7 Things Unhappy People Do That You Should Avoid

Habits of Unhappy People (And How to Break Them)

We all know someone who just can’t seem to shake off that cloud of negativity. You know the type: always complaining, never satisfied, and just plain miserable. Maybe you’ve even caught yourself slipping into these same habits of unhappy people from time to time. It’s easy to fall into habits that slowly drain the joy out of life without even realizing it. But don’t worry—you’re not stuck there forever.

In this post, we’re going to talk about 7 habits that unhappy people often have, and more importantly, how to break free from them. Spoiler alert: it’s not as hard as you think!

7 Habits of Unhappy People

Dwelling on the Negative

One of the most common habits of unhappy people is their ability to dwell on the negative. They replay every little mistake, every awkward moment, and every bad thing that’s ever happened. It’s like their brain is stuck on the “worst-case scenario” setting. They just can’t seem to see the silver lining, and everything feels like a disaster.

7 Habits of Unhappy People
7 Habits of Unhappy People

And you probably know that constantly focusing on the bad stuff keeps you stuck in a loop of negativity. It’s hard to break this cycle, it might even feel like you just can’t stop your brain from thinking about all the negative stuff, but its okay, you just need some time. As they say, practice makes you perfect. To break the negative thinking cycle, shift your attention to the positives. Start by listing three things you’re grateful for each day—no matter how small. And soon enough you’ll start noticing the difference.

It may seem silly at first, but over time, this habit can help you retrain your brain to see the good in life. This simple switch is one of the best tips for a happier life!

Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison is the thief of joy, which is why unhappy people have a habit of constantly comparing their life to others. They scroll through social media, looking at other people’s perfect lives, and then wonder why theirs doesn’t measure up. It’s exhausting and leaves you feeling like you’re always coming up short.

But you need to get one thing straight – everyone has their own journey and everyone’s situation is different. Rather than using your energy resenting yourself for what you haven’t achieved, focus the energy into doing what you can to achieve it. Instead of looking outward, focus inward.

Celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small, and set personal goals that excite you. Trust me, you’ll feel a lot better when you stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.

Holding onto Grudges

A major habit of unhappy people is holding onto grudges. They let past hurts and mistakes fester in their minds, replaying arguments and holding onto resentment. This kind of emotional baggage only weighs you down, making it harder to move forward.

Let go of the past, and you’ll free up space for positivity and peace. Forgiveness does not mean you should excuse bad behavior, it means giving yourself the permission and freedom to let go and move on.

Whether you forgive someone else or yourself, it’s a major step in overcoming unhappiness. So, try it out—take a deep breath, let go of the grudge, and watch how much lighter you feel.

Read More: 7 Common Habits of Extremely Happy People

Neglecting Self-Care

You know what’s a classic habit of an unhappy person? Neglecting self-care. They push themselves too hard, don’t make time to relax, and let their health take a backseat. They feel overwhelmed and burned out, but don’t take the time to reset. It’s no wonder they’re feeling miserable!

7 Habits of Unhappy People
7 Habits of Unhappy People

Self-care isn’t just about face masks and bubble baths (though those can help). It’s about making time for the things that recharge you—whether that’s exercising, reading, or simply taking a nap.

By prioritizing your own well-being, you’re giving yourself the energy to show up as your best self every day. This is one of the most important tips for a happier life.

Not Setting Boundaries

Another one of the common habits of unhappy people is failing to set boundaries. They say yes to everything, people-pleasing their way through life, and end up completely drained. They’re always helping others but rarely taking care of themselves. Eventually, they burn out, feeling resentful and unhappy.

Contrary to popular belief, setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your mental health. Whether it’s saying no to extra tasks at work or making sure you have some “me time,” learning to assert your needs will lead to a more balanced and happier life. So, go ahead, say no when you need to.

Read More: 7 Spirit Poisons: Things That Are Making You Unhappy In Life

Procrastinating

Procrastination is a common trait in unhappy people. They put off tasks, avoid decisions, and procrastinate on making changes that could improve their lives. They spend more time stressing about what they should be doing than actually doing it.

7 Habits of Unhappy People
7 Habits of Unhappy People

The trick to overcoming this habit is to break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. When you stop overwhelming yourself with the big picture, it’s easier to take action.

Plus, tackling tasks head-on feels way better than dragging your feet. So, don’t put off your tasks—take small steps today, and watch the positive changes pile up!

Constantly Seeking Validation

The habit of constantly seeking validation is another key trait of unhappy people. They rely on others for their self-worth, waiting for compliments or praise to feel good about themselves. But, hear me out, external validation is temporary. The happiness it brings is fleeting, and you’ll always find yourself chasing after the next compliment.

Instead of looking for outside approval, try finding validation within yourself. Celebrate your own strengths, and practice self-love. When you stop relying on others for validation, you’ll feel more grounded and confident in who you are. How to overcome unhappiness? Stop seeking approval and start believing in yourself.


So, there you have it – seven habits of unhappy people and simple ways to fix them. With a few changes in mindset and daily habits, you can break free from the negativity and start living your best, happiest life!

