We all have daily habits and routines that we don’t think twice about because they’re that ingrained in our lives.
However, not all of the things you do are completely harmless. In fact, you may have certain patterns of behaviour that are actively harming your mental health, even if you don’t realise it. Here are some of the most damaging things far too many of us are guilty of that we should be doing far less of. (By the way, if you’re really struggling with mental health and unsure what to do about it, reach out to your GP, a mental health professional, or Samaritans at 116 123.)
1. Constantly checking social media
Scrolling through Instagram or Facebook may seem harmless, but spending too much time on social media can seriously mess with your head. It can lead to comparing yourself to other people, feeling left out, and wasting time. Plus, late-night scrolling can mess with your sleep, which just makes everything worse. Cutting back can help you feel more grounded and present.
2. Skipping meals more than you should
Skipping meals might seem like a quick way to save time, but it’s a fast track to feeling moody and foggy. Without proper fuel, your body and brain just don’t function well. You might notice you’re more irritable, less focused, or anxious when you haven’t eaten. Regular, balanced meals can keep your energy levels and mood steady throughout the day.
3. Not taking your sleep seriously
Good sleep is everything when it comes to mental health. If you’re staying up late, staring at screens, or keeping an irregular sleep schedule, you’re likely to feel groggy and stressed during the day. Lack of sleep impacts your ability to cope with stress and can leave you feeling emotionally fried. Prioritising good sleep habits, like setting a bedtime or avoiding screens before bed, can seriously improve your overall mood.
4. Saying yes too much
Saying yes to everything might make you feel helpful, but it can quickly lead to burnout. When you stretch yourself too thin, you end up feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and like you’re never in control of your own time. Learning to say no and setting boundaries around your commitments can save your energy and sanity.
5. Obsessing over past mistakes
We’ve all replayed embarrassing or bad moments in our heads, but constantly going over past mistakes is a mental trap. It drags your mood down and chips away at your self-esteem. Over time, this can lead to feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. Letting go and focusing on the present is key to breaking this cycle.
6. Drinking far too much caffeine
That extra coffee in the morning might seem harmless, but too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, and restless nights. If you’re drinking coffee all day to keep going, it could be making your mental health worse, especially if it’s interfering with your ability to relax and sleep well.
7. Putting off important tasks
Putting things off might feel like you’re avoiding stress in the short term, but procrastination usually leads to bigger problems later. The longer you delay, the more anxious and overwhelmed you become, which can affect your confidence and happiness. Tackling tasks head-on (even small ones) helps reduce the stress snowball.
8. Not moving your body enough
Exercise isn’t just good for your body, it’s crucial for your mental well-being. If you’re sitting all day and not moving much, it can leave you feeling sluggish, anxious, or even depressed. Getting outside for a walk, going to the gym, or doing a home workout can boost your mood and help manage stress.
9. Needing validation all the time
While it’s natural to want approval, always relying on other people for validation can harm your self-worth. If you’re constantly waiting for compliments or reassurance, it can lead to anxiety and make you feel like you’re never enough. Learning to validate yourself is key for building confidence and independence.
10. Avoiding tough talks
It might feel easier to dodge tough discussions, but avoiding them only makes problems bigger. Bottling up your feelings can lead to resentment and stress, which can strain your relationships and mental health. Facing conversations head-on, even when they’re uncomfortable, helps resolve issues and keeps your mind clearer.
11. Talking down to yourself
Telling yourself you’re not good enough, smart enough, or attractive enough can seriously damage your mental health. That little voice inside your head can be your worst critic if you let it run wild. Over time, this kind of thinking can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. Changing your inner dialogue to be kinder and more supportive is crucial.
12. Letting people walk all over you
Not setting boundaries with people can lead to feeling used, overwhelmed, and resentful. If you’re always saying yes to things you don’t want to do or letting people overstep your comfort zones, it takes a toll on your mental health. Establishing clear boundaries and sticking to them helps protect your emotional well-being.
13. Drinking more than is good for you
Having a drink to unwind is common, but drinking too much or too often can negatively affect your mood and mental clarity. Alcohol can disrupt sleep, heighten anxiety, and worsen feelings of depression. Keeping an eye on your alcohol intake and cutting back can improve both your mental and physical health.
14. Ignoring your hobbies and interests
When life gets busy, it’s easy to push aside the things you enjoy. But ignoring hobbies and personal passions can lead to burnout and a loss of identity. Taking time for the activities that make you happy is a key part of maintaining good mental health and feeling more fulfilled overall.
