Mental health has been brought to the forefront of discussions in the modern world because it is now understood as a significant part of your overall well-being. Even so, many people don’t take the proper action to support their mental health and even practice daily habits that hinder it. Some don’t even realize that these routine habits are detrimental to their mental health, so they continue doing them. Identifying certain practices in your life that negatively impact your mental health can be the difference in your general wellbeing. Then, you can begin living your life to your fullest potential. These are common bad habits that negatively impact your mental health.
Social media is an excellent tool for staying connected to friends, reading the news, and finding funny videos. These may seem positive, but there is a darker side to social media that you may not realize. Many people that use social media daily find themselves comparing their life to others. Comparing yourself to others can be easy to do, as pictures and statuses only show a snapshot of people’s lives. With filters and more, it is no wonder that someone can seem to have a perfect life. These comparisons often result in feelings of depression and anxiety.
However, it is essential to remember that social media can only show so much. People aren’t going to post their lowest moments but instead, show off their proudest ones. This can make it easier to compare yourself to others and harbor feelings of jealousy, causing you to miss out on the positives, such as connecting with friends. Reducing your social media time can help you break this habit and live a happier life.
During the times of COVID-19, many people have found themselves stuck at home for most of their day. This has caused many to take the opportunity to enjoy home life by vegging out on the couch, watching TV, and eating junk food. While this may seem fun at first, living a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact your mental health.
Exercise and movement cause your brain to release endorphins, the chemicals that help you feel pleasure. When you become a couch potato, you deprive your brain of the activity that helps produce these chemicals. Exercising can also help you relieve stress and anxiety symptoms, so it is recommended to get off the couch and move every once in a while.
Staying up late watching your favorite TV show is a good idea for one night on the weekend, but not every day. Sleep is crucial to maintaining good mental and physical help because it allows your body and mind to rest. Not sleeping can affect your mood, energy levels, motivation, and mental health. If you are sleep deprived, you are more likely to struggle with depression and anxiety, which can cause more sleep deprivation.
To avoid falling into this habit, set a strict sleep schedule to adhere to, even on the weekends. Developing a plan for sleep will ensure you are getting enough sleep and keep your body on a schedule so you can get the most out of your rest.
In the wake of the global pandemic, it is understandable to stay inside to keep yourself and others safe. However, getting your daily dose of fresh air is crucial to maintaining good mental health. Breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on your skin is good for your mind. Staying indoors can keep you in the dark for extended periods, which can profoundly affect your mental health, causing depression symptoms.
Getting out of the house safely can improve your depression and even help you sleep better. Also, you may be having depression symptoms due to vitamin D deficiency from being inside too often. Going outside will help you combat this and improve your overall health.
Everyone loves a good bag of chips or a delicious chocolate chip cookie, and while it isn’t wrong to enjoy these from time to time, you definitely shouldn’t be eating them every day. Some people eat foods that are incredibly unhealthy, which can have a significant impact on mental health. Eating foods that are high in sugar, fat, or highly processed can worsen your mental health causing symptoms of anxiety depression.
Instead of constantly snacking on junk, consider incorporating foods with fiber, vitamins, and whole grains to improve your mental and physical health. You will notice a difference simply from eating, so why not give it a try?
There are many everyday habits that people practice daily that have a significant impact on mental health. In fact, some of your favorite hobbies and habits can be the culprits of declining mental health. By examining your daily routines, you can identify which practices may not be supporting your wellbeing and worsening your mental health. From there, you can begin replacing these habits with healthier ones that are more conducive to your mental health. If you have trouble navigating this process or just need extra support, NorthStar Transitions has your back. We provide personalized treatment programs for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health using a combination of traditional and holistic techniques. Set in beautiful Colorado, our facility offers the perfect setting to heal and find your best self. To learn more about our programs, call us at (303) 558-6400. The healing journey to the best version of yourself begins at NorthStar.
