Most of the time, you enjoy your habits without a second thought, but did you know that some of them can be bad for your health? Yes, there are mistakes that even the most health-conscious people can make without realizing it. Let’s take a look at some of them in this article from The Dermo Lab, and try to avoid them as much as possible.
1- Too little sleep
Lack of sleep can make you cranky and distracted the next day, and prevent you from concentrating. However long-term sleep deprivation is linked to dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. You can also add immune system problems, depression, and anxiety, as well as persistent pain to the list. Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Children and teenagers need even more. If you’re having trouble getting enough sleep, talk to your doctor. Treatment can help. It may include lifestyle changes, medication, talk therapy, or a combination of all three.
2- Not drinking water first
Your body sends you signals when you’re hungry or thirsty. But it’s easy to confuse the two. Both sensations can give you a headache or make you feel tired and dizzy. The next time you feel like snacking, try swallowing a glass of water first. Other signs that you need more fluid include dry eyes or skin, dry mouth, dark urine, or little urine.
3- Too much sitting
Higher rates of death from heart disease, cancer, and other health-related causes are linked to sitting for more than 6 hours a day. Break the sitting habit by walking for 1-2 minutes every half-hour. It seems that at least one hour of physical activity a day can offset some of the side effects of sitting too long. You might also consider buying a standing desk. If you use a wheelchair or have other mobility problems, ask your doctor or physiotherapist what activities are suitable for you.
4- Using a cotton bud in the ear
You risk pushing earwax deeper into the ear canal. If the cotton bud goes too far, you risk piercing the eardrum. This can lead to hearing loss. Your ear cleans itself very well. But it may produce more earwax than normal. If this happens to you, ask your doctor what to do.
5- Brushing too soon after eating
Wait an hour before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking, especially if the product is acidic. Acid can soften the enamel, or protective coating, on your teeth. You can swish water around in your mouth or chew sugar-free gum while you wait for the enamel to harden again. Acidic foods and drinks include fruits like oranges and lemons, sour candies, and soda water (regular or sugar-free).
6- Not wearing sunscreen all year round
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause of skin cancer. And the sun’s UV rays shine all year round. For fair-skinned people, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to suffer sun damage. But whatever your skin color, it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen every time you go out, even on cloudy days. Be especially careful around snow, sand, or water. They can reflect the sun’s rays. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Cover all exposed skin, including lips and ears.
7- Touching the menu and then your food
You can wash your hands before sitting down at a restaurant, but you still risk spreading germs on your food if you then touch the menu. Menus, whether electronic or paper, often harbor germs:
- Even though they’re often touched, restaurants rarely clean them.
- Most people don’t wash their hands properly after using the toilet.
Salt and pepper shakers are also frequently used but rarely washed. Next time you go to a restaurant, wash your hands after ordering and use a napkin to catch the condiments.
8- Avoiding vaccines
Flu shots and other vaccines protect you against many illnesses. But your health isn’t the only thing at stake. Vaccines reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to others. This is important because certain groups are more likely to become seriously ill, such as babies, young children, the elderly, and those with certain illnesses or weakened immune systems. The vaccines you need change with age. Ask your doctor which vaccines are best for you and your family.
9- Eating on the go
If you’re in the habit of gobbling up your meals to save time, you risk damaging your long-term health. People who eat faster are more likely to have a higher BMI and be obese.
When you gobble down food, it builds up in your stomach before your brain realizes you’re full. Give your mind a chance to catch up by scheduling your meals to last at least 20 minutes. Add fiber-rich foods like fresh vegetables, which slow down chewing and promote good digestion.
If you must eat on the run, take the time to prepare healthy options at home.
10- Looking at your phone before bedtime
We all use digital devices for pleasure. But looking at your phone at night can prevent your brain and body from relaxing. Smartphones and tablets also emit blue light. Too much of this “daytime” light can disrupt the body clock and delay the release of sleep hormones like melatonin. Try moving your phone to another room if you can’t do it without scrolling at the bedside. You can buy an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake you up.
11- Ignoring your mental health
Everyone gets overwhelmed. However constant mental stress can lead to numerous health problems. It can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, or anxiety. There are many healthy ways to relax, including exercise, meditation, and contact with friends or family. