2. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect

Perfectionism is on the rise and it’s taking a psychological toll.

One 2017 study that looked at college students between 1989 and 2016 found an increase in perfectionism over the years. Researchers noted “young people [are] now facing more competitive environments, more unrealistic expectations, and more anxious and controlling parents than generations before.”

This rise in perfectionism is causing people to be overly critical of themselves and others. It’s also led to an increase in depression and anxiety .

Another smaller study of college students concluded that expecting perfection was related to avoidant coping, which causes you to avoid dealing with stressors.