeping both mind and body refreshed and active. According to the Betterhealthchannel
- Women should have about 2 liters (8 cups) of water a day.
- Men should have about 2.6 litres (10 cups) of water daily
