We all aspire to be happy and fulfilled in our lives. To achieve that we need to concentrate on our mental health. Believe it or not, it is quite an important part of our overall well-being. But even after knowing all this, many of us unknowingly engage in habits that cut down our happiness. On Mental Health Day, reflecting on these habits and exploring simple changes we can make for a brighter, more fulfilling life is important.
There has been a noticeable rise in mental health issues in recent times. Whether it's the pressure from work or emotional stress at home, people are facing significant challenges due to mounting mental strain. According to ITC’s ‘Feel Good With Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey 2024,’ 82% of Gen Z participants believe that many people fail to recognize the symptoms of mental health concerns, highlighting the need for better awareness and education.
Here are the 6 daily habits that contribute to feelings of unhappiness and discover practical solutions to overcome them.
The thief of our happiness: Procrastination
Procrastination is a smart and sneaky thief of joy. Delaying tasks will automatically lead to last-minute stress, guilt, and a nagging sense of unfulfillment. It can create a vicious cycle of anxiety and avoidance, making us feel even worse about our responsibilities.
What can be done about it?
Break tasks into smaller steps that you believe can be managed in your schedule. Instead of tackling a big project all at once, focus on completing one small task at a time.
Designate specific times for work and relaxation. Using tools like calendars or to-do lists can help keep you accountable and organised.
The trap of social media: Comparing your life with others
We live in an age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Even if we don't want to, we do look at snapshots of others’ lives and feel inadequate, which can lead to feelings of unhappiness and self-doubt.
What can be done differently?
Ever considered reducing the time spent on social media platforms? Curate your feed to include uplifting and positive content rather than triggers for comparison.
Take a moment out of each day to reflect on what you appreciate about your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.
Only seeing the negative in things
We will always develop a negative perspective on life if we just pay attention to the bad things. This behaviour of constant negativity can have an impact on our relationships and general satisfaction in addition to our mental health.
What to do?
When you notice yourself thinking negatively, take a moment to ask yourself whether there is another way of thinking about it. Try to reframe your thoughts to gain a more balanced perspective.
Get together with good individuals and situations.
Not being physically active
A not-so-active lifestyle can contribute to feelings of unhappiness and low energy. Physical inactivity is linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
What can be done?
Find ways to be active, even in small doses. A short walk, a dance session, or stretching can significantly uplift your mood.
It can be as small as a 10-minute walk or a quick workout, setting achievable goals that can lead to a sense of accomplishment.
Not having any routine in life
Living without a routine can lead to chaos and feelings of being overwhelmed almost all the time. When our days are unstructured, we may feel lost, contributing to unhappiness.
What can be done here?
Create a simple schedule that includes time for work, self-care, and leisure activities. A consistent routine can provide a sense of control and stability.
Allocate time in your routine for activities that rejuvenate you, such as reading, meditating, or enjoying a hobby.
Sleeping in a haphazard manner
Sleeping is a very simple activity, but you might have noticed that a small change in the sleep routine can bring chaos to our rather good day. Lack of sleep can impact our mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Poor sleep habits can lead to irritability and a decreased ability to cope with stress.
What to do?
Confirm that your bedroom has been set up for sleeping. Keep it at a pleasant temperature, quiet, and dark.
Every day, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time. Maintaining the same routine can help you sleep better and manage your body clock.
