Perfectionism is impinging on my mental health. How can I rein it in?

The term that used to be the most nauseating of job interview humblebrags is now an evidence-based source of self-destruction, with studies linking it to a higher risk of everything from cardiovascular disease to depression. ‘If you feel it creeping into something you’re doing, it’s time to step back and focus on some of the other aspects of your life, outside of those performance contingencies,’ says Dr Thomas Curran, a social and personality psychologist and self-confessed perfectionist. If stepping back isn’t an option – say, it’s a work project you’re striving to do perfectly – try this tactic from clinical psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd. Drop your effort down to 80%. ‘All you’re doing in that final 20% is chasing something that doesn’t exist,’ she says. ‘That 20% is the difference between healthy behaviour (conscientiousness) and unhealthy behaviour (perfectionism).’ Just remember that spelling and grammar check, yeah?