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Writer's pictureMaz Miller

8 Bad Habits That Are Affecting Your Mental Health

Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being that often gets overlooked. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life and neglect our mental health, but the habits we engage in can have a significant impact on our mental well-being. In this article, we will explore eight common habits that can have a negative effect on mental health and discuss ways to address them.


  1. Procrastination: Putting things off until the last minute can increase stress and anxiety, as well as lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Procrastination can be a result of a variety of factors, such as perfectionism, fear of failure, or difficulty prioritizing tasks. To address procrastination, it can be helpful to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks, set deadlines for yourself, and find ways to hold yourself accountable.

  2. Neglecting self-care: Failing to take care of our physical and emotional needs can lead to feelings of exhaustion, burnout, and depression. Self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet are crucial for maintaining good mental health. It can also be helpful to make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones.

  3. Isolating oneself: Withdrawing from social connections and support can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. It's natural to feel the need for solitude at times, but it's important to maintain a balance and make an effort to connect with others. This could involve reaching out to friends and family, joining social groups or clubs, or volunteering in your community.

  4. Overthinking: Constantly ruminating on negative thoughts or dwelling on the past can lead to increased anxiety and a negative outlook on life. To address overthinking, it can be helpful to practice mindfulness techniques such as focusing on the present moment and letting go of thoughts that are not helpful. It can also be helpful to engage in activities that take your mind off of your thoughts, such as exercise or hobbies.

  5. Lack of exercise: Physical activity has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can be a simple and effective way to improve your mental health. It doesn't have to be intense exercise – even low-impact activities like walking or yoga can have a positive effect.

  6. Poor sleep hygiene: Insufficient or poor quality sleep can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties. To improve sleep hygiene, it can be helpful to establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and limit exposure to screens before bed. It may also be helpful to try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before bed.

  7. Unhealthy coping mechanisms: Turning to unhealthy behaviors like substance abuse or unhealthy eating habits to cope with stress or negative emotions can have serious consequences for our mental health. Instead of relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms, it's important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, therapy, or relaxation techniques.

  8. Negative thought patterns: Engaging in negative self-talk or dwelling on negative events can lead to decreased self-esteem and an overall negative outlook on life. To address negative thought patterns, it can be helpful to practice reframing negative thoughts into more positive ones, engaging in activities that boost self-esteem, and seeking support from a mental health professional.


It's important to be aware of these habits and make an effort to address them in order to maintain good mental health. This may involve seeking support from a mental health professional, making changes to your daily routine, or finding healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and negative emotions.


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