Pretty much everyone deals with some form of mental health struggles at some point in life.
According to Mind, one in four people in England experience mental health issues every year, and one in six struggle with either anxiety or depression in a given week. That’s huge. And while these issues can be attributed to everything from the struggles of modern life to personal struggles or even a chemical imbalance, there are also things we might be doing to make our state of mind even worse. If you engage in these behaviours, you might find you feel a whole lot better when you stop.
1. You’re constantly scrolling through social media.
That quick check of Instagram or Facebook can easily turn into hours of mindless scrolling. Before you know it, you’re comparing your life to carefully curated highlight reels of the celebs, influencers, and even peers you follow. It ends up making you feel totally inadequate and hurting your self-esteem. It’s time to set some boundaries around social media use.
2. You’re neglecting your sleep schedule.
Staying up late to finish that Netflix series or catch up on work might seem harmless, but consistently poor sleep can wreak havoc on your mental health. Lack of sleep affects mood, concentration, and ability to cope with stress. Prioritising a regular sleep routine is so important for maintaining good mental health.
3. You’re saying yes to everything.
Being a people-pleaser might make you feel helpful in the moment, but constantly agreeing to commitments you don’t really want can lead to burnout and resentment. Learning to say no and set boundaries is a must for preserving your mental energy and maintaining healthy relationships.
4. You’re skipping meals or relying on junk food.
When life gets busy, it’s easy to grab fast food or skip meals altogether. However, poor nutrition can really impact your mood and energy levels. A balanced diet is important for both physical and mental health. Making time for proper meals can improve your overall wellness, so make it a priority.
5. You’re neglecting exercise and movement.
Sitting at a desk all day and then lounging on the sofa all evening might feel relaxing, but lack of physical activity can contribute to low mood and anxiety. Regular exercise releases endorphins, improves sleep, and boosts self-esteem. Even a short daily walk can make a big difference to your mental state.
6. You’re constantly multitasking.
Trying to do multiple things at once might seem efficient, but it often leads to increased stress and decreased productivity. Constant task-switching can leave you feeling scattered and overwhelmed. Focusing on one task at a time can help reduce anxiety and improve your sense of accomplishment.
7. You’re avoiding tough conversations.
Steering clear of confrontations might seem like a way to keep the peace, but bottling up your feelings can lead to resentment and anxiety. Addressing issues head-on, while uncomfortable in the moment, can lead to better relationships and reduced stress in the long run.
8. You’re constantly checking your work emails outside of hours.
Being always available might make you feel dedicated, but it blurs the lines between work and personal life. Having a constant connection to work can lead to burnout and a lot more stress. Setting clear boundaries and having dedicated offline time is vital for mental health.
9. You’re neglecting your hobbies.
When life gets busy, it’s easy to put enjoyable activities on the back burner. However, neglecting activities that bring you joy can lead to a sense of loss and decreased life satisfaction. Making time for hobbies, even if it’s just for short periods, can significantly boost your mood and overall wellness.
10. You’re consuming too much negative news.
Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to negative news can lead to increased anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Setting limits on news consumption and balancing it with positive content can help maintain a healthier perspective. Stop doomscrolling!
11. You’re holding grudges.
Hanging on to the things and people that hurt you in the past might feel justified, but it can eat away at your mental health. Holding grudges keeps you in a negative emotional state and can affect your current relationships. Learning to forgive, not for the other person but for your own peace of mind, can be liberating.
12. You’re neglecting your living space.
A cluttered or messy living environment can contribute to feelings of chaos and stress. While it might seem trivial, maintaining a tidy living space can have a significant impact on your mental state. Regular cleaning and organising can create a sense of calm and control.
13. You’re constantly comparing yourself to other people.
Whether it’s career progress, relationships, or personal achievements, comparing yourself to other people is a guaranteed way to feel inadequate. Remember that everyone’s journey is different, and focusing on your own progress rather than other people’s success is really important for your self-esteem.
14. You’re not setting aside time for self-reflection.
It’s easy to neglect self-reflection when life gets hectic. However, not taking time to check in with yourself can lead to a disconnection from your own needs and feelings. Regular self-reflection, whether through journaling, meditation, or quiet contemplation, can help you stay grounded and aware of your mental state.
