Confronting Anxiety: 4 Habits You Can Change for Better Mental Health
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Understanding the Impact of Our Habits
Throughout my journey, I made several mistakes that, in hindsight, seem quite apparent. At the time, however, I was unaware of how these habits affected my mental well-being. It's crucial to recognize these patterns because understanding ourselves is a key to improvement.
Awareness is indeed empowering. Once you comprehend your actions and their negative consequences, you can begin to implement change. Although I still occasionally fall back into old habits, recognizing them helps me get back on track.
Section 1.1 Escaping Reality
It's perfectly acceptable to unwind in front of the television for a few hours; we all need a break from life's stresses. However, I used to binge-watch shows daily as a means to avoid confronting my thoughts.
Many people resort to distractions—be it binge-watching, excessive gaming, or nightly outings—to escape from their realities. While these activities can provide temporary relief, they don't address the underlying issues. The consequences include:
- A buildup of negative thoughts preventing restful sleep.
- A decline in productivity due to constant distractions.
- Neglecting responsibilities, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
- A decrease in social interaction and skills.
What can you do?
Finding balance is essential. Limit your screen time and explore new activities that bring you joy. For instance, I started writing, which helped me engage with my emotions rather than avoid them. Spending time in nature also offers a refreshing perspective, making problems feel more manageable.
Section 1.2 The Blame Game
For years, I believed that blaming external factors for my problems would alleviate my feelings of inadequacy. Growing up, I observed my father expertly deflecting responsibility, and I mirrored that behavior, attributing my struggles to bad advice, lack of support, or mere bad luck.
However, this mindset only led to resentment and heightened anxiety. The negative outcomes included:
- Heightened anxiety fueled by anger towards the world.
- Difficulty recognizing positives amid perceived adversities.
- Paranoia about potential sabotage by others.
- A misguided focus on assigning blame rather than seeking solutions.
What can you do?
Shift your perspective. Stop seeking someone to blame; it only hinders progress. Accept ownership of your issues, understanding that no one else can resolve them for you. Acknowledge that setbacks are a part of life, and the universe isn’t conspiring against you.
Chapter 2 Title: Taking Action
The first video "5 Habits That Make Your Anxiety Worse (and what to do about it)" explores common behaviors that can intensify anxiety and offers practical solutions for overcoming them.
Procrastination was another method I used to avoid feeling inadequate. I thought that if I never attempted anything, I couldn't fail. However, this led to stagnation, which is just as detrimental as failing.
The consequences of inaction include:
- A persistent sense of failure from stagnation.
- Falling behind peers and missing opportunities.
- Disappointment in yourself when reflecting on missed chances.
What can you do?
Start with small steps. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a lengthy to-do list, break tasks into manageable pieces. For example, if your goal is to write a blog post, focus on completing just the introduction today. This incremental approach made a significant difference for me.
The Importance of Acknowledging Achievements
I was oblivious to the fact that I often downplayed my successes while overreacting to failures. This negativity skewed my perception of accomplishments.
Why should setbacks weigh heavier than victories? Achievements require effort, and it's essential to acknowledge them.
The repercussions of dismissing success are:
- Teaching yourself that only failures hold significance.
- Loss of motivation due to unappreciated achievements.
- Setting unrealistic expectations for future successes.
What can you do?
Start recognizing your wins, no matter how small. I used to think only major milestones were worth celebrating, but I've learned to appreciate every accomplishment. Whether it's treating yourself to a nice dinner or enjoying a relaxing bath, celebrating successes fosters a sense of worthiness.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing my mistakes was a pivotal moment for me. Many of these habits were ingrained, and it took conscious effort to change them. Being aware of my actions and their motivations has empowered me.
Through conversations with others facing similar struggles, I've realized these mistakes are common. I hope sharing my experiences resonates with those in a similar boat. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Learn more about managing anxiety and reclaiming your life by downloading my FREE eBook.
The second video "11 Mindless Habits That Give You Anxiety" highlights everyday behaviors that can inadvertently contribute to anxiety and offers insights for change.