Struggling With Depression? Your Lifestyle May Be The Culprit, Study Says News24 –

A study explained how having an inconsistent daily routine can lead to depression and stressed the importance of having a stable routine.

Depression And Its Link To Lifestyle Choices

Depression is a common mental health issue. Besides biological and psychological factors, it can also be caused by lifestyle habits. Our daily routine plays a big role in how we feel mentally. Simple habits we follow each day can affect our mental health. This shows how important it is to have a disciplined routine, including regular sleep, for good mental wellbeing.

Study Shows Irregular Routine Can Lead to Depression

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders looked into how inconsistent daily habits affect mood and contribute to depression.

The Impact of a Changing Routine

In today’s busy world, some days we get plenty of sunlight and are active outside, while other days we might stay inside with the blinds closed. Similarly, on some days, we exercise a lot, and on others, we skip it. This study focused on how these changes in daily habits affect our mental health.

Tracking The Routine Of 6,800 People

The study followed 6,800 adults in the United States to understand how their daily activity and exposure to sunlight were connected to their mental health. The researchers wanted to know if having an irregular routine could make people feel more depressed.

Consistency Is Key For Mental Health

The study found that those who had unpredictable routines, including changes in how much light they were exposed to or how active they were, were more likely to feel depressed. The researchers stressed the importance of sticking to a steady daily routine to help maintain good mental health.

The Impact of Irregular Sleep and Activity

The study explained that when a person’s sleep cycle or daily routine is disrupted, it harms their mental health. This disturbs the body’s natural biological clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which helps control mood. Irregular activity and sleep patterns can lead to negative feelings and depression.

Younger Adults Are More Affected

Younger adults were found to be more affected by irregular activity patterns. This highlights the need for them to correct their habits, such as staying up too late or being inconsistent with physical activity.

Men And Light Exposure

The study also found that men were more affected by inconsistent exposure to light than women. This means that keeping a steady light exposure routine is especially important for men’s mental health.

Lower BMI Linked To Benefits

People with a lower body mass index (BMI) seemed to benefit the most from a steady routine of light exposure. This shows that maintaining consistency in daily activities and light exposure can be particularly helpful for people with a healthy weight.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions.