Poor Everyday Habits That Are Actually Making You Feel More Depressed & Anxious
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It’s recently been established that your daily habits say certain things about your personality. But what if they’re also telling of things about you that can’t be seen?
Your habits can clue you in on why you might be dealing with unfounded stress or anxiety, as you’ll find out from relationship therapist Rhonda Milrad. Previously, she’s shared some science-based facts about attraction. Now, in an article on Bustle, Milrad—along with other experts—points out common habits that might spiral you down to states of anxiety or depression.
“By recognizing subtle things that you do to inadvertently increase your anxiety or depression and altering them, you can more effectively prevent these feelings from escalating,” Milrad explains to Bustle.
Read on to find out which habits might be drastically affecting your mood. Check out the full article here.
Persistently ignoring your calls and texts
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It’s common to cancel plans or let your phone go to voicemail, but even more so if you’re anxious or depressed. Psychologist Vijayeta Sinh, PhD, tells Bustle, “Humans are social beings. Interactions and connections with others help us regulate our mood.” By rejecting yourself of social interaction, you may end up feeling worse.
Drinking too many energy drinks
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You might crave another coffee or soda for a mood and energy boost, but over-consuming caffeine can make you more anxious. “You have to pace your intake during the day so you don’t end up feeling the uncomfortable physical and emotional effects of the stimulant,” Milrad explains.
Not maintaining a regular schedule
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It’s not easy keeping up with a schedule when you’re feeling anxious or depressed, but following a routine has direct effects on your mental health. Board-certified Ayurvedic Practioner Katie Meyer says, “The body and mind like routine and equates this with safety. Regular routines… keep blood sugar regulated, ensure you’re getting enough rest, and keep cortisol levels at bay.”
Overworking yourself
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There’s certainly more to life than keeping yourself overly occupied with work. “If we don’t accept pleasure and self-care as necessities, we are self-sabotaging our efforts to get out of anxiety and depression,” explains Meyers.
Checking social media too often
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When you’re not in the peppiest of moods, other people’s lives can wear you down. “We know that social media posts are the ‘highlight reel’ of others’ lives, but it doesn’t feel that way in the moment,” licensed marriage and family therapist Meredith Silversmith, MA, LMFT, tells Bustle. “Spending excessive time reviewing social media can trigger symptoms of depression, fear of missing out, and not feeling good enough with where you are in your life.”
Procrastinating
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Everyone’s guilty of procrastinating, but for someone who’s depressed, it’s almost impossible to avoid. Putting delayed tasks on the shelf can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and in turn, you’ll feel worse for not having completed them.
Read five more habits that might be dragging your mood down here.
[via Bustle, images via various sources]
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