Contrary to popular belief, toxic behaviors do not necessarily emerge as addictions or conditions requiring treatment and rehabilitation. Sometimes, we are too preoccupied even to notice them. In return, we barely see their detrimental consequences on our health.
According to studies, most of us are on autopilot 40% of the time, performing the same tasks and activities regularly. This includes checking your phone first thing in the morning, locking the doors the same time you close them, or brushing your teeth after every meal. But while habits can fuel your productivity and efficiency, some of these may be doing us more harm than good.
Therefore, understanding which activity triggers your stress, boredom, irritability, and other feelings that interfere with your peace can help you live a better and more productive life.
Dreading Mondays
Let’s face it. Most of us look forward and wish for extended weekends. While this is understandable, especially for people working over the week, relying on your happiness on the weekend can affect your mindset. You are subconsciously boxing Mondays to Fridays in a negative light and expect your day-offs to compensate for it.
But the truth is, you don’t really hate weekdays. It is merely a projection of the stress and challenges you face on your job, with your colleagues, or the workload itself. So instead of mentally pulling the weekends closer, it will be equally helpful if you become more present. Focus on the tasks you can finish for the day and how you can improve as a whole. Starting your week on a sour note will affect your job performance.
A Paycheck-to-Paycheck Lifestyle
Bills are a part of life. This is inevitable as our needs, wants, and life demands continue to increase. However, while it is vital to pamper yourself and be responsible for paying your monthly dues, it’s also crucial to leave something for your future.
Adapting a one-day-millionaire habit can lead to the financial stress that ultimately affects our physical and mental health. This includes insomnia, depression, diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure. In some cases, it can even lead to toxic coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, gambling, alcoholism, and social isolation.
One way to stop this is to gradually switch from having a spending spree lifestyle to a healthy saving habit. For example, draft a monthly budget rule placing a greater priority on your necessities. Then, list your expenses, starting with your bills, food, and emergencies.
In addition, make sure to sock away at least 20% for your savings and at least 30% to spend for yourself after tax. Additionally, if you want to buy something, granting it isn’t urgent, let it sit for at least a week before purchasing it. Giving yourself time to think will help you assess if you really want the item or it’s just another impulse buying.
Overusing Screen Time
Admit it. Even before the pandemic, we have already sunk into the habit of spending way too much time on our smartphones, gaming devices, television, and other electronic gadgets. But while these technologies are crucial for work, school, and staying in touch with our loved ones, a break from the internet is just as necessary.
Prolonged screen time can lead to various health issues such as poor posture, visual fatigue, and depression. So make it a point to balance your time on both. For example, instead of waking up to endless social media scrolling, consider making your bed and drinking a glass of water. This can serve as your first accomplishment of the day; thus, setting the stage for your productivity.
Moreover, studies show that spending time with nature can have a positive effect on our overall well-being. So instead of opening your computers right away, take your dog out for a walk around the block or ride your bicycle in the nearby park. If this isn’t possible at the moment, consider building your own nature getaway in your backyard.
You can do this by gardening and employing trusted landscaping lawn care services to help you improve the overall appearance of your outdoor living space. Having pleasant surroundings can help purify the air you breathe and serve as a quick relaxing escape when things get overwhelming.
Breaking a toxic behavior can be difficult. However, freeing yourself from it is equally rewarding. Understand that these habits may be parts of you, but they do not define you. Making peace with your bad habits will help you identify which one to let go of and how to reverse it healthily.
