Who we are and how we feel is the sum of small daily actions and habits: how much do you do for yourself and your mental health. Some indicators and signs may suggest that your emotional well-being is not at its best, and behind that deterioration, it is necessary, from time to time, to do a little review. Maybe there is something we are not doing right.
If you are not sleeping well, if your appetite has changed significantly if you can’t cope with tiredness, if you find it hard to concentrate, it is important to listen to your body; it’s trying to tell you something. According to data from the Pan American Health Organization, depressive and anxiety disorders are the leading causes of disability in the world.
In addition, last year over 48 thousand people took their lives, and the regional age-adjusted suicide rate increased by 17% between 2000 and 2019. And for a variety of reasons we do not treat ourselves: eight out of ten people with a serious mental illness do not receive treatment.
All good there? Although they may seem harmless at the time, some of these habits may be silently undermining our mental health.
1. Prioritizing Your Work
I know… there’s no other way, but remember that overworking yourself can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Set healthy limits on your workday and find a balance between your professional and personal life.
2. Lack of Consistent Sleep
Sleep is essential for mental health. Lack of sleep can affect mood, concentration, and decision-making. Establish a regular sleep routine and prioritize quality rest.
3. Overexposure to Social Media
Social media can encourage constant comparison with others, which can undermine self-esteem and lead to anxiety. Instead of comparing yourself, focus on your progress and achievements.
4. Preferring ‘stillness,’ Saving Yourself the Trip, Saving You the Hassle…
A sedentary lifestyle can affect mental health as much as physical health. Incorporate regular physical activity into your day, as exercise releases mood-enhancing endorphins.
5. Avoid Talking About Your Feelings
Not expressing your emotions can increase stress and emotional tension. Find a trusted friend or therapist with whom you can talk openly about your feelings.
6. Denying Stress
Ignoring stress instead of addressing it can lead to long-term mental health problems. Learn to recognize and manage stress effectively, whether through meditation, yoga, or therapy.
7. Eating for the Sake of Eating
Diet plays an important role in mental health. Consuming unhealthy foods, having disordered eating habits, or skipping meals can affect the chemical balance in the brain. Prioritize a balanced and mindful diet.
8. Isolate Yourself
Prolonged social isolation can lead to depression and loneliness. Maintain meaningful connections with friends and family, even if it’s through phone calls or video calls.
9. Postponing Seeking Professional Help
If you are experiencing mental health problems, don’t put off seeking professional help. Counseling can be critical to overcoming emotional obstacles.
10. Discarding Resources Such as Meditation
We avoid what we don’t know, have you tried meditating? Meditation is a practice that can have numerous benefits for mental health and overall well-being.
In meditation, the goal is to direct attention to the present moment and away from everyday distractions and worries. Through consistent practice, people can develop greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, as well as learn to observe them without judging them or reacting impulsively.
If you don’t know how to do it, there are videos on YouTube, audio on Spotify, and apps available on iOS and Android, that offer guided meditations and different resources to work on your daily well-being.
Identifying and addressing these everyday habits that can undermine your mental health is a crucial step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Always remember that taking care of your emotional well-being is a worthwhile investment in yourself.
This story was written in Spanish by Cora Bravo in Cultura Colectiva
