Habits Archives

Young white male gamer holds up joystick

November 17, 2023 | Written by therapist.com team

Video games offer some mental health benefits, but excessive gaming can lead to anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Find out how much is too much.

Topics:

Addiction Behavior Disorder Habits Screen Time Self-Help Technology Video Games

A group of teens in a circle on their cellphones

Should we all quit social media?

September 29, 2023 | Written by Elise Burley

More people are opting out of digital life for their mental health. But leaving social means you’ll need to find other ways to stay connected and informed.

Topics:

Addiction Community Culture Friendship Habits Relationships Screen Time Self-Awareness Social Media Stress Technology

Concerned woman stares at screen of smart phone

Is it healthy to take a break from the news?

September 29, 2023 | Written by Amye Archer, MFA

If the 24/7 news cycle is affecting your mental health, you’re not alone. Jonah Paquette, PsyD, offers advice on staying informed without getting overwhelmed.

Topics:

Anxiety Habits Self-Care Self-Development Technology

A drink with garnishes sits on a tabletop

Are mocktails really safe for recovering addicts?

September 14, 2023 | Written by Elise Burley | Featuring Megan Boardman, LCSW

Nonalcoholic beer, wine, and mocktails seem to be everywhere all at once. But for people in recovery, these options may be more triggering than healthful.

Topics:

Addiction Alcoholism Behavior Disorder Culture Disorders Habits Self-Help Society Substance Abuse Substances

Revenge bedtime procrastination: Why we do it and how to stop

September 14, 2023 | Written by Elise Burley

Revenge bedtime procrastination involves putting off going to bed in order to make up for lost personal time during the day. Here are some strategies to help...

Topics:

Habits Perfectionism Procrastination Sleep Stress Management

Binge eating: How it starts, why it keeps happening, and how to stop

September 14, 2023 | Written by Amy Pershing, LMSW, ACSW, CCTP-II

Binge eating is an eating disorder that involves an uncontrollable desire to consume large quantities of food in a short period of time.

Topics:

Binge Eating Disorder Disordered Eating Habits Nutrition

A man sleeps peacefully holding a pillow

How to get better sleep

August 14, 2023 | Written by Elise Burley

Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep, and getting too little can harm your mental and physical health. Follow these tips to regain your rest.

Topics:

Habits Insomnia Physical Health Self-Care Self-Help Sleep Stress Management Wellness

A man sits at his desk ignoring the computer and playing with a paper airplane

How to overcome procrastination

August 3, 2023 | Written by Elise Burley

Postponing tasks can only make them seem worse. Break the cycle by reframing how you approach work—and how you encourage yourself along the way.

Topics:

Goal Setting Habits Procrastination Self-Awareness Self-Development Self-Improvement Stress

A young woman sits at a table in a cafe writing in her journal

The healing power of storytelling

August 3, 2023 | Written by Amye Archer, MFA

Therapy has long been a place to share stories, and some types of therapy center reading and writing them. Bibliotherapist Bijal Shah explains how they work.

Topics:

Bibliotherapy For Therapists Habits Journal Therapy Mind-Body Types of Therapy

A woman lays in bed scrolling on her laptop and drinking coffee

How to break a bad habit for good

August 3, 2023 | Written by Elise Burley

Habits are behaviors that become automatic. Find out how to break bad habits and replace them with healthy ones using the cue-routine-rewards system.

Topics:

Emotions Goal Setting Habits Self-Awareness Self-Development Self-Help Self-Improvement