If you are drained, angry, bitter, and have a lot of inner pain going on in your life, then you may have knowingly or unknowingly exposed yourself to pains that could be avoided or unavoided and at the very least, mitigated as quickly as possible.
A lot of pain that we go through in life is basically hurts we can decide not to expose ourselves to but because we are human and we need time and experience to be able to put together our thoughts and feelings, we find ourselves learning too late.
Our mental health is a fragile system that could crash if managed poorly.
I for one believe we should struggle with unforeseen circumstances and things beyond our control rather than having to deal with things that we can control and having them control us and bring out the worst in us.
When you hate your life and you can’t figure out why you cannot develop genuine happiness and be at peace with yourself, then it is time to take your time to sit down, track your life, understand the things that you may have done that have shifted the natural happiness and inner peace you’re supposed to enjoy as a human.
It’s easy to fall into patterns of behavior that slowly chip away at our mental well-being. We often engage in bad habits without realizing the impact they have on our mental health.
However, identifying and addressing these detrimental behaviors is crucial for fostering a positive mindset and cultivating emotional resilience.
Here are some common bad habits that may be silently eroding your mental health and causing mental health problems, and provide actionable strategies to break free from their grip.
13 Horrible Habits That Are Ruining Your Mental Health
1. Excessive Worrying and Overthinking
Endlessly ruminating over past events or fixating on future uncertainties can take a toll on mental health. Overthinking often leads to distorted perceptions, increased stress levels, and impaired decision-making abilities.
To break free from this cycle, practice mindfulness, and grounding techniques to stay present in the moment.
Challenge negative thoughts, engage in relaxation exercises, and seek support from loved ones or professionals when it seems out of your control.
Related: 3 Life Hacks to Help You Overcome Suicidal Thoughts And The Pains of Failure
2. Bottling Up Emotions
Suppressing or ignoring emotions is a habit that many people fall into, mistakenly believing it will protect them from pain or vulnerability, or class.
However, repressing emotions only leads to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from oneself.
Cultivate emotional intelligence by allowing yourself to feel and express a range of emotions. Find healthy outlets such as journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking therapy to process and navigate complex emotions.
When you eel the need to express emotions, do so immediately and worry about classlessness later (lol)
B**** don’t give a f***, tell that lady she’s making you angry Express that damn emotions, okay. thank you.
3. Perfectionism and Unrealistic Expectations
Striving for perfection and setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves can be incredibly detrimental to our mental health.
The constant pressure to meet impossibly high standards often leads to self-criticism, anxiety, and a fear of failure.
Embrace self-compassion and adopt a growth mindset. Set realistic goals, celebrate small victories, and remind yourself that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth.
Always aim at achieving goals with a long-term benchmark, do not give yourself unrealistic expectations that will not in any way be helpful.
Related: Goal Setting Techniques: How to Set & Achieve Goals In Life
4. Lack of Boundaries
Failing to establish and enforce personal boundaries can result in feeling overwhelmed, resentful, and emotionally drained. Saying “yes” to every request or being constantly available to others can compromise your mental health.
Funny enough, alot of people you are constantly been available to and unable to say no to will never be there for you when you need them.
You may likely require assistance and you may get more no’s than yes, so learn how to find a middle ground for yourself.
Learn to prioritize your needs and communicate assertively when necessary. Respect your personal limits and politely decline or delegate tasks that exceed your capacity.
5. Mindless Social Media Consumption
With the rise of social media platforms, it’s no surprise that excessive and mindless scrolling has become a common habit.
Constantly comparing ourselves to others, feeling inadequate, and encountering a barrage of negative news can fuel anxiety and decrease self-esteem.
In today’s Society, social media does more harm than good especially to people who do not know how to manage emotions.
Combat this habit by setting boundaries for social media usage, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing real-world connections.
Related: How to Break The Addiction to Your Phone
6. Neglecting Self-Care
Amidst the chaos of daily life, it’s easy to neglect self-care, putting the needs of others before our own. However, consistently neglecting self-care can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and a decline in mental well-being.
Prioritize activities that rejuvenate and recharge you, such as exercise, quality sleep, hobbies, and spending time in nature. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for maintaining a healthy mind.
7. Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate sleep, can significantly impact mental well-being.
Engaging in these habits disrupts the delicate balance of our mind-body connection, leading to mood swings, decreased cognitive function, and increased susceptibility to mental health issues.
Prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and moderation in alcohol consumption to optimize your mental health.
Related: 14 Ways to Self-Improve & Become a Better Version Of Yourself
8. Excessive Workaholism
While hard work is commendable, an excessive obsession with work can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and strained personal relationships.
Constantly sacrificing leisure time, neglecting personal boundaries, and failing to achieve a work-life balance can erode mental well-being.
Practice setting boundaries, prioritize self-care, and allow yourself time for relaxation, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones.
It will be of no use if you overwork yourself and develop health challenges.
9. Procrastination and Avoidance
Procrastination and avoiding tasks may provide temporary relief, but they contribute to increased stress levels and a sense of guilt and incompetence.
This habit perpetuates a cycle of unmet deadlines, rushed work, and decreased self-esteem. Combat procrastination by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, setting realistic deadlines, and practicing effective time management techniques.
Celebrate your accomplishments along the way to boost motivation.
Related: HOW TO STOP BEING LAZY AND BECOME INSANELY PRODUCTIVE
10. Negative Self-Talk
The way we speak to ourselves matters. Engaging in constant self-criticism, negative self-talk, and internalizing past failures can lead to low self-esteem and a distorted self-perception.
Challenge negative thoughts by cultivating self-compassion and practicing positive affirmations. Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting influences that nurture a positive mindset.
11. Isolating Yourself
Humans are social beings, and isolation can take a toll on mental health. Withdrawing from social activities, avoiding social interactions, and feeling disconnected from others can contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Make an effort to maintain and nurture relationships, whether through regular social engagements, joining interest-based groups, or seeking professional support. Building a support network is crucial for maintaining good mental health.
12. Constant Multitasking
In today’s digital age, multitasking has become the norm. However, constantly dividing your attention among multiple tasks can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress levels, and decreased focus.
Engage in mindfulness practices, practice single-tasking, and prioritize deep work by focusing on one task at a time. This approach promotes efficiency, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental well-being.
13. Excessive Self-Comparison
Constantly comparing yourself to others, particularly through social media, can foster feelings of inadequacy, envy, and decreased self-worth. Remember that social media often presents a curated highlight reel, not an accurate representation of reality.
Focus on your own unique journey, set realistic goals, and celebrate your achievements without comparing them to others.
Cultivate gratitude for what you have and shift your attention to personal growth and self-improvement.
You can take proactive steps toward improving your mental health. Breaking free from these patterns may require patience, perseverance, and a willingness to seek support when needed.
Embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and gradually replace these harmful habits with positive and empowering alternatives.
Everything may seem easier said than done but it can’t be done and can also be done well.
Small changes can lead to significant transformations in your mental well-being, paving the way for a happier, healthier life.
