Unlearning and getting rid of unhealthy habits is always like unloading huge baggage from your shoulders. Some bad habits are detrimental and harmful in every aspect of our lives, sometimes we get used to a certain habit, make it part of our lifestyle without knowing how negatively it affects our personal growth.

One thing we should also know is that some of these habits we grew up learning have a large impact on our mental health. Mental health is often overlooked or ignored because we feel we are too busy with our daily lives. In as much as we pay keen attention to our physical health, it is imperative we pay the same attention to our mental life, our mental have a hand controlling our mental health.

Bad habits are easy to take up and it takes less time to become a part of your lifestyle, there may be others that you find so comfortable and appealing, however, it is good to identify them and get rid of them by all means.

Just like a snake sheds off its old skin in a painful, so should we as humans also try and shed off some of these bad habits. Some of these habits may not be mentioned here, but you can identify those that you feel are harmful to your mental health and tear them off your mind.

The following are some of the crucial habits that could be negatively impacting your mental health.

Neglecting Sleep

How has your sleeping pattern been? Do you find yourself scrolling up and down your phone and complaining that you cannot sleep?  Get rid of that habit now! Your body may be getting used to it but how do you feel after waking up in the morning after not getting the right amount of sleep? To be honest, I have found myself in such a situation before and it takes discipline and a strict routine to effectively develop such a habit, but the aftermath of paying attention to your sleeping pattern is very helpful.

Having a good night's sleep helps you recharge your batteries, improve your moods and feelings and help you sharpen your focus. That is why you should not make decisions when you are stressed or you have a lot going on in your mind.

From research, sleep deprivation can cause several mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress.  That is why it's important to ensure that you're getting enough sleep each night.

After I changed my sleeping pattern, a lot of things changed in my physical and mental health. Therefore, aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.

Not Taking Breaks

I know it is hard to break when you have a lot on your schedule, but breaks can make you more productive than sitting and working for straight hours. When you are absorbed in your work, try to take 5 mins breaks to relax your nerves and see how effective that can be.   Most people skip breaks which often leads to burnout and preventable stress.

Overworking

Hello, working human, don’t overwork yourself, prioritise your health first, and do what you can do.  Overworking can have serious damage to your mental health and physical health. Work is important, it is our source of livelihood and survival and to some, a source of happiness, but try not to make it work you out. Try to make a healthy life balance by scheduling in a way that does not stress you out in any form, do not work overtime and leave work in the office, and use your free time to relax and recharge, it is worth it.

Poor Diet

Take your food as your medicine so that you don’t later take your medicine as food

The food that goes into your body can have a lot of effects on your mental health. Dedicating to eating a healthy and balanced diet can help you improve your mood; reduce stress and your holistic well-being.  It is observed that most people munch on anything they find so long as they are hungry, paying attention to your food does not imply that you become too picky with what you eat, this can also turn into something else, what you should do is that you should be careful of the foods to put into your body and the time you eat as well.

Some bad poor diets include taking too much fatty foods, caffeine, sugar, and processed food; you can add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet for a balance diet.

Lack of Exercise

I am a teacher and I walk almost every day to school. I find it as a form of exercise since it helps me burn calories in a way. Most people may not find the time to do rigorous exercise; however, there are simple ways to exercise in a day; taking walks, skipping in the morning, doing simple squats, etc.

Exercise is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental health. Regular exercise can help you to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and boost your self-confidence. It is important to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine, even if it's just a brisk walk or a yoga class. Make it a habit, and you'll soon start to notice the positive effects on your mental health.

Social Isolation

Do you find yourself running away from social gatherings? Gather here for a discussion. I know that uncomfortable feeling when you leave your room to attend an event, it feels like a certain wave of regret hits you to run back inside your shelf. Yes, I am not good socially but there should be a balance when it comes to your social life. Completely isolating from socialising can have a very harmful effect on your mental health, you can become depressed,   feel left out, and develop a sense of not belonging.

We live in a social world and we are social creatures, we need social interaction to maintain our mental well-being. However, many people tend to isolate themselves due to their busy schedules, their lifestyle choices, or their mental health issues.

Try to make time for social activities, even if it's just a phone call with a friend or a quick coffee break with a colleague. Join a club or a group that interests you, and you'll soon start to build meaningful relationships that can positively impact

Are there any unhealthy habits that you may want to discuss?  get in touch and leave a comment, and we can discuss them.