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As we step into 2025, it’s time to hit the reset button—not just on our calendars but also on the habits holding us back.
Energy is one of our most valuable resources, and yet, so many of us waste it on behaviors that drain our motivation, focus, and well-being. Toxic habits quietly chip away at our potential.
But here’s the good news: you have the power to change. The first step toward personal improvement is identifying the routines that no longer serve you and committing to let them go.
In this post, we’ll uncover five energy-draining habits to leave behind and explore how you can break bad habits.
Let’s dive in.
1) Neglecting self-care
Self-care isn’t about indulgence or being selfish – it’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s about giving your body the rest it needs, nourishing it with healthy food, and taking time out to relax and recharge.
Yet so many of us are guilty of putting self-care last. We’re constantly pushing ourselves to do more, achieve more, be more. But at what cost?
Well, the cost is our energy levels.
When we neglect self-care, we’re simply not at our best. This is well acknowledged by experts like those at Psych Central who have noted a lack of self care is associated with low energy, feeling hopeless and increased risk of burnout.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, and everything else will follow.
2) Overcommitting
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a habitual over-committer. I used to think that saying “yes” to everything was the key to being successful and appreciated.
One year, I took on so many projects at work, volunteered for every committee, and agreed to every social event that my friends and family invited me to. The result?
You guessed it; I ended up feeling exhausted, stressed, and had no time left for myself.
Overcommitting is a surefire way to drain your energy. It leaves you with no time to relax, recharge, or do the things you truly enjoy.
What’s worse is that when you’re overcommitted, you can’t give your best to any of the things you’ve committed to. You’re spread too thin, and everything suffers as a result – your work, your relationships, and most importantly, your health.
Let’s start prioritizing our time and energy for the things that truly matter to us. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
3) Constantly checking your phone
In today’s digital age, our smartphones are practically glued to our hands. We check them first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and countless times in between.
Did you know that the average person touches their phone 2,617 times a day? That’s right – over two thousand times.
Of course, this results in a lot of wasted time.
But it’s not just about the time wasted—it’s about the mental toll. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the pressure to stay “connected” can overwhelm your brain, leaving you mentally fatigued. It’s like running a marathon without ever getting a break to catch your breath.
Over time, this habit can lead to reduced productivity, increased stress, and even difficulty being present in your daily life.
The solution? Set boundaries with your phone. Try turning off non-essential notifications, using app timers to limit your screen time, or even establishing “phone-free” zones, like the dinner table or your bedroom.
Breaking free from the compulsion to constantly check your phone won’t just save you time—it will also restore your focus, energy, and peace of mind.
4) Holding on to negative relationships
This is a huge one.
Sometimes we hold on to relationships that are no longer serving us. Whether it’s a friend who always seems to be in crisis, a partner who doesn’t appreciate us, or a co-worker who constantly brings negativity into our space.
These types of relationships can be incredibly draining. They suck our energy and leave us feeling emotionally exhausted.
It’s hard to let go of these relationships, especially if we care about the person. But it’s important to remember that it’s okay to put our own wellbeing first.
You deserve to be surrounded by people who uplift you, support you, and make you feel good about yourself. Don’t settle for anything less.
5) Perfectionism
The pursuit of perfection might seem like a good thing—it can drive us to work harder, pay attention to detail, and aim high.
But here’s the harsh truth: perfectionism isn’t about doing your best. It’s about chasing an impossible standard, and it’s exhausting.
Perfectionism keeps you stuck in a never-ending cycle of stress and self-doubt. You rewrite that email a dozen times, delay starting a project because it’s not “just right,” or spend hours agonizing over tiny details that don’t really matter.
Over time, this habit can sap your energy and productivity, leaving you burnt out and frustrated. Even worse, it can hold you back from taking risks or trying new things because the fear of failure feels too overwhelming.
Start embracing imperfection. Understand that “good enough” is often more than enough. Shift your focus from perfect results to progress and growth. Celebrate small wins and remind yourself that mistakes are not the end of the world—they’re part of learning and improving.
The bottom line
2025 is your fresh start—a chance to reclaim your energy, refocus your priorities, and build habits that truly serve you.
By saying goodbye to these energy-draining behaviors, you’re not just breaking bad habits; you’re making space for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
So, what habit will you leave behind first? The energy and life you deserve are waiting on the other side. Let’s make 2025 your most vibrant year yet!