Read More: 8 Signs A Man Is The Source Of His Own Misery: Self-Sabotaging Behaviors

common habits of unhappy people

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Disclaimer: The informational content on The Minds Journal have been created and reviewed by qualified mental health professionals. They are intended solely for educational and self-awareness purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

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Habits of Unhappy People (And How to Break Them)

We all know someone who just can’t seem to shake off that cloud of negativity. You know the type: always complaining, never satisfied, and just plain miserable. Maybe you’ve even caught yourself slipping into these same habits of unhappy people from time to time. It’s easy to fall into habits that slowly drain the joy out of life without even realizing it. But don’t worry—you’re not stuck there forever.

In this post, we’re going to talk about 7 habits that unhappy people often have, and more importantly, how to break free from them. Spoiler alert: it’s not as hard as you think!

7 Habits of Unhappy People

Dwelling on the Negative

One of the most common habits of unhappy people is their ability to dwell on the negative. They replay every little mistake, every awkward moment, and every bad thing that’s ever happened. It’s like their brain is stuck on the “worst-case scenario” setting. They just can’t seem to see the silver lining, and everything feels like a disaster.

7 Habits of Unhappy People
7 Habits of Unhappy People

And you probably know that constantly focusing on the bad stuff keeps you stuck in a loop of negativity. It’s hard to break this cycle, it might even feel like you just can’t stop your brain from thinking about all the negative stuff, but its okay, you just need some time. As they say, practice makes you perfect. To break the negative thinking cycle, shift your attention to the positives. Start by listing three things you’re grateful for each day—no matter how small. And soon enough you’ll start noticing the difference.

It may seem silly at first, but over time, this habit can help you retrain your brain to see the good in life. This simple switch is one of the best tips for a happier life!

Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison is the thief of joy, which is why unhappy people have a habit of constantly comparing their life to others. They scroll through social media, looking at other people’s perfect lives, and then wonder why theirs doesn’t measure up. It’s exhausting and leaves you feeling like you’re always coming up short.

But you need to get one thing straight – everyone has their own journey and everyone’s situation is different. Rather than using your energy resenting yourself for what you haven’t achieved, focus the energy into doing what you can to achieve it. Instead of looking outward, focus inward.

Celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small, and set personal goals that excite you. Trust me, you’ll feel a lot better when you stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.

Holding onto Grudges

A major habit of unhappy people is holding onto grudges. They let past hurts and mistakes fester in their minds, replaying arguments and holding onto resentment. This kind of emotional baggage only weighs you down, making it harder to move forward.

Let go of the past, and you’ll free up space for positivity and peace. Forgiveness does not mean you should excuse bad behavior, it means giving yourself the permission and freedom to let go and move on.

Whether you forgive someone else or yourself, it’s a major step in overcoming unhappiness. So, try it out—take a deep breath, let go of the grudge, and watch how much lighter you feel.

Read More: 7 Common Habits of Extremely Happy People

Neglecting Self-Care

You know what’s a classic habit of an unhappy person? Neglecting self-care. They push themselves too hard, don’t make time to relax, and let their health take a backseat. They feel overwhelmed and burned out, but don’t take the time to reset. It’s no wonder they’re feeling miserable!

7 Habits of Unhappy People
7 Habits of Unhappy People

Self-care isn’t just about face masks and bubble baths (though those can help). It’s about making time for the things that recharge you—whether that’s exercising, reading, or simply taking a nap.

By prioritizing your own well-being, you’re giving yourself the energy to show up as your best self every day. This is one of the most important tips for a happier life.

Not Setting Boundaries

Another one of the common habits of unhappy people is failing to set boundaries. They say yes to everything, people-pleasing their way through life, and end up completely drained. They’re always helping others but rarely taking care of themselves. Eventually, they burn out, feeling resentful and unhappy.

Contrary to popular belief, setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your mental health. Whether it’s saying no to extra tasks at work or making sure you have some “me time,” learning to assert your needs will lead to a more balanced and happier life. So, go ahead, say no when you need to.

Read More: 7 Spirit Poisons: Things That Are Making You Unhappy In Life

Procrastinating

Procrastination is a common trait in unhappy people. They put off tasks, avoid decisions, and procrastinate on making changes that could improve their lives. They spend more time stressing about what they should be doing than actually doing it.

7 Habits of Unhappy People
7 Habits of Unhappy People

The trick to overcoming this habit is to break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. When you stop overwhelming yourself with the big picture, it’s easier to take action.

Plus, tackling tasks head-on feels way better than dragging your feet. So, don’t put off your tasks—take small steps today, and watch the positive changes pile up!

Constantly Seeking Validation

The habit of constantly seeking validation is another key trait of unhappy people. They rely on others for their self-worth, waiting for compliments or praise to feel good about themselves. But, hear me out, external validation is temporary. The happiness it brings is fleeting, and you’ll always find yourself chasing after the next compliment.

Instead of looking for outside approval, try finding validation within yourself. Celebrate your own strengths, and practice self-love. When you stop relying on others for validation, you’ll feel more grounded and confident in who you are. How to overcome unhappiness? Stop seeking approval and start believing in yourself.


So, there you have it – seven habits of unhappy people and simple ways to fix them. With a few changes in mindset and daily habits, you can break free from the negativity and start living your best, happiest life!

Read More: 8 Signs A Man Is The Source Of His Own Misery: Self-Sabotaging Behaviors

common habits of unhappy people

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Eleanor Finch

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