15 Worst Habits that Can Harm Your Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health. Good mental health improves the quality of our lives. It affects how we feel, act, think, and cope with life. It also helps us make better decisions and choices while dealing with people and our surroundings. Sometimes, the smallest of habits, unknowingly, affect us in so many ways that it almost destroys our daily routine and activities.

Here are a few habits that can harm your mental health which should be corrected before it’s too late. But before that it is important to understand what causes a problem with mental health.

What Causes Mental Health Problems?

There are many factors that cause bad mental health. No one can actually point out the exact cause as this is multifactorial. Take a look at the list below:

• Stress
• Childhood abuse
• Death of close people
• Discrimination
• Unemployment
• Physical causes
• Genetic disorders
• Poverty

Worst Mental Health Habits

Sometimes the stress and strain you carry in your life might be due to the life experiences and situations you have been through. Your genes, biological factors - all can add up to this. If it’s caused due to your own health habits, try fixing them soon.

1. Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle can harm your mental as well as physical health to a greater extend. Lack of physical activity can increase depression too. It can be vanished by simply taking a 20-minute walk at least 3 to 4 times a week.

2. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is our body’s way of recovery from stress without which like any object, it too malfunctions. It affects our emotional and mental capabilities. Learn to switch off your gadgets, at least 2 hours before you sleep and do some daily relaxing rituals like having a warm bath, listening to music and turning off lights to lull your senses and get some sound sleep.

3. Being in a Toxic Relationship

People are often not able to identify what is causing their partner to behave in a certain way that is affecting their self-esteem, peace of mind and what not. By the time one realize they are in a toxic bond it normally will be late. It is always better to seek professional help or ask help from a supportive friend to get out of the circle, be it a friend or partner who ever it is, before it’s too late.

4. Procrastination

It is rightly said that procrastination is the assassination of your inspiration. If there is that task that you have been avoiding, may be you are bored or lazy. But if you are not doing it because you don’t want to fail or you are anxious, make sure you don’t have to regret it later. Finish off whatever it is and feel good about yourself, that’s the rule of a positive mind.

5. Taking Pictures

Instagram and selfies are now directing the world to a much-complicated scenario called self-obsession. The other fact is, when we view things through the lens we don’t actually look at the real scenario. This gives an immense sense of incompletion and ability to remember moments.

6. Don’t Take Life Too Seriously

If you let another person or comments take you over and make you feel cranky, you are overly sensitive. Come on, don’t take life too seriously! Shrug it off and walk off confidently; build a space around you so no one can affect you without your permission.

7. Slouching

Slouching makes you look and feel more depressed and can affect your mental health. Walk with your head high, chin up and back straight. Don’t slouch to feel better in every way, including mentally and emotionally.

8. Multi-Tasking Syndrome

We believe multi-tasking makes us more productive, whereas in reality it leaves us stressed and affects our abilities. Next time, rather than trying to do several things simultaneously, such as checking your Facebook page while eating, let your brain relax and just focus on enjoying your food. Do only one thing at a time and do it to the best of your abilities to feel happy and content.

9. Social Media

This is an inevitable part of our daily life now, which makes your mind and hand both active whole day but not to its best. Take your eyes off and try to embrace life, look the beautiful life and world around and try to be more productive with the task at hand.

10. Being a Perfectionist

When you try to keep everything perfect, it causes a lot of stress and tension. This can lead to a whole lot of emotional disorders and anxiety. Try to calm yourself and be happy with what you are able to do and stop worrying about the rest.

11. Tolerating Negative People

Some people are the biggest energy drainers. Once you identify these negative and naysayers, it is best to keep your distance from them. It will keep you in a more positive frame of mind and also protect your self-esteem.

12. Eating Junk Food

Most of us eat junk food when we are not in a good mood or when we feel low. This just adds to your calories and does not take away your problems. Eat healthy food and feel good about your choices for better mental health.

13. Past is Ghost

Constantly dwelling in past painful memories will make you unhappy, miserable and frustrated. You cannot do anything about what is done. Leave your past behind and think of the bright future that awaits you. It will help improve your mental health.

14. Asking Other People’s Opinion

We tend to ask other people their opinion when we are not confident of our choices. This can drain a lot of energy and leave us feeling insecure. Practice making small decisions and being happy with your choices.

15. Isolating Yourself

Remember, no man is an island. Isolating oneself can lead to worry, loneliness, depression and misery. Start going out and take care of yourself. Learn to socialize and mingle with positive people who can motivate you to improve and succeed.

How to Improve Your Mental Health?

You can improve your health by keeping in mind the following things:

• Surround yourself with good people
• Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism
• Take care of your body
• Give yourself what you deserve
• Give your mind some rest
• Find the right balance between work and play
• Build and maintain fulfilling relationships
• Change your habits to change your life

Finally, your mind and body are what makes you complete. Change your habits and change your life. If you take note of the habits that can harm your mental health, you will be able to lead a more fulfilling life. So, go ahead and try and eliminate those negative habits from your life and your mind and body will thank you for it.