It’s easy to get out of bed every day and follow our usual routines without even thinking about it, but have you stopped to question whether it could be made from unhealthy habits? You’d be surprised; here are 17 everyday things we do that are actually bad for us.
Sitting down for too long
Being seated for long periods of time can lead to muscle atrophy and weaken the lower body, impairing its ability to burn fat. Johns Hopkins Medicine even claims that links have been made between a sedentary lifestyle and increased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and early death. So, get active!
Overusing smartphones
When we overuse smartphones, we commonly experience symptoms of digital eye strain, including eye dryness, itchiness and irritation, and difficulty focusing. The overuse of smartphones can leave us tired, too, so you should make sure you’re not doing this every day!
Not sleeping enough
Nobody has the time for sleep these days, but insufficient sleep negatively affects our cognitive functions, including our memory, decision-making, and concentration. There is also a relationship between lack of sleep and the development of mood disorders like depression and anxiety, so make sure you’re catching your Z’s.
Eating too much sugar
High sugar intake can lead to obesity due to its high-calorie content, leading to the development of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. A high-sugar diet also contributes to dental health issues, such as cavities and tooth decay, yet many of us eat too much sugar on a daily basis!
Not staying hydrated
When we don’t drink enough water we run the risk of dehydration, which can lead to decreased energy levels and impaired brain function. Dehydration can also impair physical performance and increase the risk of heat exhaustion, so put that soda down and drink some water!
Relying on processed foods
Processed foods are fine as an occasional treat, but remember, they’re foods that lack the nutrients we need for a balanced diet. Relying on them instead of fresh foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health risks associated with the additives, preservatives, and high salt content found in processed foods.
Bad posture
Poor posture can lead to significant spinal stress, degenerative changes, and even stress incontinence, as noted by Harvard Health. There are countless other risks, such as muscle pain, headaches, neck pain, and more, yet we continue to slouch at our desks eight hours a day!
Neglecting sun protection
We often go out in the sun without adequate protection for our eyes and skin, even though overexposure to UV rays can cause cataracts and other vision issues. Without protection from the sun, we risk accelerating the aging process of the skin and damaging skin cells, which can cause skin cancers. Yikes!
Drinking too much caffeine
Consuming too much caffeine has an awful impact on our sleep quality, even leading to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and panic attacks. It can also lead to dependence, which then leads to withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue when trying to cut back. One or two cups is fine, but three? C’mon.
Neglecting mental health
There has always been a stigma surrounding mental health, and this leads many to delay seeking treatment. This is a terrible idea not only for your mental wellness but your body too; the Mayo Clinic explains that poor mental health can even lead to stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches.
Infrequent hand-washing
Inadequate hand washing contributes to the spread of infectious diseases and respiratory infections, such as colds and flu or even chicken pox and meningitis. Despite this, we don’t wash our hands nearly as frequently as we should, even after using our filthy smartphones!
Wearing the wrong shoes
When we don’t wear the appropriate footwear, we run the risk of common issues like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis, yet so many people overlook this! The wrong shoes worn over time can affect posture and alignment, so just get yourself a comfortable pair, and you can thank us later.
Carrying heavy bags and backpacks
When we carry heavy bags for long periods, it can lead to musculoskeletal problems, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. The postural changes and compensations that we make when we carry a heavy load can potentially lead to long-term issues, so it’s just not worth it.
Multitasking constantly
Being able to multitask definitely comes in handy during busy periods, but studies have shown that multitasking can actually reduce productivity and increase errors. The constant switching of tasks can be overwhelming, leading to mental fatigue, stress, and many half-completed tasks left to finish.
Regularly drinking alcohol
The World Health Organization notes that excessive alcohol consumption has the potential to cause social and behavioral problems, and there are countless health risks associated with it, including liver disease, heart disease, and increased cancer risks. Despite this, many people continue to think it’s fine to drink daily. It’s like we enjoy poisoning ourselves!
Listening to loud music
There’s nothing wrong with listening to music, but when we do so at high volumes, we can run the risk of permanent hearing damage, including tinnitus and hearing loss. The kids of today just don’t realize that those earbuds of theirs are going to ruin their hearing. Just turn it down!
Skipping breakfast
Last but not least, many Americans skip breakfast as a routine to lose weight, yet doing so can negatively impact the body’s metabolism and lead to unwanted weight gain over time. Eating breakfast is also important for cognitive function, particularly for maintaining focus and energy levels, so skipping it could not be more counterproductive.
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