Are you feeling drained after a night of binge-watching? Are you not getting enough sleep because you’re scrolling through social media? That’s your brain telling you that it had to work hard to process all this information in a short time. It’s your mental health telling you it needs a break.
We all realize the physical risks of not taking proper care of ourselves. But we tend to forget that our mental health is just as important and needs the same level of attention. Unless we recognize the habits that damage our mental health, we can only do so much to improve them.
So, here’s a list of bad habits that we all have that harm our mental well-being.
1. You Want to Be a Perfectionist at Everything
Do you always want to give your best shot at everything you do? From cooking a meal for family gatherings to presenting an important report in your office, are you trying to be perfect at everything? If yes, then congratulations! You’re a perfectionist.
While perfectionism increases your chances of success, it can also cause heightened stress if things don’t go as planned. You may look at yourself as a failure, do a task repeatedly unless you feel it’s perfect, or may even give up altogether. All this can lead to anxiety and depression in the long run.
2. Substance Abuse
There is a big difference between using a substance for fun and getting into the habit of using recreational drugs to cope with everything. Has alcohol lately been more than just something you enjoy? Or are drugs your haven to escape reality? Identifying if you are struggling with addiction is important, as it can affect your mental health.
Some common symptoms of addiction include:
- Impaired decision-making skills
- Isolation from family and friends
- Intense cravings for the substance
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using it
Prolonged addiction can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts in some cases. Therefore, getting professional help is essential as soon as you realize you’ve developed a problem.
3. Feeling Guilty for the Slightest of Things
Some people are habitual of feeling guilty for things they say or do. It may be as small as not cleaning your room or as big as hurting someone’s feelings. Guilt can be a major obstacle to reaching personal goals and feeling happy with yourself. It can cause you to magnify your problems and make it hard to focus on positive things.
Sometimes, this habit can spiral out of control and lead to feelings of worthlessness or depression. The best way to tackle this is by acknowledging your mistakes, forgiving yourself, and focusing on learning from them.
4. Taking Pictures of EVERYTHING
Clicking and posting pictures of anything and everything is shared among millennials. But, while it’s fun to post a picture of your morning coffee cup while soaking in the sun’s rays, it can take a toll on your mental health if this activity becomes an obsession.
When we get caught up in taking pictures of everything, we tend to live in the moment less and stress more about getting the perfect shot. We become so preoccupied with creating content for our social media that we forget to enjoy the present. So, put that camera aside and allow your mind to take in the beauty of the moment.
5. Holding onto a Toxic Relationship
Does your partner belittle you, but you still find yourself going back? Do you think “just one more chance” could improve things? Well, if yes, then it’s time to rethink your decision.
Staying in a toxic relationship can significantly damage both parties, but it also affects your mental health. For example, it can cause you to have low self-esteem, anxiety, or even depression.
Therefore, it’s essential to recognize the signs of a toxic relationship and seek help instead of holding onto something that will bring you down in the long run.
6. You are Too Serious About Life
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life and forget to take a break. If you feel like your life is one big-time pressure, it’s time to change.
Having a sense of humor about life and taking things less seriously can make the burden lighter. Laughing can make you feel happier, reduce stress, and even strengthen your relationship with others.
So, don’t be afraid to take a break and laugh a little. Life doesn’t have to be stressful; sometimes, it’s okay to just enjoy the moment and take things as they come.
7. You Let People Bully You
Bullying is an issue that affects people of all ages, and it can have long-term consequences on mental health. Victims of bullying often feel helpless and powerless, leading to low self-esteem and depression. You may also become emotionally volatile, making it hard to trust or open up to others.
Therefore, if you find yourself in a situation where someone is bullying or taking advantage of you, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Remember that no one has the right to make you feel bad about yourself. So, don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are. Instead, you can be assertive and stand up for yourself without being aggressive.
8. You Procrastinate a Lot
There are usually two reasons people procrastinate: they don’t like what needs to be done, or they can’t find the motivation to do it.
Whatever the case, procrastination isn’t good for your mental health. It can cause anxiety and stress as the deadline draws near. Plus, it can make it harder to stay focused and productive.
So, if you find yourself putting off tasks often, try breaking them down into smaller, manageable chunks. You can also set deadlines and reminders to help you stay on track.
Final Words
Making poor decisions in your life can significantly impact your mental health. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of your habits and seek healthier alternatives. So, don’t let your habits get in the way of your mental health – take action today! Doing so will help you lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
