Mental health is often overlooked, but it should be one of the most important parts of your overall health and wellness plan. For example, depression can affect your ability to maintain relationships or to even get out of bed in the morning. But, because there are so many other things that can make you feel bad, such as workplace stress or relationship troubles, it’s easy to neglect your mental health and not even realize it until it’s too late. If you want to protect your mental health and prevent the onset of depression, follow these 10 habits that could be damaging your mental health without you even realizing it!

Putting things off

Procrastination is more than just a bad habit – it can be damaging to your mental health. When you put things off, you create unnecessary stress and anxiety in your life. This can lead to depression and other mental health problems. If you find yourself procrastinating, try to take small steps to get started on your task. You may also want to talk to a therapist or counselor about your procrastination habits.

Not taking a break

You might think that working non-stop is the key to success, but it can actually have the opposite effect. Taking regular breaks helps improve your focus and concentration, and can prevent burnout. It’s important to step away from your work every now and then, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a break and clear your head. You’ll be able to work more effectively when you come back.

Surrounding yourself with the wrong people

The people you surround yourself with can have a huge impact on your mental health. If you’re constantly around negative people, it can bring you down and make you feel bad about yourself. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with positive people, it can boost your mood and make you feel better about yourself. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of the company you keep.

Not having enough space for your emotions

It’s easy to bottle up your emotions and tell yourself that you’re fine when you’re really not. But repressing your feelings can have a negative impact on your mental health. If you don’t have enough space in your life to process your emotions, they can start to fester and cause problems down the road.

Ignoring your feelings

It’s easy to bottle up your emotions and pretend everything is okay when it’s not. But ignoring your feelings can have a negative impact on your mental health. Ignoring your feelings can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a friend or therapist about what’s going on. Don’t try to handle everything on your own.

Staying on social media too long

It can be easy to get sucked into scrolling through social media for hours on end, but too much time spent on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. can lead to feelings of anxiety and isolation. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your feed, try setting a timer and limiting yourself to 20 minutes or less per day.

Watching too much TV

Too much television can lead to poor mental health habits, such as not getting enough sleep or not exercising enough. It can also impact your eating habits, causing you to snack more or eat unhealthy foods. Plus, excessive TV watching has been linked to anxiety and depression. So if you want to protect your mental health, it’s important to limit your TV time.

Overeating junk food/consuming caffeine/alcohol excessively

You might not think that your eating habits have anything to do with your mental health, but what you put into your body can have a big impact on how you feel. Overeating junk food, consuming too much caffeine, or drinking alcohol excessively can all lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. If you find yourself feeling down, take a look at your diet and see if there are any changes you can make.

Overspending time on devices

According to a study done by the University of Gothenburg, people who spend more than two hours a day on social media are more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety. Another study found that too much time spent on devices can lead to internet addiction, which has been linked to poorer mental health. So if you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your feed for hours on end, it might be time to take a break.

Working too hard and not giving yourself time to relax.

It can be easy to get caught up in work and other obligations, but it’s important to make time for yourself. Relaxation allows your body and mind to recharge, which can help improve your focus and productivity. Not taking breaks can lead to burnout, which can negatively impact your mental health.