Dr. Aparna Iyer, M.D. says, “Despite our best intentions, many of us are likely engaging in habits that can actually hurt our mental health and cause us to be anxious and depressed. Once these habits are established, many people will continue them simply because they are part of a familiar routine or because they might not be aware of how detrimental they can be to their mood, energy levels, and nervous system. And while most of us are aware of the classic habits—like sleeping too little or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol—that can hurt our mental health, studies are increasingly showing that there are a plethora of habits and thought patterns that play a part.”