There are routines in our lives that make us feel better or knock us down.
Certain strategies to cope like meditation or doing exercises to ease stress, can help manage the challenges of life. But other strategies to cope such as substance abuse or eating disorders – could be harmful as these harmful habits can have health issues or affect the quality of your life.
Infusing a situation with the negative coping method could cause a behavior to become habitual. For instance, if someone suffers from depression and participates with meaningful actions like counseling, healthy eating as well as good fitness habits and keeping their home neat and secure They are more likely to have rapid recovery.
However, if you do not take care of your body’s requirements, sleeping too much or not getting enough sleep and not exercising regularly and not taking care of your environment or washing it then you’re likely to be feeling worse which can trigger the cycle of mood loss to continue.
The process of overcoming ingrained coping mechanisms isn’t easy however it is a process that can be accomplished by taking one step at one at a time. Here’s a list with 3 harmful habits to break to improve your mental well-being.
1. Substance Abuse
In reality, the majority of us are dependent on some kind of substance we are dependent on to make it through the day. Perhaps you’ve never used an illegal drug in your life, yet you love drinking a glass of wine at evening. Perhaps you’re not a drinker or take drugs, but consume huge amounts of coffee to stay up and focused at work.
Psychoactive substances can affect how your body and your brain work. Alcohol, for instance, may trigger a first sensation of euphoria that is created through the release of dopamine into the brain.
However, excessive drinking can trigger depression, mood swingsand various health issues such as liver and heart diseases as well as high blood pressure cancers and strokes, and could also result in an increase in the risk of injuries and violence. The use of alcohol is also associated with social issues and could increase the likelihood of problems like domestic violence.
In contrast, caffeine is considered to be a safe drug, however excessive consumption can trigger anxiety and stress and may even increase the blood pressure.
Although moderation is essential and no one would like to go in the teetotal zone, cutting down your intake of drugs like alcohol, illicit drugs and caffeine, or even sugar can improve your mental well-being significantly.
2. Poor Sleeping Habits
The evidence suggests an intimate connection with mental health concerns and sleep habits.
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, 60-90 percent of depression patients suffer from insomnia. Harvard Health found that 50-80 percent of patients who are in mental health practices suffer from chronic insomnia, suggesting that sleep quality plays an important part in the mental health of patients.
Sleep is essential for mental health and wellbeing for two reasons. In the first place, it is a process that regenerates your body that helps your body repair itself when the day is over and can help maintain your memory, cognitive capabilities and attention. Secondly, the R.E.M. phase of sleep aids your brain process the things you’ve been through each day, which allows you to organize the new information, save it and retrieve it later.
Sleeping too much can cause symptoms like mood swings, irritation, fatigue and depression. Sleeping too much can cause similar effects and may cause increased fatigue and feelings of depression.
To have a good night’s rest it is recommended to aim for between 8 and 10 hours. If you find it difficult due to commitments at work – like working nights shifts, it is essential that you get a good night’s your sleep whenever you can.
If you’re struggling with insomnia, consult your physician for advice. The home remedies could include improving your sleep hygiene by cutting down on electronic use and lighting, and reducing consumption of caffeine, meditation and herbal remedies like valerian and chamomile teas.
3. Not Exercising
Exercise can be a solution to depression. Actually, according to JAMA Psychiatry exercising 3 times per week can reduce the risk of depression by 16 percent.
Training helps you stay focused and present and distracts your mind from stress and keeps your body and mind active.
If you’re experiencing anxiety and stress choose low-impact activities like yoga or swimming. A sport that is low impact can help lower levels of cortisol which is also known for its role as the stress hormone. At least one form of exercise with a higher impact every week can help reduce your cortisol levels in the course of time.
If you’re suffering from depression or low mood, there’s no need to be active. You don’t have to complete a half-marathon in the coming week. Today you should get up and walk along the street. It might help.
