The 13 Worst Habits For Your Mental Health
Many of the small choices you make each day may be affecting your depression or anxiety more than you realize. Fortunately these behaviors can be changed. With most students now on Summer Break, it is the perfect time to focus on developing better mental health. Something as simple as smiling actually can help you feel happier and more optimistic. Read below to learn thirteen of the worst habits with regard to mental wellness.
1. Slouching – A July 2016 study found that having upright posture (i.e., not slouching) may improve your mood, reduce fatigue and lessen self-focus in individuals with mild to moderate depression.
2. Obsessive thinking – Ruminating can increase stress hormones. Be conscious of when you start to dwell on the same thoughts. If deep breathing does not help, place a rubber band on your wrist and gently snap it as a reminder to stop thinking obsessively.
3. Photographing everything – Constantly taking pictures may alter how you remember those moments by causing you to recall fewer details. The lens can be a barrier between you and your life. Instead of documenting every second, choose to simply enjoy and actively participate in daily events.
4. Taking life too seriously – Laughter can be very beneficial to individual mental health. Add humor to your daily life by watching funny YouTube videos or television shows, spending time with friends who make you smile or even volunteering with children.
5. Procrastinating – Some of the symptoms of depression, including hopelessness and a lack of energy, can increase the likelihood that you will procrastinate. Doing something that helps you relax, such as listening to music or exercising, can make it easier to tackle items on your To Do List that may cause you anxiety. Also, simply making an effort and completing a small task can be a step in the right direction that will help you gain momentum.
6. Never being without your cell phone – If you cannot remember the last time you were completely free of electronic devices (besides when you were in the shower), that is not a good sign. To reduce overstimulation and truly rest, try creating an electronic Sabbath in which you abstain from all electronic devices, including your phone, for several hours one day each week.
7. Ignoring clutter – Living in a messy environment has been shown to be related to depression, anxiety and even weight gain. If you have not used something in the last year, consider donating it to charity. Rather than spending your money on things, consider saving for a concert ticket, a trip to an amusement park with friends or another special event. Experiential purchases actually provide more happiness than material goods.
8. Perfectionism – Trying to meet unattainably high standards not only leads to disappointment, it also can result in low self-esteem and contribute to depression and anxiety. Instead, aim for “healthy striving” by setting more realistic goals, realizing that you can learn from mistakes and enjoying the journey rather than just the destination.
9. Never actually talking to anyone – Texting, Snapping or using other social media to communicate with your friends and family is not meaningful contact. Have face-to-face conversations with the people in your life whenever possible. These interactions combat social isolation and often end up being more fun that you expect them to be.
10. Multitasking – Rather than improving your productivity, multitasking can increase stress, lessen awareness of your surroundings and reduce your ability to communicate effectively. By setting your phone aside and turning off the screens you are not currently using, your brain will be able to process everything that is occurring and you likely will feel more cheerful and relaxed.
11. Constantly comparing yourself to others – Focus instead on appreciating what you own and have accomplished. Keeping a gratitude journal or writing a text, note or E-Mail to a loved one can increase your happiness, optimism and satisfaction with your life.
12. Staying inside – Even a small amount of sunlight and/or time spent in a green space on a daily basis can improve mental health. Try taking a walk or sitting outside for a few minutes each day.
13. Bottling up anger – When you are mad, suppressing your feelings can worsen depression. It is important to express your negative emotions in appropriate ways. If possible, communicate your anger in a calm manner. Otherwise, try counting to 10, writing about it or practicing compassion and/or forgiveness, both of which can dissipate anger and ultimately make you feel better.