3.2. Outline how these activities and choices can have a negative effect on personal well-being

This guide will help you answer 3.2. Outline how these activities and choices can have a negative effect on personal well-being.

Personal well-being is about physical, mental, and emotional health. The choices we make and the activities we take part in can affect well-being in both positive and negative ways. This guide outlines how certain activities and choices can harm a person’s physical and mental health. These can impact relationships, job performance, and long-term happiness.

Unhealthy Eating Habits

Poor dietary choices can negatively affect personal well-being. Consuming too much junk food, sugary drinks, or fast food can result in weight gain and health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. A lack of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, may lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and poor mental health, such as depression and anxiety.

Skipping meals can be equally harmful. Irregular eating habits deprive the body of energy and nutrients. Over time, it can lead to disordered eating behaviours, which can harm physical and mental health. Long-term impact includes issues with concentration and mood regulation.

Examples of how poor eating habits affect well-being include:

• Obesity increasing the risk of physical illnesses such as arthritis.
• A poor diet leading to reduced energy, making daily activities harder.
• Insufficient nutrition worsening mood and stress levels.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A lack of physical activity can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and reduces stress. When people avoid exercise, they are more likely to experience weight gain, reduced muscle strength, and a slower metabolism.

A sedentary lifestyle can also lead to feelings of isolation or lack of motivation. Social opportunities that come with group sports or fitness classes are missed, potentially increasing loneliness. Physical inactivity often contributes to depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem.

For example:

• Sitting for long periods increases the risk of back pain and joint problems.
• Lack of movement may lead to poor sleep patterns, reducing the ability to focus.

Substance Abuse

Using substances like alcohol, drugs, or smoking can harm personal well-being. While some people may use these as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional pain, the long-term effects are often negative.

Smoking increases the risk of lung disease, heart disease, and cancer. Alcohol misuse damages the liver, causes dehydration, and increases the chance of accidents or injuries. Drug use can result in dependency, mental health conditions, or social consequences such as job loss or family breakdown.

For instance:

• Excessive drinking can disrupt relationships, leading to isolation.
• Substance abuse often results in financial problems, adding stress and anxiety to daily life.

Poor Sleep Patterns

Not getting enough sleep can cause serious health problems. The adult body needs 7–9 hours of sleep for recovery and mental clarity. Poor sleep patterns include staying up late, waking frequently during the night, or irregular bedtimes.

Sleep deprivation often leads to fatigue, irritability, and reduced concentration. Over time, people may develop chronic sleep disorders, which can lead to heart disease and poor immunity. Poor sleep also affects emotional well-being, making people more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, or depression.

Examples include:

• Difficulty learning new skills or completing work tasks.
• Increased likelihood of accidents, particularly when driving or operating machinery.

Negative Relationships

Unhealthy relationships can harm self-esteem, emotional stability, and mental health. This can include relationships involving constant criticism, exploitation, neglect, or abuse. Being in an environment like this often leads to stress, feelings of unworthiness, and a loss of independence.

Toxic relationships can also create financial or physical struggles. For example, someone in an abusive relationship may feel trapped and unable to make decisions for their own well-being.

Situations may include:

• A controlling partner limiting social interactions.
• Friendships encouraging harmful behaviours, such as substance misuse.

Overworking or Poor Work-Life Balance

Spending too much time working and neglecting personal time can have effects on health and relationships. Overworking often leads to sleep deprivation, stress, and a weakened immune system. Constant stress increases the chances of burnout, making it difficult to perform tasks and manage emotions.

A poor work-life balance reduces opportunities to spend time with family, pursue hobbies, or relax. This can create feelings of isolation, dissatisfaction, or emotional exhaustion.

Signs this affects well-being may be:

• Feeling irritable or indifferent about work tasks.
• Neglecting self-care, such as meals or exercise.

Excessive Screen Time

Using screens for long periods—whether for social media, gaming, or work—can harm well-being. Prolonged use contributes to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. Excessive screen time also reduces time for physical activities or social interactions.

Social media can negatively affect self-image. Comparing oneself to others online may lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, or loneliness.

Specific examples include:

• Cyberbullying may impact mental health.
• Sitting for hours in poor posture can cause muscle and back pain.

Ignoring Self-Care

Neglecting personal hygiene, exercise, or relaxation leads to both physical and emotional challenges. Self-care, such as grooming, is important for personal dignity and confidence. Regularly skipping these activities can cause poor mental health or isolation.

Self-care is also about managing emotions. Without proper methods of relaxation or self-expression, stress can accumulate, causing mood swings or angry outbursts.

This could look like:

• Failing to bathe regularly, leading to skin conditions.
• Bottling up emotions, resulting in physical tension or illness.

Lack of Social Connections

Humans are social beings. A lack of meaningful relationships or social activities can lead to loneliness. Feeling alone often increases the chances of depression, poor sleep, or reduced immunity.

Without a sense of belonging, people might struggle with motivation or personal identity. Positive connections, such as supportive friends, are key to emotional well-being.

Examples include:

• Not attending social events, which may decrease a person’s overall happiness.
• Isolation leading to overthinking or feelings of fear.

Risk-Taking Behaviour

Choices such as reckless driving, excessive gambling, or unsafe sexual activity may provide short-term excitement but often carry long-term consequences. These behaviours increase the risk of physical injury, financial loss, or emotional pain.

Risk-taking can also harm relationships. For example, gambling problems may lead to borrowing money and tension with loved ones.

Scenarios that affect well-being might be:

• Unsafe practices like driving under the influence causing harm.
• Financial loss leaving a person unable to afford essentials.

Neglecting Emotional Needs

It’s important to acknowledge and address feelings rather than avoid them. Suppressing emotions or not seeking help for mental health concerns can lead to depression or increased stress. Ignored emotional challenges often manifest physically through pain, fatigue, or illness.

Avoiding emotional care could appear as:

• Refusing to discuss feelings, creating misunderstandings.
• Avoiding counselling, leaving mental health issues unresolved.

Conclusion: Smart Choices for Well-Being

Understanding these activities and choices allows better decision-making. While it’s natural to make mistakes, recognising and changing harmful habits can improve well-being.