According to World Health Organization, almost 1 in 4 people in the world have some kind of mental or neurological disorder. Mental stability is extremely important for people to function properly. Mental issues can interfere with our ability to work and study, making everyday tasks tiresome and difficult. Moreover, they can also cause problems in our relationships, which is why it is important to be careful.

Unravelling the root cause of the problem is the first step to eliminating mental problems. However, it is easier said than as there are several kind of mental issues, each occurring due to different reasons.

Often times, the factors leading to these issues can be hidden in plain sight and you might not even realize how bad of an affects some common habits can have on your mental health.

To help you in this regard we have compiled a list of five common habits which may secretly be affecting your mental health 

1.         You Have a Bad Sleeping Habit

This is first on our list because it is the most overlooked habit and is one of the leading causes for anxiety and other mental problems. According to research by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) almost more than a third of the American population has sleep deprivation because they don’t get enough sleep.

According to psychologist Matthew Walker of the University of California, almost all psychiatric disorders are somewhat related to sleep.

Other than sleep deprivation, sleeping schedule should also be on point. According to psychologists, sleeping at different times can lead to drained energy levels throughout the day causing a lack of concentration. Moreover, poor sleeping pattern also increases cortisol levels which can lead to stress.

It is extremely important to get enough sleep daily and at proper hours. American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommends at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Work on a routine and make sure to sleep at night. If you have problem falling asleep, then try to find the reason for it. You can try transcendental meditation and other such techniques to fall asleep, however try to stay away from medicines as your body might get used to it.

2.       You Have a Bad Diet

According to research, more than two-third of the U.S. population has unhealthy eating habits and a similar percentage of people are also overweight.

Whatever you put in your body has a direct correlation with your mental and physical health. According to psychologists, diet plays a major role in mental illnesses, as a lack of proper nutrients can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental issues.

Make sure that you consult a nutritionist and eat proper food. Psychiatrist can carry out nutritional therapies and prescribe food supplements which can significantly improve mental illnesses.

You should ideally consume a balanced diet so that your body gets all the important nutrients that it needs. Stay away from unhealthy foods and keep an eye on the calorie intake as well.

3.       You’re Abusing Social Media

According to statistics, 2.46 billion people are on social media. Some use it to socialize, date or promote their business, many have no control over the amount of time they spend on social media platforms as they can be addictive.

The use of social media can lead to envy, jealousy, anxiety and much more. Seeing flirtatious comments on your partner’s picture can lead to jealousy and insecurities. A friend posting about their new car or about their happy relationships can induce envy. All these elements at the end of the day can lead to increased anxiety and depression.

Many people actually spend more time online than having actual human contact, which is a mistake as social can’t replace actual human contact. This kind of behavior induces a fake fantasy which can consume you and effect your mental health.

Make sure not to get consumed by other people’s activities. Instead spend time focusing on yourself instead of looking at what others are doing. Moreover, socialize with people in person rather than online and get some actual human interaction.

There is no harm in being on social media, but make sure not to let it play with your mind.

4.      You're Not Exercising Daily

Being lazy does more than put weight on your body, it often leads to mental problem.

According to experts, exercise is extremely important as it helps to release endorphins which significantly reduce stress and induce a happy mood. Research showed that those who actively engaged in physical activity had lower rates of mental issues.

Experts recommend exercising for 20-30 mins every single day to reduce stress and anxiety. Taking time out of a busy schedule can be tough, however it’s extremely necessary, so make sure that you take time out every day for yourself.

Start with a small goal like exercising 5 mins and work your way up. This will help you keep yourself motivated. Plus, losing some extra pounds would certainly help you in the looks department, which can improve your mental health.

You do not necessarily have to go to the gym. Just start with some jogging and light exercise at home and see how it goes for you.

5.       You’re Involved in a Toxic Relationship

Relationships are an innate part of humans, however if relationships become toxic they can significantly damage your mental health and lead to issues like depression and anxiety.

According to a survey, 6 out of 10 people in the U.K. stayed in a toxic relationship, and a large number of such people were unhappy for the same reason.

If you’re in a relationship where your partner lies to you or cheats on you or makes you unhappy, then you should pack your bags and find love elsewhere.

Make sure to stay away from these habits if you really want to live a happy life.