7 EVERYDAY HABITS THAT ARE DESTROYING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.



The following are habits that are both common and potentially dangerous to your mental health. If you’re not sure if any of these apply to you, consider the fact that approximately 1 in every 4 American adults has experienced a mental illness in their lifetime, and that one out of every five Americans will have some form of mental illness in any given year. With so many people suffering from some form of mental illness and more than 50% of those going untreated, it’s important that we all be aware of how to properly care for our mental health.

You're not getting enough sleep

One of the most common causes of mental health problems is sleep deprivation. In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one third of participants reported sleeping less than seven hours per night. When you don't get enough sleep, your body releases cortisol, which can make you irritable and anxious. You also have a higher risk for depression and anxiety, as well as obesity and heart disease.

You're not taking breaks

Working nonstop is one of the most common reasons people neglect their mental health. It can be tempting to continue working as soon as you get home, or to work through your breaks at work. But when you do this over and over, it leads to exhaustion, burnout, and eventually a mental breakdown. Take care of yourself by ensuring that you take regular breaks from your work. You'll be more productive in the long run if you make sure to take time for yourself each day.

You're not staying hydrated

Drinking water is essential to your physical and mental health. When you are not properly hydrated, your body will not be able to function properly. Dehydration can cause headaches, irritability, muscle cramps, dizziness and fatigue. The long-term effects of dehydration on your mental health include anxiety, depression and memory loss.

You're not eating healthy

You’ve been eating the same thing for lunch every day, but you’re not getting the nutrients your body needs. As a result, you’ve become lethargic, and don’t feel like doing anything. It is imperative that you start eating healthier so that you can make it through the rest of your day in peak condition.

You're not exercising

Exercise is important for many reasons, but it also has a profound effect on your mental health. Studies show that exercise can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and make you more resilient to stressful life events. Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-lifters.

You're not spending time outdoors

The time we spend outside can have a major impact on our mental health, and an even bigger one on our physical health. Studies have shown that spending a few minutes in the sun each day can help regulate the body's production of vitamin D and serotonin, which are both crucial to keeping your mood stable. Exposing yourself to natural light can also help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or winter depression.

You're addicted to your phone

It's no secret that smartphones are taking over the world. The average person checks their phone every 18 minutes, with some checking as often as every six seconds. That's a lot of time spent scrolling through social media feeds, texting, and talking on the phone. And while it may seem harmless at first to take a break from your phone every now and then, you may be unknowingly creating problems for your mental health.