Habits that are affecting your mental health
We all have habits, whether they are good, bad or just random. Before writing this blog post, I tried to list some habits I have which I’d class as ‘bad’.
It’s crazy to think that we incorporate such habits that are impacting our mental health without even sub-consciously realising the impact.
It’s these kinda habits that aren’t always what first comes to mind when we think about it.
We’d usually think it’s the regular use of something, becoming hooked to the point it’s the realisation of a looming addiction. Oversleeping, smoking tobacco or a bad diet etc.
These are lifestyle choices people typically relate as unhealthy or negative because they obviously do have negative consequences eventually. In fact the simplest of behaviours we’ve adapted that can be detrimental to our mental well-being.
Such simple habits that have been so easily integrated into daily life could well just be what’s impacting us causing significant deterioration. Once such habits have been eliminated; we realise just how much they were affecting us.
What makes a habit ‘bad’ for you?
Any thing we chose to do on a regular basis can be deemed a ‘habit’, not all of which have a positive impact. If it’s taking a hit to your health/mindset, leading to longer term issues then it’s definitely worth breaking the cycle.
They can come from using such ways to feel safe or comforted from bad emotions or experiences.
For example gambling can feel like a form of escapism from life troubles. We get a buzz from it which draws us back in over and over. Once something gives us a boost of dopamine it becomes more frequent
Having an unhealthy eating habit, for me it’s comfort eating; can affect not only physical health but emotional well being too. Again because it is comforting we do it to feel better.
Another example is being around people who are toxic for you, in the end it’ll cost you your peace and happiness which takes time to recover from. You don’t always realise that people you call friends don’t have good intentions.
Long story short, if something you do often and is incorporated in daily life but is not good for your health in the long run then it is probably an unhealthy habit.
Not all unhealthy habits are so obvious
Often we adopt behaviours that we wouldn’t necessarily see as bad for our health because they don’t harm us, cost money or are illegal etc. It can be a simple behaviour such as eating a poor diet which leads to health issues we don’t want.
One major thing for me was last year when I was mentally unwell; tidying wasn’t something I done at all. The dishes wouldn’t be regularly washed, the hoovering went weeks not getting done and nothing was ever put back neatly. The whole flat was a complete mess everyday for over half a year. Since starting my recovery journey I soon learnt that a tidy home helped for a clear mind. Instead of chucking items on the floor and leaving the dishes until I could be bothered, I broke the bad habits and learnt to create healthier ones. Instead of leaving things till I could be bothered, I started to train my mind to do jobs right away. Of course that took some time to do but like any habit, it takes at least 18 days to make or break.
Every morning I would wake up, leave my bed unmade all day until I got back into it. Little things like this over time affects your mood because going home to a messy place will bring you down. The same as waking up to an environment which is untidy or unorganised can affect the mood for the day.
Excusing actions
Sometimes the habit in question is so simple that it’s a life choice you have just become custom to over years; for example I used to make excuses a lot (and I mean a lot).
I’d excuse my actions (or lack of them) in order to not feel so guilty, that’s a bad habit.
Excuses made to justify a life choice which has a negative impact, will never be a good habit to acquire.
Several times I’ve tried to excuse my actions to feel less blame on myself. It is crazy but as humans we do it a lot. It can be perfectly reasonable to defend yourself in certain circumstances though. Self compassion and personal understanding is important to heal as well as grow.
There’s undeniably a strong difference between the innocent self justification compared to rationalising choices which you know are not right. Justifying a needed rest day to recharge and rationalising an action that has hurt another person or myself in a destructive manner are different.
Being way too nice can affect your mental health
A bad habit I’ve recently noticed personally (always had) is trying so hard to see the good within people who have given every reason not to. Now I will admit I have done this for a very long time, Yes it’s good to have such a kind, pure heart. Sadly eventually I l had to learn the hard way that if someone has a negative effect on your peace, it’ll impact your mood in the long run.
Believe me when I say, eventually you will become a product of the environment you chose to surround yourself in.
Remember:
1. Sometimes a persons interest in knowing you isn’t because of pure intentions rather how beneficial it is.
2.Know what you bring to the table and with that don’t ever be afraid to eat alone.
3. If it’s costing inner peace and state of mind then run don’t walk. Yeah it might hurt. The thing is; sadness from within when a person takes advantage of the kindness that you possess or treats you wrong hurts a whole lot more.
Be yourself, everyone else is taken
Lastly, living your life to impress others.
A habit that should be kicked by literally everyone because of how damaging it can be. No one should ever have to work so hard to feel accepted. Especially to the point you aren’t even recognising yourself anymore. Losing sight of who you are to seek validation off others isn’t healthy or good for you so let’s ditch that one.
To conclude..
Choosing to kick a unhealthy habit is to improve the one thing that matters more than anything. Your peace, health and well being. Putting a conscious effort into ones health, body and mind is the biggest investment you’ll ever make. One that is worthwhile too!
Work on you, for you honey.
Sincerely,
Abbey x