What comes to your mind when we say ‘habits’? Let’s define it then. Habits are small choices, decisions, and actions we perform each day. There are habits that we also do without realizing that we do it routinely-like mannerism. Our behavior can also be affected by our practices – our habits.
There are two habits (1) good habits which apparently can help us grow and (2) inappropriate habits that we need to avoid or control to make them an advantage to our growth.
In this blog post, I want to share the six habits I noticed that could negatively drain us; hence, it’s better to avoid these or control them to our advantage.
Six Habits that Drains You Every Day Without Your Notice
1. Social Media
Social Media is such a powerful channel that can help us grow positively or break us into pieces. Let me give you an example. While I blog and work as a part-time/freelance virtual assistant, my perspective on social media today focuses more on a business aspect. I use Social Media to advocate and bring awareness about my blog projects. Social Media also helps me connect with sales and marketing leaders, researching and supporting the company I work with.
Using Social Media as a business tool, in general, allows me to discover new trends, information, meet people virtually, and capture vital data that can help me professionally and personally.
On the other hand, when I used Social Media like Facebook for everyday casual stuff (like scrolling, seeing family or friends irrelevant updates, posting whatever comes into my mind, etc.) I noticed that I don’t see much positive impact on me. The worst part is when I see someone’s posts that were cynical rants against their work, or rival, or politics, whatever-these makes me sad, or gloomy, or even worry. It drains the crap out of me! I bet you also experienced that situation at some point.
An article I read says that Social Media plays in our mental health. As humans, we are naturally social creatures. For us to strive in life, we need companions. Social Media is one great tool to feed our social needs. On the other hand, many studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Social media can drain you because of these experience you may encounter:
- Lack of life or appearance – because of too much time spent online.
- Fear of missing out – the constant worry of not being relevant or trendy enough.
- Isolation – you may feel isolated when no one is liking, sharing, or commenting on your post.
- Depression and anxiety – seeing your ex, partners, even family and friends happy without you.
- Cyberbullying – perhaps because you encountered scammers, or your enemies or rival, or someone who doesn’t like you picks up online.
- Self-absorption – too many selfies shared online.
These are only a few general examples we can give. So, it’s better to control our use of social media. Remember the saying, “Think before you click.” It’s okay to assess if our social media use can improve and inspire others. Let’s use Social Media to spread motivating and positive vibes about life.
2. Overthinking
Another habit that can negatively drain you is overthinking. I understand that there are times we overthink because of unpreventable situations or problems we need to face. I also caught myself overthinking.
When I first experienced being broken-hearted by a guy I dated and loved, I honestly overthink the relationship’s failure. I constantly think about what could go wrong? What did I do, or what could I do to save the relationship? Days went by, and I overlooked the horrible impact on myself mentally and physically. Fast forward, I end up in the hospital talking to a doctor.
Overthinking things that are not valuable to you will only drain you. Instead, calm your mind and do your best to overcome it. I understand that it’s hard to think positively when worry is at your very feet, but do you want to drain yourself for nothing? Of course not!
Helpful Reads: What did Jesus tell us about Worrisome?, Useless Overthinking
3. Negative thoughts
Negative thoughts are somehow related to overthinking. If we overthink, the tendency is we are drowning ourselves in negative thoughts. It can be about ourselves, work, relationships, or as simple as the petty argument you had with somebody the other day.
An article suggested that there are seven ways to deal with negative thoughts. Two of my favorites are (1) release judgments and (2) practice of gratitude.
If we constantly compare ourselves to others, it will only lead us to frustration and dissatisfaction. To counter this, I have a mantra always to look the good of everything. Additionally, being thankful and practicing gratitude pushes the negative thoughts out of our brains. Learn the four simple ways to nurture gratitude regularly here.
4. Junk Foods
Honestly, junk foods are my challenge too. Who doesn’t like fast food? Potato chips? Or Ice cream and cakes? But, frankly, to say, junk foods drain you little by little without you realizing it. Junk foods can result in unwanted obesity that can lead to chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, heart diseases, kidney problems, and many more.
Therefore, we should be mindful eater and aim for good health. Because in this world, the best wealth is our health. “Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” – Anne Wilson Schaef.
Helpful Reads: 5 Habits to a Healthy Eat Out from Home, 3 Shocking Revelations Not to Eat Pork, 10 Food Commandments
5. Living in the past
Living in the past drains us big time because we tend to forget reality. There are many reasons why a person continues living in the past. It can be because they have a great life in the past compared to the present or because of horrible and terrifying experiences that keep haunting them. Living in the past is an unhealthy nostalgia.
An article explained that “living in the past is a problem because it robs you of the opportunity to enjoy the present.” Don’t get stuck in the past. Today is essential as well as the future. It’s okay to look back only to get inspired and learn from the past.
An article suggested twelve tips on how we can move forward from the past. And these are my top five favorites:
- Practice Mindfulness
- Being Gentle to Yourself
- Engage with Self-care
- Permit yourself to forgive
- Surround yourself with happy and supportive people
Helpful Reads: 22 Smart Self-Care Tips, 5 Lingoes of Self-Love, What is Yours?, 7 Amazing Self-Love Advices
6. Self-judgment
Why can self-judgment drains you? First, let’s define self-judgment. Self-judgment is an individual’s critical thoughts about themselves, and most are negative. Sadly, people who self-judge are so attached to those thoughts resulting from negative feelings like anxiety, fear, anger, and even depression.
Accepting who you are in and out is the best thing you can do. An article suggested five reasons to start releasing self-judgment now. Two of my favorites are (1) Realizing your purpose and (2) You become more courageous.
I firmly believe that every single being in this world has a purpose. Find your purpose, find what you love doing, find the thing that your heart shouts, and be happy doing it. Forget about the silly mistakes. No one is perfect, and that’s the very reason why we are perfect! Because we aren’t. Be more courageous in facing fears and flaws of your own. So what if you don’t have the ideal body shape? Or porcelain white skin? So what if your performance in class today is poor? So what if you haven’t closed the biggest hit in your sales funnel? All these doubts and flaws of yours face them. Eventually, great results will come out of your courage and actions. Don’t waste time self-judge; instead, move forward!
My Takeaway.
All these six habits that we highlighted today are habits that would be beneficial to us personally and even professionally if we managed to out-wit and control them. The amount of willingness to improve thy self is highly crucial here. Our willingness has a pivotal role in enhancing and facing our fear of improving how we respond to these habits.
I wish you all the best, Lounger! Remember, be gentle to yourself and continue to be beautiful every day in and out!
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