Feelings of anxiety taking over you?! Some unhealthy habits directly or indirectly affect our mental health. Our life choices can add fuel to the fire of anxiety or alleviate it. Check which ones!
Unhealthy habits can have a significant impact on our mental and general health quality of life. And here we include not only the abuse of prohibited substances, but also habits that, on the surface, you might think are actually not harmful at all. Feelings of anxiety - are they part of your life?! Then maybe change those things!
Excessive worry
Constantly worrying about the future or potential problems can lead to chronic anxiety. Practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques can help manage excessive worry.
Photo: Unsplash/Mitchell HartleyOverthinking
Over-analyzing situations can paralyze decision-making and increase feelings of anxiety. But learning to make decisions and set boundaries can help relax your mind.
Avoiding stressors
Avoiding situations or responsibilities that cause anxiety keeps us stuck and can lead to even worse feelings of anxiety. Gradual exposure and coping strategies are essential to overcoming this habit.
Perfectionism
Setting unrealistically high standards can lead to procrastination because you fear you won't meet those standards. To combat this habit, adopt the concept "better done than perfect".
Photo: Unsplash/Drew Dizzy GrahamCongestion
Trying to tackle too much at once leaves us feeling overwhelmed and leads to procrastination. Break tasks down into smaller, manageable steps to make progress less daunting.
Hoarding/snoring
Collecting unnecessary items can lead to a cluttered and disorganized living space, which contributes to increased stress and feelings of anxiety.
Disorganization
This does not mean that there is no room for spontaneity. But if you at least roughly organize things and activities during the day, you will miss a meeting or lose your wallet less often. As a result, you will also reduce the level of stress. Establishing daily routines and using organizational tools will help you with this.
Photo: Unsplash/StormseekerUnhealthy eating patterns
Using food as a means of comfort can lead to unhealthy eating patterns and weight gain. It's okay to find alternative coping mechanisms for emotions and stress - say exercise or meditation.
Catastrophizing
Anticipating the worst possible outcome in any situation leads to unnecessary anxiety and stress. Challenge irrational thoughts and consider more realistic alternatives.
Self-criticism
Constantly berating oneself for perceived shortcomings can lower self-esteem and lead to depression. Practice self-compassion and focus on self-improvement rather than self-criticism.
