4 Habits That Will Damage Your Mental Health
We all struggle with our mental health from time to time
If you clicked on this article, I am quite certain that you struggle from time to time with your mental health. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I struggle too.
We are living in a time where we are constantly measured on what we achieve. This results in doubts that we are good enough, or ever will be good enough.
We are more disconnected from our fellow humans than ever before, leaving us lonelier than ever before.
We are constantly seeing the best moments of others’ lives on social media, making us wonder why our own lives aren’t as good as our friends.
I struggle with all these three things. I am lonely, and from time to time I don’t feel seen by the people closest to me.
I wonder if I’ll ever be good enough or if I will achieve just half of what my friends are achieving.
If you like me sometimes struggle with your mental health, here are 4 things NOT to do.
- Believe every thought that comes into your mind
Don’t believe every thought that comes into your head. I am certain that half of the thoughts you are thinking are bullshit.
If you are having a bad day and think that you suck at something you’re usually good at. Well, that thought is bullshit. Everyday thought like this comes into your head, just don’t believe them.
Take control, even as hard as it is, and tell yourself, “Hey, this might not be true. Why would this be true?”. Sometimes asking yourself rational questions about the thought will make you understand that the thought is not true.
I struggle all the time with controlling my thoughts. I am wondering why I am not as good at everyone else. But if I pause and ask myself why I am not as good as everyone else I most of the time will realize that I am, and everything is not as bad as it seems.
2. Say everything you think
I mean why would you hurt someone by telling them something that will hurt them? Many people think that being brutally honest is the way to live life. I disagree.
Yes, of course, you should be honest to a certain level. But there are limits. Think before you speak.
3. Stay awake late
I would not recommend staying up late because of the simple reason that when your brain is tired it will produce waste materials. When your brain is full of waste material, your thought will be garbage.
You’ll start doubting yourself. You’ll blame yourself. You’ll feel lonely.
Whenever I get super tired, I get “bad” thoughts in my head. I start to doubt myself and everything I’m doing.
What I do when I struggle, is I’ll go to bed and sleep. The next morning, I will often feel a lot better after a good night's rest.
Sleep is almost like a reboot for my mind.
4. Eating fast food multiple times a week
What you eat affects how you feel and think. If you eat fast food or a lot of unhealthy foods, your mental health is going to decline.
There is some truth in the saying “You are what you eat.”
I’ve found out that by eating mostly healthy food I’ve been able to improve my mental health. I still struggle sometimes. However, it’s easier for me to recognize and take control over the not-so-pleasant thought if my diet is better.
I still eat fast food, candy, etc. sometimes. But I try to limit it to one day a week or on special occasions. I won’t pretend I’m a super person, sometimes I eat unhealthy food twice a week.
I still try to eat healthily though.
Lastly, remember that everyone struggles with their mental health from time to time.
You’re never alone.
Good luck, and remember you are amazing!
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