Worst Habits for Your Mind

In recent years, more time and research has been spent on learning how to take care of our minds and mental health. Different studies have discovered the effects that certain activities or the lack of certain nutrients can have on our minds. Here are some of the worst habits for your mind.

Spending too much time alone

One of the worst habits for your mind is too much time alone. Humans are designed to spend time with others. It is built into our DNA. Without enough social interaction, the mind can suffer. This is not to say that alone time is not good for you. There are plenty of benefits to spending some time alone. Alone time can be beneficial when we are trying to focus on a project, think creatively, or even when we just need to recharge. However, too much time alone is damaging. Our minds begin to become self-critical and we can begin to feel extreme loneliness and even sadness. Finding the right balance can help keep our minds be healthy and happy.

Multitasking

Recent studies discovered that multitasking does more harm than good. One study even found a 15-point decrease in IQ in people who spent time multitasking. They put adults through a series of tasks to test memory and their ability to focus. The results were not great for those who were multitaskers. Now we know that your mind should focus on one task at a time. If you are working on a presentation or an English paper, keep away other distractions. This includes watching T.V., listening to music, or even switching from one task to the next.

Not enough sunlight

Sunlight is needed for vitamin D, which in turn can affect our minds and how we feel. Not only that, but research has discovered that vitamin D can even help protect adults from a decline in cognitive function. Spending 10-15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen each day can help your body get the vitamin D it needs. Taking vitamin D supplements is also a great option for those who work indoors all day.

Watching certain T.V. shows

While the research on this topic is limited, scientists do know that sitting on the couch watching TV is not good for you. A lot of it depends on what you watch, how you watch it, and how often. Watching a documentary while you work out for an hour will most likely be very beneficial. However, binge-watching a reality show by yourself for four hours on your couch will not be. While research has shown that people who watch more T.V. have less healthy brains, it is hard to know if it is directly linked to the T.V., the lack of social interaction, or the lack of physical activity.

Not enough sleep

Another bad habit for your mind is not getting enough sleep. When we do not get enough sleep, our minds suffer. It suddenly becomes more difficult to stay alert and focus on work and other day-to-day tasks. Not only that, but not getting enough sleep can also affect your short-term memory. For some tips to help you sleep, read the article, "Bedtime Routines for a Better Night's Sleep".

Sources

https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/does-watching-television-affect-your-brain

https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/how-social-isolation-transforms-brain-82290