Mental Health

Things in your Life that Sabotage your Mental Health

Do you feel stressed out and anxious all the time? Are you stuck in a depressive rut that you can’t seem to crawl out of? Are you struggling with your overall mental health for seemingly NO reason? I bet I can help pinpoint a few.

You’re not Sleeping Enough

If you’re like most students taking full advantage of your summer vacation, you’re skipping out on much needed sleep. Sure you might be filling every waking (and non-waking) hour of your vacation with work,  trips, adventures, and all around pure joy, but you’re also inflicting some awful effects on your brain in the process. Did you know that, while you’re sleeping, your brain is storing information that you’ve worked so hard to retain, cleaning neurotoxins and chemical by-products collected throughout the day, and helping to keep your emotions, sleep schedules, and energy in balance?

You Spend too Much time on Social Media

Like all things, social media can be a wonderful tool when used in moderation. Spending too much time on social media can give you unrealistic expectations of what your life should be like by comparing it to everyone else’s, which ultimately impacts your mental health. Remember that social media is typically just a highlight reel.

You have Bad Eating Habits

Food is fuel. We all know that. What you put into your body matters. Fast food is cheap and easy, especially when your days are filled to the brim and you don’t allow yourself time to cook, but a crappy diet leads to crappy physical and mental health. Replace your favorite sugary snacks with a healthier option like fruit, peanut butter, or 100% fruit juices. Frozen and canned veggies are just as healthy for you as fresh, because they’re packed at their peak so they’re rich with vitamins and nutrients. Don’t forget to include lots of protein. Eggs, lean meats like chicken and turkey, or plant based proteins can add a wealth of support to your physical and mental health.

You’re Procrastinating

This one doesn’t really require an explanation but, alas, here you go: Procrastination is a surefire way to send your stress levels through the roof. Hammer down and get the task done early, instead of waiting for the imminent deadline to pummel you. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress and anxiety, as well as a headache or two.

You’re Overspending

Financial stress can be a huge detriment to your mental health, but it doesn’t have to be. Create a budget for yourself each month. It can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be, just make sure it’s a true overview of your financial situation. Use your budget to plan your spending each week so you don’t blow your entire budget within the first week of each month. Remember, splurging on yourself is fine occasionally, but don’t let it lead to constant overspending. The sooner you are able to get a grip on your finances, the better off you’ll be.