We all possess certain habits that might not be ideal. It’s just a part of being human. However, some of these habits can become harmful and start affecting our mental well-being in a negative way. Every now and then, it’s essential to pause and reflect on how much these habits are impacting us.
Bad mental health habits are those little actions we do that end up messing with our thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, we tend to think that our mood and mental state are entirely controlled by outside things, and we feel like we have little say in it. Ever wondered why you easily get irritated, sad, or just bored with life? Well, when we’re feeling low, we often try to cheer ourselves up by doing things that aren’t so great for us. But guess what? That usually just makes us feel even worse.
Let’s talk about a few of these common habits that can really drag down your mental health, leaving you feeling pretty down about life.
1. Comparing Your Life to Others’ Paths
Comparing ourselves to others is natural, but it can mess with our heads. We often feel good when we think we’re doing better than someone else, and bad when we think they’re doing better than us. But here’s the catch: we never truly know what’s going on behind the scenes of other people’s lives. So, comparing is like comparing our insides to everyone else’s outsides. Tricky, right?
Comparing ourselves to others is like a pressure cooker. We can always find someone who seems better in some aspect. But here’s the twist: we’re all playing different games with different rules. Instead of stressing over others, let’s focus on our own journey.
2. The Pursuit of Perfection
Positive perfectionism is about aiming for your best without losing your cool. It involves setting realistic goals, bouncing back from failures, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, managing stress, and enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
Negative perfectionism is like having a tough critic in your head. It’s when you set unreachable standards, feel dissatisfied with anything less than perfect, worry about failure and disapproval, and see mistakes as signs of unworthiness. Research shows that it causes distress, fear of mistakes, conflict, uncertainty, and anxiety about judgment from others.
3. Delaying Action
Let’s talk about procrastination, the art of putting things off until later. You know, that whole ‘we’ll do it tomorrow’ mindset? It might not seem like a big deal initially, but trust me, it can snowball into something pretty hefty. Think stress, anxiety, shattered dreams, and a hit to your self-esteem. It’s like sweeping stuff under the rug until the pile gets too big to ignore.
4. Undefined Personal Targets
Having personal goals activates our brain’s reward system, boosting our mood and happiness. Without pursuing goals, even small ones, we miss out on fulfillment and might resort to unhealthy behaviors for satisfaction. Neglecting goals can leave us feeling stagnant and trigger low mood and depression. Make to-do lists, prioritize tasks, and set realistic deadlines to stay on track and maintain momentum toward your goals.
5. Stuck on the Bad
If you’re constantly dwelling on the bad stuff, stress and worry can become your buddies. Try mindfulness meditationโit’s like a reset button for your mind, helping you shake off negativity and feel rejuvenated. It can boost confidence, reduce anxiety, sharpen focus, and zap stress away.
6. Insufficient Personal Time
Ever feel like you never get a moment to yourself? Between work, family, and everything else, it’s easy to forget about ‘me time’. But here’s the deal: if you’re always stressed and irritable, that might be why. Try setting aside just 15 minutes each day, just for you. It’s a chance to recharge and do something you love.
7. Social Withdrawal
Taking time for yourself is important, but humans thrive on social connections. Going weeks without talking to anyone isn’t healthy for your mental well-being. If you’re feeling isolated, try reaching out to someone you trust, even if it’s just for a brief conversation. It can make a big difference.
8. Inadequate Sleep
Sleep is like a superhero for your body and mind. It gives them a chance to recover from the day’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow. Skipping sleep can leave you feeling restless, but consistently poor sleep can harm your mental health. Research suggests that people with mental health issues often struggle to sleep well.
9. Social Media Dependency
It’s good to stay connected, but too much time on social media can stress you out and mess with your self-esteem. Try setting limits on your screen time and use those moments to chat with loved ones instead. It can make a big difference.
10. Limited Physical Movement
Exercise isn’t just about staying fitโit’s a big deal for your mental health too. Studies show it can be as effective as medication for easing anxiety. When you work out, your brain releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. They clear your head, lift your mood, and dial down stress. It’s like giving your mind a much-needed reset.
