Ways We Sabotage Our Mental Health

When it comes to improving our health we often focus on our physical wellness. Once we’ve become committed we are willing to go all out, we’ll schedule doctors’ appointments, buy new equipment, and even consider cosmetic procedures to reach our goals. However, it is interesting in comparison when it is time to address our emotional wellness because so little care is taken despite the need or impact in our life. I raise the question why do we view our physical health as more important to us than our emotional health. It appears we sabotage the very things we need to do the most in our lives. Why? The simplest answer is that change is hard and for it to last it requires mental commitment as well as action. Where do we start? The first place to start is by identifying the areas we have been slipping. I have compiled a list of 10 ways we sabotage our mental health.

1. Not getting enough sleep.

Lack of sleep leads to irritability and stress. When sleep deprivation and disturbances become chronic they increase a person’s risk of developing depression or anxiety disorders.

1. Drinking too much alcohol

Alcohol is assumed to be a party starter; however, it is categorized as depressant. Which affects the nervous system by slowing you down. As you become slower your mood can potentially decrease as well.

1. Comparing yourself to others

Comparing yourself to others perpetuates the idea that what we do have is not enough. The more you feel you should have accomplished or do the more room there is for dissatisfaction and the desire to obtain more by any means. When we become so engrossed in a life we want we forget to live the life we have been given.

1. Bottling up our feelings

Anger, frustration, rejection or even fear are completely normal reactions to the challenges that life can deal us. Naturally, when life becomes overwhelming we find every reason not to deal with it. It is common to suppress those feelings but everything has its breaking point. When that happens the grievances fester, and eventually come back up at some of the most in opportune times or ways.