5 common habits that you need to change in 2021 for the sake of your emotional wellness

There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a life-changing year. In the midst of multiple changes that we’ve had to make to save ourselves from the deadly coronavirus, we’ve learned the importance of safeguarding our mental and emotional well-being.

This year, work-from-home has become the norm. We’ve been inundated with work calls and household responsibilities all these months. Honestly, things can get a little depressing. After all, for how long can we watch Netflix? So, it becomes very important to give up on some habits to march ahead with much gusto and positivity.

We’ve been neglecting all our needs this year. Hence, we need to drop these habits right away, and make a fresh start! It’s time to look at some changes you must make in the new year. Trust us, you’ll be in a better place emotionally. Let’s take a look:

1. Suppressing your emotions

This year has been overwhelming for all of us, and while it is sometimes very convenient to ignore your emotions, it’s the last thing you should do. It might seem practical to keep your emotions to yourself, but it’s going to harm you more than you even realise. When you suppress your emotions, they don’t just go away but pile up. Eventually, you end up with low self-esteem, migraines, high blood pressure, or even turn to drugs or alcohol to feel better.

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Make sure you channelise your emotions in the right manner in the coming year. You can always open up to a trusted friend, or get in touch with a therapist who can help you. Let 2021 be the year of tackling your emotions, instead of suppressing them.

2. Letting stress get to you

Stress can build-up in your body over time as well. Hence, expressing your anxiety is better than suppressing it. If you do not communicate and keep over-analyzing things in your head, your stress levels are bound to touch the roof. When we are stressed, our brain releases cortisol. When it is produced in large amounts, it can prevent the brain from functioning in the right manner.

Try and take a mental health break if anxiety levels get out of control. You can also practice meditation every day, or find an activity that calms you when you start overthinking.

Basically, it’s important to make yourself a priority in the coming year.

3. Not sleeping enough

Unfortunately, our sleeping habits have gone for a toss this year. You’re probably already aware of the fact that it is an unhealthy practice. It is important to get eight hours of sleep every day for good mental health. In fact, research by The Sleep Health Foundation shows that 60 to 90 per cent of patients with depression also suffer from insomnia. Not only does sleep deprivation make one feel grumpy and groggy, but it impacts emotional well-being in the long run.

Come what may, make sleep a priority in the coming year. If you are not well-rested, your mind will not function properly, leading to various other issues.

4. Not exercising enough

We all know how important exercising is for our physical health, but did you know that it also improves our emotional well-being? It is a known fact that 2020 has made us more sedentary. We have been glued to our screens, and neglected physical activity due to social distancing. It’s time to change this habit in the coming year.

Exercising regularly helps release endorphins, and makes us feel good. According to an article from MayoClinic, exercise can release “feel-good endorphins, natural cannabis-like brain chemicals (endogenous cannabinoids) and other natural brain chemicals that can enhance your sense of well-being.”

Going to the gym is not the best idea, but how about heading out for a walk? Trust us, it will be amazing!

5. Being on social media all the time

Let’s admit this: 2020 has made us even more addicted to social media. Have you found yourself mindlessly scrolling, posting selfies, or checking out memes all day? Well, spending some time on social platforms is fine, but if you have the urge to check FB or Instagram all the time, then there’s a serious problem. It also wreaks havoc on your mental and emotional health. Plus, you hunch over all the time to see your screen, and that means your physical health is also compromised.

Ladies, these are some habits we’d definitely want to leave behind this year. It’s time to make a happy and healthy start in 2021!