When you’re feeling down, you should try to lift yourself up again — but not all of us do that.
Source: Unsplash In fact, a lot of us are guilty of wallowing, and even doing things that actually end up making us feel worse about ourselves. Here are some of the ways we self-sabotage and ultimately end up making things a lot harder on ourselves than they should be.
1. We compare ourselves to influencers, celebrities, and even peers on social media.
Source: Unsplash Scrolling through perfectly curated Instagram feeds can leave us feeling like rubbish. We forget that people only show their highlight reels online, not the messy reality. Taking regular breaks from social media can help us stop the comparison game and feel better about ourselves.
2. We don’t get enough sleep.
Staying up late binge-watching our favourite shows might seem fun, but it’s a recipe for feeling groggy and irritable the next day. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can do wonders for our mood and energy levels.
3. We skip meals or eat junk food.
When we’re busy or stressed, it’s tempting to grab fast food or skip meals altogether. But this can lead to blood sugar crashes and mood swings. Making time for regular, balanced meals helps keep our energy stable and our minds clear.
4. We procrastinate on important tasks.
Putting off that work project or house chore might feel good in the moment, but it often leads to stress and self-criticism later. Breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can make them less daunting and easier to tackle.
5. We neglect exercise.
It’s easy to make excuses to skip the gym, but regular exercise is vital for both physical and mental health. Even a short walk or quick yoga session can boost our mood and energy. Finding things we enjoy makes it easier to stay active.
6. We dwell on past mistakes.
Replaying our embarrassing moments or poor decisions on a loop doesn’t change the past—it just makes us feel awful. Learning to forgive ourselves and focus on the present can help break this negative thought cycle.
7. We isolate ourselves when we’re feeling down.
When we’re feeling low, it’s tempting to hide away from the world. But isolating ourselves often makes things worse. Reaching out to friends or family, even for a quick chat, can provide valuable support and perspective.
8. We set unrealistic expectations for ourselves.
Aiming high is great, but setting impossible standards sets us up for disappointment. Learning to set achievable goals and celebrate small victories along the way can boost our confidence and motivation.
9. We neglect self-care.
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. But neglecting basic self-care like hygiene, relaxation, and hobbies can leave us feeling drained and unfulfilled. Making time for activities that recharge us is essential.
10. We engage in negative self-talk.
The way we talk to ourselves matters. Constant self-criticism and negative inner dialogue can seriously impact our self-esteem. PPractisingself-compassion and challenging negative thoughts can help us be kinder to ourselves.
11. We avoid difficult conversations.
Sweeping issues under the rug might seem easier than confronting them, but unresolved conflicts can weigh heavily on our minds. Learning to communicate openly and honestly, even when it’s uncomfortable, can lead to better relationships and peace of mind.
12. We overcommit ourselves.
Saying yes to every invitation or request can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Learning to set boundaries and prioritise our time and energy helps us avoid burnout and maintain a healthier balance in life.
13. We ignore our physical health.
Skipping doctor’s appointments or ignoring minor health issues can lead to bigger problems down the line. Taking care of our physical health, including regular check-ups, is an important part of overall well-being.
14. We spend too much time indoors.
With busy schedules and digital distractions, it’s easy to spend most of our time inside. But lack of fresh air and natural light can affect our mood and energy. Making an effort to get outside, even briefly, can give us a much-needed boost.
15. We forget to practice gratitude.
When life gets tough, it’s easy to focus on the negatives. But taking time to appreciate the good things, no matter how small, can shift our perspective and improve our overall outlook. Keeping a gratitude journal or sharing daily highlights with friends can make this a habit.
