5 Everyday Habits That Affect Your Mental Health

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you suspect you may have a mental health condition, we encourage you to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

1. Perfectionism

While striving for excellence can push you to perform your best, perfectionism often comes at a cost. It can rob you of joy, drain your energy, and heighten anxiety. When you set unrealistic standards for yourself and fail to meet them, it can negatively impact your self-esteem. You may begin to question your worth, withdraw from others, or obsess over minor details that don’t deserve your time. Perfectionism can also show up in how you interact socially; making you overly self conscious, hesitant to speak, or constantly second-guessing your words. The fear of failure becomes a constant weight. But life isn’t meant to be lived on edge. Give yourself permission to try, fail, learn, and try again.

2. Living in Constant Regret

Regret is a natural part of the human experience but when it becomes a daily habit, it takes a toll on your mental health. Whether it’s replaying small interactions or reliving past mistakes, excessive rumination chips away at your peace of mind. The truth is, everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how we speak to ourselves afterward. Choose compassion over criticism. Life is unpredictable, and we don’t always get things right. Rather than dwelling on the past, focus on how to make the most of your present. Learn from the experience, forgive yourself, and move forward. You deserve that grace.

3. Overuse of Social Media

Social media has the power to connect us, but when used excessively, it can distort our perception of reality. It’s easy to forget that what we see online is often a curated highlight reel—not the full picture. This can lead to harmful comparisons and self-doubt. You may start to question your progress, looks, or achievements, without realizing the pressure you’re placing on yourself. While social media has its benefits, it’s important to set boundaries. Consider how your day begins. Is it by checking updates, scrolling through news, or diving into someone else’s life? Try starting your morning grounded in your own goals and intentions instead. Be proactive with your day, not reactive to someone else’s.

4. Lack of Physical Exercise

Exercise is often celebrated for its physical benefits, but its impact on mental health is just as profound. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural mood boosters. These hormones help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. That’s why mental health professionals often recommend exercise as part of a holistic treatment plan. You don’t have to hit the gym for hours—a short walk, some stretching, or a few minutes of movement can make a big difference. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, consider adding gentle exercise into your routine. It’s a small step with powerful benefits.

5. Taking Life Too Seriously

This may sound paradoxical, but taking life too seriously can prevent you from actually living it. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to perform, achieve, and “get everything right.” But in the grand scheme of things, many of the things we stress about won’t matter five years—or even five weeks—from now. That doesn’t mean we should live carelessly, but rather mindfully. Life is fleeting, and each moment matters. Don’t miss out on joy by overthinking. And when things feel heavy, remember that you were never meant to carry everything alone. Invite God into your process. We are meant to walk in partnership with Him—not just through the good, but through every struggle too.

 I hope this resonates with you. If there’s a specific topic you’d like me to write on—or if this article brought up any thoughts or reflections—please feel free to reach out using any of the social media links below or email. Your entries are safe, private, and deeply appreciated. Stay kind to yourself, and be well