10 Bad Habits That Are Harmful To your Mental Health

Depression is the commonest mental problem people are facing. It is mostly triggered by factors that we cannot control like problems at work, economic troubles, or loss of a loved one. However, each day we might make several small choices which in a long turn would affect our mood, hence mental health. Here are a few of those bad habits which are harmful to your mental health.

You’re clicking almost everything

Well, while you’re busy clicking the photographs you’re actually missing the actual event. In a study published in Psychological Science, the subjects visited a museum. They were asked to observe some objects directly, while click pictures of others. In the end, they remembered the objects that they had actually seen, while had only faint to no memories of the objects they had clicked.

The truth is while your attention is diverted in clicking images you cannot concentrate on the main object or enjoy the event.

Tip: If you’re taking pictures focus on the subjects or event, instead on the camera. Better still, don’t click pictures but be a part of the moment. You’ll be able to enjoy more and eventually feel much better.

You’re slouching while walking

Weird as it may sound, a study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry has established that the manner we walk can have an effect on our mood. Individuals who walked with shoulders hunched and without moving their arms experienced worse moods than those who walked more energetically. The former subjects even remembered more negative things than the positive ones.

Tip: When you walk keep your shoulders rolled back and chin high, and you’ll feel the difference in your mood towards the positive side.

You’re not sleeping enough

Sleep plays a vital role in both physical and mental health. During sleep the body repairs itself. Without sleep your body would crumble, beginning with terrible effects on your mood.

Tip: You must follow a proper sleep hygiene. There are several bad habits like late night use of smartphones, watching late night television, working out late etc.

You’re not working out

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry if you’re more active at least three times a week, the risk of depression decreases by 19%. When you’re physically more active your mood elevates and you’re better prepared for facing difficult situations than when you’re inactive.

Tip: You need to get active. If nothing just go out and walk. Even walking to routine errands, using stairs to elevators etc. would help a great deal. Working out on a regular basis is the best.

You have a troubled relationship

Problems in a relationship is one of the major causes of depression. What’s worse is that people won’t even realize it most of the times and would not accept it. It gets shoddier when your partners makes you believe that you’re unworthy, inferior or selfish.

Tip: Most often you’re require help from someone else. Foremost thing to do is cross check if problem is really the reason behind your problems. Read up about the signs to compare. Talk to a professional, your close friend or family member to help you realize the problem and deal with it.

You’re procrastinating things

When you’re putting off a task for long, the longer you wait, difficult it gets to complete it. If you’re procrastinating because you don’t have time, you don’t feel like doing it, or you find it boring, there’s not much that can be done except motivating yourself. However, if the reason is that you feel anxious doing it, or afraid of a failure, then procrastinating would only make it worse.

Tip: To help you take care of the anxiety you may take help of things like listening to music, jogging, etc. to lighten your stress.

You’re taking life too seriously

You spill a glass of water during a dinner, rather than shrugging it off you shrink in embarrassment. If you can relate yourself with this situation, then you need to find yourself ways to enjoy life more. Disquieting yourself over trivial things only takes you closer to depression. It’s necessary to bring some humor in your life. There are many benefits of laughter including improving mental health.

Tip: Add humor to your routine life. Watch comedy shows, hang out with friends with good sense of humor. Spending time with children can also help a lot as children are pure minded and rich on humor both intentionally and unintentionally.

You’re not social in real life

If you rely on social networking to connect with your friends, then it’s no social life. You must realize that social media is entertainment not communication. There are many experiences you miss out. It’s difficult to attach yourself emotionally through social networks. In the end you’re still alone despite having a number of social friends.

Tip: Go out often. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have but how many real friends you meet regularly. At least plan one date with your partner, friend, or family member each week.

You can’t stay away from your smartphone

People are getting addicted with smartphones, tablets and other devices. In fact, a majority of people suffer from NoMoPhobia (No mobile phobia) and cannot stay away from their phones at all. These devices are overstimulating you, thus keeping your brain away from rest. No rest means no regeneration of your mind and body. In the end, it worsens mental health, and may lead to anxiety or depression.

Tip: Remember that the gadgets are for your ease and not for trouble. Do not let them take over you. Observe at least a mobile-free day in a week.

Allowing yourself to get bullied

Bullying isn’t limited only to schools. Even working individuals might get bullied at some point. Bullying can be emotionally devastating and leave you weak and vulnerable at the mental level.

Tip: Rather than letting yourself bullied, stand up to it and find a solution. It’s recommended that you contact your doctor and discuss your physical and mental health. Follow the advice based on your scenario.