What unhealthy habits might HSPs ditch in 2026?

Energy and balance, two things I crave as an HSP.  And two things I often don’t have enough of.  This feels like the year to take action.

So I was interested to see an article in yesterday’s I newspaper on unhealthy habits that experts are ditching in 2026.  Each of 14 experts was asked to name one such habit they wanted to break.

I laughed out loud when I realised I could take action on every one!!  It may just be me but I don’t think I’m the only HSP who will recognise them and their impact on our systems.

Mindlessly scrolling.  Being curious, seeking novelty, keeping up with events.  And losing time for other things.

Being too focused on productivity and not carving out time for rest.  Want something done, ask an HSP.  Even when we’re already busy and need some respite.

Seeking approval from people who don’t like us.  Much less of an issue after discovering, accepting and embracing you’re an HSP.  But we can still default at times.

Not allowing enough time at the end of the day to decompress.  Definitely steals the chance for a longer recharge.

Losing sleep over things that don’t matter.  Yep, not everything matters to the same degree.

Mindlessly snacking.  Eating little and often can tip over into this.  As can eating because of boredom rather than hunger.

Saying ‘yes’ too quickly.  One word.  Guilty.

Looking at electronic devices in the hours before bed.  Not switching off just keeps our brains busy.

Endlessly picking over things.  We do have a tendency to ruminate, don’t we?

Being overly disciplined about small things.  Not everything needs done to the absolute max.

Endless drive to learn and be the best we can.  Healthy to a point but not if driven by not feeling ‘enough’.  Who we are is and always has been enough.

Not doing enough of what we enjoy.  How about we offer the same to ourselves in this regard as we do others?

Over-committing time and burning the candle at both ends.  The cost of being maximisers, especially if also HSP parents.

Having a cocktail gin while cooking.  That may not be your tipple (or mine) but alcohol does seem to affect HSPs more than most.

 

We can’t change everything but maybe we can pick one or two things to act on.  So here’s to more energy, space and balance in 2026.