5 Self-Destructive Habits You Can Stop Now
Anyone can have a tendency to let our anxieties, or stressors, get the best of us. Naturally, we can sometimes let these negative thoughts overrun our minds. But what if I told you there are ways to help keep this from happening? Here are 5 self-destructive habits you can stop doing to yourself right now…
How To Stop Self-Destructive Behavior…
The first step to solving a problem is by identifying and accepting the problem. This doesn’t mean that you’re weak, broken, or “something is wrong” with you.
Believe it or not, everyone has self-destructive habits. Some people cope with alcohol. Others may have a shopping addiction. Or, you might find yourself drinking Starbucks white chocolate mocha creamer directly from the container, standing in front of the fridge at 2 am, contemplating life. Hey, I don’t judge either way.
That extra glass of wine before bed, or indulging in terrible sweets, makes us feel better for the moment. That’s the thing about self-destruction; we know it’s bad for us, but we indulge anyway for the time being.
But if you aren’t recognizing the habits that are, in the long-term, causing you harm?
They won’t get any better. Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt, and yes you did eat drink that non-dairy creamer wrapped in a burrito blanket, full of anxiety. But that’s ok.
Once we identify the things we find ourselves doing that we don’t like, can the healing begin?
One can only hope, and with the right effort, accomplish. Before we find ourselves looking for more liquid coffee creamer.
5 Self-Destructive Habits To Drop
Not all toxic patterns are as extreme as drug use, alcoholism, or obsessive-compulsive creamer chugging. Mannerisms that are bad for our mental health can come in the forms of self-loathing, procrastination, or intentional underachievement, just to name a few.
Here are 5 common self-destructive habits everyone should eliminate from their normal routines…
- Always Expecting The Worst – especially if the reality of the situation is unknown. While there is nothing wrong with outweighing all possible outcomes, remember that you can’t foresee the future. It’s ok to mentally prepare yourself if something doesn’t go your way, but don’t make it a habit. Pessimism is generally bad for your mental health, and this isn’t something you want to be a constant in your life.
- Not Putting Forth Real Effort – this can be hard when faced with tasks or situations that aren’t ideal. But such is life, and you have to manage them appropriately. While it doesn’t seem self-destructive to not give everything 110%, you’re creating a habit of lethargy. This inactivity can seep into areas of life you’re actually enthusiastic about because you become so used to just not caring. It’s bad for your mental health; stop doing that.
- Procrastinate Way Too Much – Sure, you do give it your all when you finally get around to that thing you’ve been putting off for a week. But it’s the procrastination itself that can be self-destructive. You’re creating another habit of negativity, which affects your mindset more than you probably think. Sure, no one wants to deal with tedious chores, difficult conversations, or mundane tasks. But we have to do most of these things at some point anyway. So get it over with, and move on to something you can focus on with positivity.
- Self-Hate – which is pretty self-explanatory. You gotta stop beating yourself up! It’s perfectly natural to have moments of doubt and anyone who says they don’t is lying. But there is a point where it can take a toll on your sense of self-worth. This can affect your everyday life in detrimental ways. I guarantee you 99% of the time, you aren’t really as awkward, unintelligent, or unattractive, as you think others see you. So stop thinking you are!
- Stop Enjoying The Little Things – we all go through periods of Life where things just suck. But it’s important to take the time to enjoy the little things that make Life a lot less sucky. Like the company of a friend, or a good cup of coffee. Just don’t drink from the creamer container!
