Stop Doing: Simple Habits to Quit Today

Want a faster way to feel less annoyed, less misinformed and more in control? Start by stopping a few small things. Changing what you stop doing is easier than starting something new. Here are clear, practical habits to drop now — especially when it comes to news, social media and daily routines.

Stop sharing unverified news

Before you hit share, ask: where’s the source? If a headline feels shocking or too good to be true, it probably is. Check for a reputable outlet, look for the original statement or report, and scan timestamps. Use a quick search to see if fact-checkers have written on it. Sharing unverified items spreads panic and fuels fake narratives. Pause for a minute — your feed will thank you.

Tip: Screenshot the article’s headline and title, then search those exact words. If only obscure blogs carry it, don’t amplify it.

Stop doomscrolling and refresh your feed

Endless news scrolling trains your brain to expect crisis. Set a 20-minute limit for news checks in the morning and another short check in the evening. Turn off push alerts for topics that stress you out. Instead, pick two reliable sources you trust and read full stories, not just headlines. Quality over quantity will cut anxiety and give you clearer perspective.

Replace doomscrolling with a quick action: a walk, a call to a friend, or reading a short article from a trustworthy source. Small swaps break the habit fast.

Other things to stop doing right away:

• Stop forming opinions from a headline alone. Read the whole piece.
• Stop arguing with strangers online who won’t change their mind. Save your energy for real conversations.
• Stop treating viral videos as proof. Context matters — check dates and locations.
• Stop mixing facts with opinions. Label what’s opinion when you share it.
• Stop following accounts that only post outrage. Mute or unfollow them.

Practical fixes: set a daily news time, use a read-later app, and make a short checklist before you share anything: source, date, context. If it fails the checklist, don’t share.

Finally, be kinder to yourself. Quitting habits takes small repeated steps. Each time you pause before sharing or limit your scroll, you’re improving your feed and your headspace. Stop doing the things that make life louder and less clear. Do the simple checks instead — you’ll spot better stories, have better conversations, and feel better every day.