Sometimes, what we consider normal isn’t exactly universal. In fact, it might not even be normal at all. It’s easy to get caught up in our own little worlds and fail to realize that our reality can be quite far from the norm.

Curious what these things might be? You’re not alone. As I started questioning my own assumptions, I discovered areas of life where I was mistaking the peculiar for the commonplace.

Therefore, I thought it best to share this enlightening journey with you. The following are some things that people think are normal but may not actually be.

1) Being busy all the time

In today’s day and age, it seems like being “busy” has become some sort of badge of honor.

People often boast about how packed their schedules are, how little time they have to relax, or even how little sleep they’re getting. We seem to equate being busy with being successful or important.

But is this really normal? Or is it something we’ve just been conditioned to accept?

In actual fact, this culture of constant busyness isn’t as universal as you might think. Not every culture values being always on the go, and not all successful people lack time for leisure or sleep.

Certainly, hard work is vital for accomplishing anything in life. But it’s important to also take time to rest, recharge and look after your health.

Maybe it’s time we all rethink this “normal” standard of constant busyness.

2) Eating processed foods daily

I have to admit, I used to be one of those people who thought eating processed foods every day was normal.

Growing up, I’d reach for the boxed cereal in the mornings and fix myself a quick ready-made meal in the evening. Lunchtime? That usually involved some form of a fast-food chain.

It wasn’t until I started having health issues that I started questioning my diet. I was shocked to find out how much processed food I consumed on a daily basis. I thought it was normal because it was convenient, quick and, let’s face it, tasty.

But in reality, it’s not normal to rely solely on processed foods for nourishment. In many parts of the world, meals are created from fresh, seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced. Not only does this benefit your health, but it also supports local farmers and the environment.

Ever since realizing this, I’ve made a conscious effort to include more whole, unprocessed foods in my diet, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my health and overall wellbeing.

Maybe it’s time more of us questioned this “normal,” and considered whether we too need to make a change.

3) Sitting for prolonged periods

We live in a sedentary society where sitting for hours on end has become the norm. Most of us spend our days sitting at desks, in cars, or on couches. We think nothing of this constant sitting, but it goes against our evolutionary history.

Humans were designed to be on the move. Our ancestors were hunters and gatherers who spent most of their time on their feet. Constant movement helped to keep their bodies strong and healthy.

Contrary to this, sitting for long periods has been linked to a multitude of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. It seems our bodies are simply not designed to be inactive for extended periods of time.

So next time you find yourself sitting for hours on end, remind yourself that this “normal” might not be as normal as we think.

4) Lack of sleep

Imagine bragging about how little sleep you get. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? Yet, so many of us wear our lack of sleep like a badge of bravery or tenacity. In doing so, we’ve normalized sleep deprivation.

We sip on countless cups of coffee, substitute proper rest with quick power naps, and continuously push our bodies to keep functioning on minimal rest. We’ve got things to do and sleep can wait, right?

Well, perhaps not. Our bodies require adequate rest to heal, reboot, and function effectively. Lack of sleep can lead to chronic health problems and negatively affect our cognitive abilities.

Perhaps it’s time we started paying more attention to our sleep schedule. Cutting back on sleep shouldn’t be normal – it’s high time we saw it for what it is: a health risk.

5) Ignoring mental health

We live in a society in which it’s considered ‘normal’ to put physical health above everything else. Feeling physically sick? Book an appointment with your doctor. Persistent cough? Get medicine from the pharmacy.

But when it comes to mental health, the approach is usually quite different.

People often push aside feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress. They mask them, ignore them, and try to move on as if they don’t exist. Reaching out for help often feels abnormal or unnecessary.

But mental health is just as important as physical health. You wouldn’t ignore a persisting physical pain, would you? So why ignore emotional pain?

It’s time we challenge this “normal”. Mental health matters, and taking care of our minds should be just as important and “normal” as taking care of our bodies.

6) Constantly comparing ourselves to others

I remember a time when I compared my life to those around me all the time. I’d look at their career progress, their relationships, even their holiday photos on social media.

As a result, I found myself feeling inadequate or behind. It was only when I recognized the futility and self-defeatism in such comparisons, that I began to let go.

It’s normal to make occasional comparisons but constantly measuring ourselves against others can degrade our self-esteem and happiness. Each of us has our own unique path and pace in life.

Next time you catch yourself in a comparison spiral, try to remember that your value doesn’t diminish based on someone else’s life. Your journey and theirs are different, and that’s perfectly ok.

7) Overspending on material possessions

In our modern consumerist society, it’s considered ‘normal’ to want the latest gadgets, the newest clothes, the flashiest cars, and the biggest homes. We often get so caught up in acquiring material possessions that we forget to ask ourselves if we really need them.

The desire for more encourages overspending and can lead to financial stress. Instead of accumulating wealth for long-term security or experiences that truly enrich our lives, we’re burdened by debts from short-termfixes of happiness.

Next time you’re tempted to buy that latest item, ask yourself if you truly need it. Remember, material possessions don’t equal happiness, and wealth isn’t measured in what you have, but in the quality of life and experiences you enjoy.

8) Neglecting self-care

In this fast-paced world, we often deprioritize self-care in the name of productivity or responsibility. We work longer hours, take fewer breaks, and spend less time doing things we love, all in the pursuit of success or fulfilling duties.

But self-care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It allows us to replenish our energy, manage stress, and maintain our overall wellbeing.

Make time for self-care and understand that taking care of yourself is not an act of selfishness, but one of self-preservation. It’s only when you are in a good state of mental, emotional, and physical health that you can truly thrive and give your best to everything you do.

The power of questioning

When navigating the complexities of life, it can be easy to get caught up in societal norms and expectations. However, the threads of these ‘norms’ aren’t always universal and may not serve our best interest.

From constant busyness, lack of sleep, and a diet filled with processed foods, to ignoring mental health and neglecting self-care, these common behaviors aren’t necessarily ‘normal’ nor healthy.

It’s the quintessential human trait – the ability to question, reevaluate and change – that equips us to reshape what seems ‘normal’. As philosophy Socrates once declared, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

So, as we move forward, remember to question the certainties in life, challenge the norms, and redefine what ‘normal’ is for you. Because what’s considered ‘normal’ is not always synonymous with what’s right or good for you.

Never cease to question. Don’t simply accept, but understand. And in doing so, we may chance upon a path that’s far more rewarding than the one we tread as ‘normal’.