The world today changes and develops so fast that we can barely keep up. Although many people do not think about it or even notice it, they are constantly bombarded with tons of all kinds of information their brains have to process. It often takes time and self-analysis to realize how dangerous some of our daily habits are. From too much social media to food addictions, unhealthy habits and mindsets are at the core of many mental problems modern people have.
Watching Amy Morin’s TED Talk (TEDx Talks, 2015) made me realize how destructive some things that we do regularly are. For example, most people have become so used to checking their social media every few minutes that they start to feel nervous and uncomfortable when they have to put their phones away. Using social networks often makes them even unhappier, however, because they begin to compare themselves to others.
The problem is aggravated by the fact that people often do it when they are most vulnerable. Feeling lonely or insecure, they jump into that stream of “good news” and exciting posts their social media friends share instead of taking some time off and trying to clear their minds. Constant overstimulation leads to nutrient depletion of our brains, they get exhausted, and we become susceptible to different mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and other problems.
I did realize that the overuse of social media and other habits I have are destructive and tend to make me waste my time. However, now I also look at the problem from a different perspective, and it has to do with the way strong mental health can help to overcome many challenges and struggles I may face in the future. It made me realize that my habits and my mental health are not going to improve by themselves; they will only get worse, making it more and more difficult for me to avoid negative thoughts and attitudes.
Another idea that has encouraged me to change my habits after watching the video is how easy it can be to change negative habits and mindsets once you start with something small. Small changes often seem insignificant to us, and we feel that, unless the change is drastic and sudden, it is not going to work. On the contrary, small changes are more helpful because they allow us to concentrate on one particular aspect of our lives, making this transition easier and more deliberate. After these seemingly insignificant changes are implemented, it becomes obvious how easy it is to form healthy habits. Just like physical strength and muscles grow when a person is committed to exercising regularly, willpower grows when one begins to control their actions in some simple, small activities.
In the end, nobody is born with all their issues solved, just as not everyone is born with all the mental problems they later develop. Our brains can be the most amazing tools to help us achieve all our goals if only we stop putting obstacles in our way and start solving the problems. It is essential to remember that human beings are not good at multitasking: taking one small thing at a time is key when it comes to changing unhealthy habits and developing healthy ones. Although I have been feeling a little unmotivated to do it lately, Amy Morin’s talk has given me a new understanding of what causes my mental health problems and encouraged me to continue trying.
Reference
TEDx Talks (2015) The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong | Amy Morin | TEDxOcala [Video]. YouTube. Web.