15 “Bad” Habits That Might Actually Be Good for Your Mental Health
Some habits get a bad reputation, but not everything that seems unhealthy at first glance is truly harmful. In fact, certain behaviors we’ve been told to avoid may actually support our mental health in small, balanced doses.
How and why you do something matters most, not just the habit itself. When used mindfully, some surprising actions can help you cope, reset, and feel better emotionally. Here are 15 so-called “bad” habits that could secretly benefit your mental well-being.
Sleeping In Occasionally
Oversleeping all the time isn’t great, but permitting yourself to sleep in once in a while can be a healthy reset. Extra rest can improve your mood, focus, and emotional balance when your body and mind are tired. Guilt about not being “productive” first thing in the morning can add stress. Letting yourself catch up on sleep helps reduce burnout. It’s okay to rest when you need it.
Venting to a Friend
Some people say venting is just complaining, but sharing your feelings can actually relieve emotional pressure. Talking things through helps you process situations and feel less alone. When done respectfully, venting can build stronger connections and improve your mood. Just be sure to listen in return and avoid constant negativity. A trusted listener makes all the difference.
Watching Reality TV
Binge-watching reality shows may seem like a waste of time, but it can be a helpful mental break. These shows often require little focus, allowing your brain to relax. Sometimes, you need to laugh or escape into a fun show to recover from a tough day. It’s not about avoiding life—it’s about giving yourself a pause. Entertainment has its place in emotional self-care.
Saying No to Social Plans
It might feel rude to say no, but turning down plans can be a healthy boundary. When you’re emotionally drained, time alone can help you recharge. Forcing yourself to be social when you’re not feeling up to it can lead to stress or resentment. Respecting your own needs builds confidence and emotional strength. Choosing rest is not selfish—it’s wise.
Spending Time on Your Phone
Scrolling on your phone gets a bad rap, but it depends on how you use it. Watching funny videos, chatting with friends, or learning something new can all lift your spirits. Social media becomes a problem when it creates stress or comparison—not when it brings connection or comfort. Taking time to enjoy harmless online content can be a quick mood boost. Like anything, balance is key.
Crying It Out
Some people think crying is a sign of weakness, but it’s actually a powerful emotional release. Holding in feelings can build stress and anxiety over time. Letting yourself cry when needed can bring relief and help you process hard emotions. It’s a healthy response to sadness, frustration, or being overwhelmed. You usually feel lighter afterward.
Eating “Comfort Food”
Eating a favorite snack or comfort meal doesn’t have to mean giving up on health. Food connects to emotion, and enjoying something familiar can bring feelings of safety and happiness. In moderation, indulging in something you love can reduce stress and lift your mood. It’s okay to treat yourself without guilt. Emotional nourishment matters too.
Daydreaming
Letting your mind wander may look unproductive, but it helps with creativity and stress relief. Daydreaming gives your brain a break from constant focus and pressure. It can also help you imagine goals, solve problems, or simply enjoy a mental escape. Taking a few moments to drift off can refresh your thoughts. You come back feeling more energized and open-minded.
Talking to Yourself
It might feel strange, but talking to yourself can help you stay grounded and focused. Saying things out loud helps you process your thoughts and organize your mind. It’s also a way to encourage yourself and calm your nerves in difficult moments. Self-talk boosts confidence and self-awareness. What matters most is the tone—be kind to yourself.
Spending a Day Doing Nothing
Taking an entire day to do absolutely nothing may seem lazy, but it can be deeply healing. When life overwhelms, your mind and body need time to slow down. A “do-nothing” day helps reset your nervous system and prevents burnout. Productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s also about knowing when to rest. One quiet day can improve the rest of your week.
Swearing When You’re Frustrated
Strong language isn’t always polite, but sometimes it helps release tension quickly. Swearing in a private or appropriate setting can help express emotions that are hard to put into softer words. It can also reduce pain and make you feel a little more in control. As long as it’s not aimed at others in anger, it can actually help you calm down. Expressing yourself honestly has value.
Rewatching Your Favorite Shows
Watching the same movies or shows repeatedly might seem like a waste of time, but it brings comfort. Familiar stories reduce anxiety because they’re predictable and feel safe. They offer a sense of control when everything else feels uncertain. Rewatching can be a calming ritual that helps you wind down. There’s nothing wrong with returning to something you enjoy.
Skipping a Workout
Missing a workout sometimes is not failure—it’s listening to your body. If you’re tired, sore, or mentally drained, rest might be more helpful than pushing through. Exercise is important, but so is recovery. Forcing yourself to move when you truly need rest can backfire. Skipping a day now and then is part of a healthy balance.
Procrastinating Creatively
Waiting until the last minute is usually seen as a bad habit, but sometimes, it gives your brain time to think. Creative ideas can come when you’re relaxed, not forcing the process. Procrastinating in small doses can lead to better outcomes if you use that time to gather ideas or build motivation. The key is to know when it’s helping and when it’s becoming avoidance. Not all delays are wasted time.
Expressing Anger in a Safe Way
Feeling angry isn’t wrong—what you do with it matters. Expressing anger in a safe, respectful way can help release built-up stress. Bottling it up can lead to bigger problems later. Talking it out, writing in a journal, or doing something physical like exercise can help. Acknowledging your anger is better than pretending it’s not there.
