When focusing on our wellbeing, we are often encouraged to take on new challenges or try something new, but what about the challenge of stopping doing something?
In October, the NHS annually launch a campaign called ‘Stoptober’ to encourage people to stop smoking. Hopefully, there aren’t too many smokers among you that this campaign would need to target, but how about using the notion to choose to stop doing something that may be damaging or detrimental to your life in another way.
The idea isn’t to approach this in a Lenten fashion; you do not have to deprive yourself of something that you love or enjoy. But Stoptober can present us with an opportunity to reflect on and address things that are no longer serving us in a healthy or productive way. We can get into a habit of negative cycles because we may not have the courage to break them, or perhaps we don’t pay enough attention to really see the things in our lives that have a negative impact on our wellbeing.
Take some time this month to evaluate and address things that no longer serve you positively. What sucks your precious time in a vapid way? What do you do (without thinking) that you may not be very proud of on reflection? Are there negative habits that you want to focus on breaking? Are there relationships that feel more destructive than supportive or safe?
Here are some suggestions for Stoptober starting points:
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Choose one social media app that takes your time and don’t use it for a month. (Yes, I mean actually delete or move the app icon for a month. Think of all the time you will save without the addictive, persistent scrolling!)
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Stop gossiping – for one month, don’t talk about anyone in a negative way (if we all did this, we would change the world).
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Stop saying “yes” to things that you want to say “no” to. Both answers are valid and will respected by your real, respectful friends.
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Stop criticising yourself – be your own cheerleader and see how that feels for a whole month.
