There is no one in this world who does not engage in some sort of “habit”… and often on a daily basis. Some people walk fast, and others curl their hair, for example. While most of these are actually benign behaviors, you should know that there are some habits that could actually be a sign that you are suffering from anxiety.
Below are ten of the most common behaviors that people often mistakenly label as "habits," not realizing that they may be trying to compensate for feeling anxious:
*1. Smoking – So many people are smoking now… although many are learning that it can cause great harm to their health. There are many smoking cessation programs that can be accessed. Note that smoking is often a telltale sign of anxiety.
*2. Nail-biting – Thousands of people bite their nails every day. This usually doesn't do much harm to people, except that it can lead to an infection around the nail. Pay attention to the fact that you may engage in "nail-biting" because you feel nervous and stressed.
*3. Hair pulling – This is more common than people think. Some people pull hair from different areas of their body (eyelashes, eyebrows, scalp, etc.) when they are anxious about something. Often this happens unconsciously. If done regularly and in excess, it can lead to hair loss and can be a symptom of a more serious disorder known as "trichotillomania" (a closely related disorder known as OCD-obsessive compulsive disorder). Just be aware that this could mean you have anxiety.
*4. Bouncing Legs – This can't hurt you… except for driving other people crazy watching, you bounce your leg! However, it could be a sign that you need to relax more and suffer from anxiety.
*5. Foot Tapping - This can cause no problems other than annoying others watching you tap your feet! Although… your legs might get tired! Keep in mind that "foot tapping" can be more than just a habit...it can mean you're stressed.
*6. Overeating – Most of us like to eat! However, if done excessively, it could cause significant weight gain and lead to a number of health problems. Convenience foods like cookies, crackers, fast food, and other high-sugar/fat snacks can cause obesity. Keep in mind that your "habit" of overeating can be a clear sign of anxiety.
*7. Inadequate food intake – This can cause a problem in that you are not getting adequate nutrition and, you can lose a lot of weight, which is referred to in the medical world as “anorexia”. Getting the right vitamins and minerals is essential to maintaining health. Please note that not eating enough can be a sign that you have anxiety.
*8. Oversleeping – This is known in the medical world as “hypersomnia”. It can't hurt you, but if you sleep too much, you might be depressed. Depression is a close relative of anxiety, so be aware that you may have "hypersomnia" because you suffer from anxiety.
*9. Not getting enough sleep – This is known in the medical world as “insomnia” and can affect what is known as cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that manifests itself with insufficient sleep. Balanced cortisol levels are very important for proper sleep and therefore for keeping anxiety to a minimum. If you have "insomnia", then this can be a clear indicator that you have anxiety.
*10. Skin picking – This “habit” can hurt you because it can cause scarring or infection in the area that is being picked. Note that sometimes people who engage in this "habit" do so to relieve stress or anxiety.
There are four easy steps to help you better understand your "habit" and what's causing it:
First Step. Pay attention to your own behavior and notice your "habits".
Second Step. Ask others what habits they see you engaging in that you may not be aware of.
Third Step. Document in your journal what these habits are and when you use them. (For example, "I feel like I'm pacing right before a big exam at school.")
Fourth Step. Over time, you can develop a pattern of engaging in a habit to pinpoint the cause.
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