Life
You know what they say, old habits die hard. It's no surprise that it's difficult to lose a bad habit, but that shouldn't be the only reason why you can't shake it. What you need to know, however, is the truth. And the truth is, your common habits might be doing more harm than you think. There are many common habits you don't realize are slowly killing you that you do on a daily basis. Wow, talk about a nightmare — am I right?
I applaud you if you've already gotten rid of old bad habits. However, there may be even more still lurking and secretly wreaking havoc on your body. Those seemingly harmless habits are the ones that can really cause major damage to you and your overall health. In the worst-case scenarios, they can even cost you your life.
So, it's definitely time for you to think back on your day. What tiny habits do you often catch yourself doing? And, more importantly, can these quirks and ticks be detrimental to your life? Luckily, there's a lot of research that can show you what habits you should start easing up on over time, and what habits you should quit cold turkey.
1
You Snack When You're Not Hungry
We've all been there before, grabbing a bite to eat with friends even when you're not hungry. However, according to Reader's Digest, ignoring your body's natural hunger signals can lead to chronic overeating. It may be time to reschedule those dinner plans.
2
You Text While You Walk
Do you find yourself grabbing for your phone when you're out by yourself? You're not alone. In an interview with ABC News, Dr. Beth Ebel, director of the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center at the University of Washington, said crossing streets while texting raises your risk of being hit by a car. You should rethink going to reach for your phone when you should be paying attention.
3
You Frequently Crack Your Neck
In an interview with Health, Dr. Michael Gleiber, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, said repeatedly cracking your neck makes you more susceptible to injury, perhaps a stroke. You should give up this habit now before it's too late.
4
You Spend A Lot Of Time Alone
According to a study in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, social isolation is associated with increased risk for early mortality. Call up your friends for a night out ASAP.
5
You Mix Products When Cleaning
You've been there, scouring the pantry closet looking for cleaning products. Bleach can always get the job done, right? Wrong. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaners can create toxic fumes. It's time to hit the stores for the right supplies.
6
You Eat At Your Desk
According to a study by the Annals of Internal Medicine, staying at your desk to eat lunch could slowly kill you. Eating lunch at your desk could cause major problems like heart disease.
7
You Skip Your Exercise Routine
Yes, you deserve a break from your workout routine every now and then. However, a fluctuating exercise regime can be harmful. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a lack of exercise could be more deadly than being obese. Your life can change for the better even if you take the stairs rather than the elevator, or go for a walk after dinner.
8
You're Staying In An Unhappy Marriage
According to The Week, a study done by sociologists at Michigan State University revealed that you are more likely to suffer from heart disease or a heart attack if you're in an argumentative marriage. It may be time to seek counseling or call off your marriage for good. Your overall health will thank you.
9
You Spend Money You Don't Have
According to Daily Mail, stressing about things like credit card bills can speed up your aging process and make you neglectful to other aspects of your life, which can harm your health. So say goodbye to your credit card and hello to a longer life.
10
You Skip Breakfast All The Time
According to Reader's Digest, skipping breakfast can harm your weight, energy, and blood sugar. Help yourself out by prepping food the night before, or waking up 15 minutes early to make breakfast.
11
You Ignore Your Snore
According to Health, snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Health further noted that sleep apnea also increases the risk of heart disease. It may be wise to put an end to ignoring the snoring.
12
You Overwork Yourself
According to Step to Health, stress from work can cause a weak immune system and a risk for infection. Putting in the extra time at work may pay off in your wallet, but it certainly doesn't help your health.
13
You Bite Your Nails
According to Mercola, biting your nails could cause major diseases. Mercola further noted that your nails are where bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can be found. Think twice before putting your fingers near your mouth again.
14
You Load Up On The Caffeine
According to Healthline, caffeine overdoses can be deadly at times and can worsen anxiety. Looks like decaffeinated tea, not coffee, might be your saving grace after all.
15
You Skip Out On The Vitamin D
According to The Week, U.K. researchers found that low vitamin D levels are more likely to cause dementia than higher levels. Load up on vitamin D the next time you eat, or purchase some vitamin supplements ASAP.
16
Your Posture Goes Unchecked
In an interview with Livestrong, Dr. Rene Cailliet, former director of University of Southern California's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, said, hunching forward too much can affect your lung capacity by up to 30 percent. You'll breath much easier in no time when you start standing up straight.
17
You Eat Too Much Red Meat
According to WebMD, eating too much red meat can increase your risk of heart disease and risk of other cancers. As delicious as a huge burger is, it can unfortunately destroy your health.
18
You Have A Severe Lack Of Sleep
According to Cleveland Clinic, a lack of sleep can increase your risk of developing diabetes. In an interview with Cleveland Clinic, endocrinologist Dr. Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis said that a lack of sleep causes you to exercise less.
19
You Spend Too Much Time In The Sun
According to WebMD, heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury. WebMD further noted that heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. It may be time to go inside and get some shade.
20
You Skip Out On Doctor Appointments
I don't blame you for not liking to go to the doctor's, but it's vital for your health. According to Health, not knowing your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers can harm your health. Health further noted that if these or your blood sugar levels are high, you're at risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
21
You Take Birth Control
Well, great. According to the American Cancer Society, studies have found that women who use birth control have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who don't. Consult with your doctor if you're concerned about the oral contraceptive that you use.
22
You Don't Floss Often
According to WebMD, not flossing can cause gum disease, which could lead to a heart attack. Failure to floss may seem like a harmless habit, but it can seriously put you and your heart at risk.
