If you really want 2017 to feel different, healthier, lighter, and more peaceful, then this is your sign to stop focusing only on what to add to your life. Most people think health means green juices, gym memberships, and impossible routines. But honestly, sometimes the biggest glow up happens when you start removing the habits, people, and patterns that quietly drain you every single day.
This list of 11 things to cut out in 2017 in order to be healthy is not about becoming perfect overnight. It’s about protecting your energy, your mind, your body, and your peace. Small changes genuinely create massive shifts over time.
So if you’ve been feeling mentally exhausted, emotionally heavy, or physically low lately, these are the things you seriously need to leave behind this year.
1. Negative Self Talk
You cannot heal in an environment where you are constantly attacking yourself.
A lot of people speak to themselves in ways they would never speak to someone they love. Saying things like:
- “I’m such a failure”
- “Nothing ever works for me”
- “I’m not enough”
…slowly destroys your confidence and energy.
One of the biggest things to cut out in 2017 in order to be healthy is harsh self criticism. Your body listens to your mind more than you think.
2. Toxic Relationships
Some people genuinely drain your nervous system.
If someone constantly creates stress, confusion, insecurity, or emotional chaos in your life, distancing yourself is self care, not selfishness.
Your mental health affects your physical health too. Constant emotional stress can leave you feeling tired, anxious, unmotivated, and emotionally burnt out.
Protecting your peace is part of becoming healthier in 2017.
3. Doom Scrolling Before Sleeping
Your brain was not designed to consume endless content at 2 AM.
Scrolling for hours before sleeping affects:
- your sleep quality,
- your focus,
- your mood,
- and even your anxiety levels.
Instead of ending your night with stress and overstimulation, try calming music, journaling, affirmations, or simply sleeping earlier. Your mind will feel so much lighter.
4. Comparing Yourself To Everyone Online
Social media can make it look like everyone is winning except you.
But remember, you are comparing your real life to someone else’s highlight reel.
One of the most important things to cut out in 2017 in order to be healthy is unhealthy comparison. Your journey, timing, and life path are different for a reason.
Focus on your own growth.
5. Processed Junk Food Every Day
Comfort food is okay sometimes. But constantly feeding your body processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy snacks eventually affects your energy levels.
You don’t need extreme dieting.
Just try:
- eating more fresh foods,
- drinking more water,
- reducing excess sugar,
- and listening to your body more.
Healthy eating should feel sustainable, not punishing.
6. Holding Onto Old Resentment
Anger and resentment are heavy emotions to carry for years.
Forgiveness does not mean accepting bad behavior. It simply means freeing yourself from constantly reliving pain.
Emotional healing is also part of health.
The lighter your heart feels, the lighter your life starts feeling too.
7. Saying Yes To Everything
You do not need to overextend yourself to prove your worth.
Constantly saying yes to:
- plans,
- favors,
- emotional labor,
- and responsibilities
…can leave you exhausted.
Healthy boundaries are necessary. Learning to say “no” without guilt is genuinely life changing.
8. Lack Of Sleep
People glorify hustle culture way too much.
Sleeping at 4 AM every day, constantly feeling tired, and surviving on caffeine is not healthy productivity.
Good sleep improves:
- focus,
- skin,
- mood,
- hormones,
- immunity,
- and emotional stability.
Rest is productive too.
9. Overthinking Everything
Overthinking steals so much peace.
You replay conversations, imagine worst case scenarios, stress about the future, and mentally exhaust yourself before anything even happens.
Sometimes you need to stop trying to control every outcome and trust life a little more.
Mental calmness is one of the most underrated forms of health.
10. Ignoring Your Emotions
Pretending to be “fine” all the time eventually catches up with you.
Your emotions need expression, not suppression.
Cry if you need to.
Talk to someone.
Journal.
Pray.
Take space.
Ignoring emotional pain does not make it disappear. Healing starts when you finally acknowledge what you feel.
11. Waiting For Motivation To Change Your Life
Motivation comes and goes. Discipline and small consistent actions create real transformation.
A healthier life is built through small habits repeated daily.
Drink more water.
Walk more.
Rest more.
Think better thoughts.
Protect your peace.
That’s how change actually happens.
At the end of the day, 11 things to cut out in 2017 in order to be healthy is really about becoming more intentional with your life. Health is not just about looking good physically. It’s about feeling peaceful mentally, emotionally stable, and energized from within.
And honestly, your healthiest era might begin the moment you stop carrying things that were never meant for you in the first place.