❌ Sleep? It is not for me! As a real achiever, I drink a ton of coffee and energizers!
✅ Science says: Healthy sleep is one of the main protective factors for mental health. Nap like it’s your job! 7-9 hours is considered a day norm. By the way, caffeine may increase anxiety (more than 1 cup of coffee a day).
❌ I do not care what I eat!
✅ Science says: Junk food may increase depression levels. Your gut and the brain are connected. One impacts another. Quality and rich probiotic food = better mood.
❌ I do not want to do exercises! I can lie dramatically on a sofa instead!
✅ Science says: Physical activity may lower your anxiety level. It does not matter the type of exercises you do, but research shows that any physical activity helps. Especially, aerobic activity is effective. Besides, if you are stressed and do not know what to do, just walk!
❌ Isolate yourself and do not talk with people at all.
✅ Science says: Social connections help with mental and even physical health. People who are socially active live longer. Friends = emotional first aid.
❌ Mental health hygiene? What is it?
✅ Science says: Limit the amount of social media during the day. You need the time to process all the information. Do not overload yourself with junk information. Read only proven and trustworthy sources.
❌ “Find my purpose? Noooo, I better will overthink everything at 3am”
✅ Science says: A sense of purpose boosts mental resilience and reduces risk of mental disorders.
❌ “I prefer doomscrolling and comparing myself to influencers.”
✅ Mental hygiene tip: Unfollow people who drain you. Do not compare yourself to influencers and other people from social media – it is a waste of time. Live your life and be yourself.
❌ “I must always be busy. Rest is for amateurs.”
✅ Science says: Lack of rest is a way to burnout. Rest is not a reward, it is a requirement.
References:
Abraham, C., Conner, M., Jones, F. & O’Connor, D. (2016). Health Psychology (2nd ed.). Taylor
and Francis.
Singh, V., Kumar, A., & Gupta, S. (2022). Mental Health Prevention and Promotion-A Narrative
Review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 898009.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.898009
Ratey, J. J. (2019, October 24). Can exercise help treat anxiety? Harvard Health Publishing.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-help-treat-anxiety-
2019102418096?utm_source=chatgpt.com