On the other side of the coin, there are also small steps you can take and new habits you can make that have been proven to help keep you mentally healthy and happy.
And the good news is that these are changes that can be easily incorporated into your life.
They may make a huge difference too.
Here are 11 ways you can improve your mental health with your everyday habits.
1. Walk tall
A study has found that by actively trying to walk tall with your head held high and shoulders back, you’re more likely to experience good moods. If you walk with your shoulders slouched, you’re more likely to focus on negatives rather than positives, Time reports.
2. Stop taking pictures of everything
You may think photographing moments makes you more likely to remember them, but a study published in Psychological Science suggests otherwise. If you do still want to snap your lunch or view (for the ‘gram, obvs), make sure you focus on your subjects.
3. Exercise
Exercising three times a week decreases your risk of being depressed by 19 per cent, according to a study by University College London. Researchers found that active people are less likely to be depressed and depressed people are less likely to be active.
4. Stop procrastinating
The longer you put off a task because you’re afraid or anxious about doing it, the more nerve-wracking - and potentially debilitating - it can be. Ease your stress by listening to music or exercising, then tackle the task head-on.
5. Get out of a toxic relationship
Being in a relationship with someone who constantly puts you down can knock away at someone’s self-esteem without their realising, ultimately making them anxious and potentially depressed. Listen to your friends’ and family’s concerns about your partner if they have any and read up on the signs of an abusive relationship.
6. Sleep more
Your body can’t function properly if you don’t get enough sleep. If you’re struggling to sleep, try and workout why and seek help if you can’t.
7. Make time for yourself
Between friends, family and work, keeping everyone happy can mean you neglect yourself and never have any me-time. Make time to be alone and do things for yourself, as this helps keep anxiety and depression at bay.
8. Take time out from your digital devices
Smartphones, tablets and laptops can overstimulate our brains, and if you never take any time out from them, you won’t be doing your mental health any favours. Take a mini digital detox every week, even for just half a day or a couple of hours.
9. Stop multitasking
Eating your lunch while sending emails may not seem too dangerous, but multitasking has actually been shown to make us more stressed. Instead, focus on the one thing you’re doing and what’s going on around you.
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