We all have vices. Usually, we think about these bad habits affecting our physical health. But did you know that some of your bad habits could also affect your mental health? In this article, we’ll discuss 10 detrimental habits that you need to quit today.
1. Being Attached to Your Phone
Data gathered by Harmony Healthcare IT found that on average, Americans spend 4 hours and 37 minutes per day on their phones, which is about 70 days per year. According to the Columbia Department of Psychiatry, the constant stream of notifications can lead to increased stress. Also, the light on our phones can interrupt how well we sleep. Especially if you are on social media a lot, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
2. Working After Hours
If you never turn off work and have downtime you won’t unwind. This can quickly lead to burnout. If you are feeling drained, can’t cope with stress, are extra irritable, or aren’t able to sleep, you may be burnt out. To make positive changes, seek support from your co-workers, boss, or mental health professional.
3. Drinking Too Much
Aside from negative health effects, drinking too much can be bad for your mental stability. Alcohol changes our brain chemistry. Alcohol, a depressant, disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in the brain. This can affect feelings, thoughts, and behavior. While you may feel relaxed when you drink this can wear off quickly. You may be left feeling sad, depressed, or anxious.
4. Nail Biting
Nail biting is linked to mental health conditions. Known as onychophagia, it can be a destructive habit that is usually brought on by stress. This can be an indicator of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. A good first step to beating this bad habit is acknowledgment. Then behavior modification techniques can help you stop nail biting.
5. Keeping to Yourself
Socialization is key for mental stability. If you are in the bad habit of keeping to yourself, you may need to interact with others more. Social isolation has been linked to risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. A 2023 Gallup study based on a survey involving over 100,000 participants across 142 countries revealed that nearly a quarter of the global population felt “very lonely” or “fairly lonely”.
6. Slouching
You’ve probably been told more than once to sit up straight. But did you know that posture can have an effect on mental health? There is a link between posture and anxiety. Sitting up and standing up straight can boost your confidence and energy levels.
7. Taking Pictures of Everything
Are you always taking pictures of everything for social media? Constantly taking pictures can have an effect on how we remember the moment. We may hinder our ability to recall by being distracted by taking photos. You may need to break this bad habit if you want mental stability.
8. Procrastinating
Are you constantly waiting till the last minute? Research has linked procrastination to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. According to the American Psychological Association, procrastination can also play a role in ADHD, OCD, and several other conditions. While procrastination might feel better in the short term, the long-term effects on mental health are not worth it.
9. Multitasking
Are brains aren’t built for multitasking. In reality, when we multitask we actually get less done. Instead, we are left disorganized and stressed out. Instead of multitasking, try blocking out your time in shorter increments for better productivity.
10. Perfectionism
No one is perfect. Constantly chasing perfection will only leave you feeling hollow. While some say that perfectionism is a strength, it isn’t an adaptive behavior. Failing to meet your ideas of perfection can be very stressful. If you want mental stability, you should work on letting go of perfectionism.
Breaking Bad Habits
Releasing yourself from bad habits can not only improve your mental health but can help you feel happier. While breaking some of your bad habits may take work, overall it will be worth it. Especially, if you want to achieve mental stability, there’s no place for self-destructive habits.