If you’re always feeling frustrated, these 9 daily habits could be to blame

Frustration is a universal feeling, we’ve all been there. But if you’re constantly feeling frustrated, it might not just be down to the situations you find yourself in.

Your daily habits could actually be the culprits behind your chronic frustration. Yes, those innocuous little routines that you follow every day might be to blame.

In this article, we will explore 9 daily habits that could secretly be souring your mood so you can start living a less frustrated, more harmonious life.

Let’s dive in.

1) Not giving yourself time to decompress

In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But have you ever stopped to consider the impact this could be having on your mood?

Constantly being on the go without taking time to rest and recharge can lead to feelings of frustration. It’s like driving a car non-stop without ever stopping to refuel, eventually, it’s going to break down.

And the same applies to your mental health.

If you’re constantly feeling frustrated, it might be because you’re not giving yourself enough time to decompress. You’re always on, always working, always pushing…and it’s taking its toll.

Taking time out for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. And your mood will thank you for it!

2) Skipping meals

I learnt this the hard way. One hectic week, I had meetings back to back, deadlines looming, and I found myself skipping meals just to keep up with my schedule.

At first, I didn’t think much of it. After all, I was being productive, right? Wrong. I soon noticed I was becoming irritable and easily frustrated over the smallest things.

That’s when it hit me. My lack of regular meals was not only causing physical tiredness but also affecting my emotional state.

Not eating regularly can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, leading to feelings of frustration and irritability. It’s your body’s way of telling you it needs fuel.

Ever since that week, I made sure to never skip a meal again, no matter how busy I am. And guess what? My frustration levels have definitely decreased.

Frustration might be an indicator that your eating habits are not healthy. Are you skipping meals or eating at irregular times? It might be time to make a change.

3) Multitasking

This might surprise you, but humans are wired to be monotaskers.

Multitasking is not the productivity powerhouse we often think it is. In fact, studies show that only 2% of people can effectively multitask.

When we try to do too many things at once, our focus is divided and our performance on each task suffers. Not only are we less effective, but it also leads to increased stress and frustration.

Imagine trying to juggle multiple balls in the air at once. The more balls you add, the harder it becomes to keep them all in the air. The same goes for tasks. The more you try to juggle at once, the more likely you are to drop one.

If you’re always feeling frustrated, it might be time to ditch the multitasking and focus on one task at a time. It could just be the change you need to feel less overwhelmed and frustrated.

4) Lack of exercise

You’ve probably heard it a million times before, but exercise really is good for your mental health. It’s not just about getting fit or losing weight, regular exercise can help to reduce feelings of frustration too.

Physical activity releases endorphins, our body’s natural mood lifters. They help to reduce stress, boost your mood, and give you a sense of achievement.

But when you’re stuck in a cycle of work, eat, sleep, repeat, exercise can easily fall by the wayside. And this lack of physical activity can leave you feeling frustrated and irritable.

Whenever you feel frustrated, ask yourself if you’ve been getting enough physical activity. If not, it might be time to lace up those trainers and get moving. You might just find it helps to ease your frustration.

5) Neglecting self-care

In today’s always-on world, it’s easy to put everyone and everything else before yourself. But constantly neglecting your own needs can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment.

Self-care isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths, it’s about taking care of your mental, emotional and physical health. It could be as simple as taking time out to read a book, going for a walk in nature, or even just making sure you’re drinking enough water.

By neglecting self-care, you’re sending a message to yourself that your needs are not important. And this can lead to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction.

If you’re constantly feeling frustrated, it might be time to take a closer look at your self-care routine. Are you taking care of yourself as well as you’re taking care of others? If not, it’s time to make some changes. After all, who can pour from an empty cup? 

6) Not expressing your feelings

Holding onto your emotions, especially negative ones, can be like carrying a heavy weight around your heart. It’s exhausting and can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment.

In fact, some research showed that emotional suppression was linked to an increase in psychological distress. 

It’s not always easy to express your feelings, especially if you’re worried about how others might react. But bottling up your emotions can lead to increased stress and yes, frustration.

When you express your feelings openly and honestly, it’s like releasing that heavy weight. You might find that people are more understanding than you think. And even if they’re not, expressing your feelings is still a healthy practice for your own peace of mind.

7) Overcommitting

I’ve been there, saying yes to every request, every project, every social event. Wanting to be helpful, wanting to be involved. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that I was slowly burning myself out.

Overcommitting can lead to feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. You might start missing deadlines, letting people down, and feeling like you’re constantly playing catch up.

It’s essential to learn to say no, to understand your limits, and to prioritize your commitments. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable or hardworking, it simply means you’re taking care of your mental health.

If you’re always feeling frustrated, take a look at your commitments. Are you spreading yourself too thin? It might be time to start saying no more often and prioritizing what truly matters. It’s a tough lesson to learn, but a necessary one.

8) Lack of sleep

Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Your brain needs time to rest and recharge, and without enough sleep, you can end up feeling irritable and frustrated.

Sleep deprivation affects your mood, concentration, and overall mental health. It can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming and lead to feelings of frustration.

If you’re always feeling frustrated, it might be worth looking at your sleep habits. Are you getting enough quality sleep? Are you staying up late scrolling through social media or watching TV?

It might be time to create a healthy sleep routine. For example, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day and limit screen time before bed. 

9) Not practicing mindfulness

Mindfulness is not just a buzzword, it’s a practice that can truly change your life. It teaches you to live in the present moment, to appreciate the here and now, and to let go of frustrations about the past or worries about the future.

When you’re always feeling frustrated, it can often be because you’re stuck in a cycle of overthinking or worrying about things outside of your control.

By practicing mindfulness, you learn to focus on what’s happening right now, in this moment. It helps you to accept things as they are, rather than getting frustrated about how they should be.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

Life is a constant balancing act. It’s about knowing when to say yes, and when to say no.

But if you’re always feeling frustrated, it could be a sign that your scales are tipped too far in one direction. It’s crucial to address these root causes and restore balance in your life.

Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, getting enough sleep, expressing your feelings, or taking time for self-care – each of these habits plays a crucial role in managing frustration and achieving equilibrium in your life.

Now, take a moment to reflect on your daily habits. Could any of them be contributing to your feelings of frustration? Small changes can make a big difference. It’s all about creating a balance that works best for you.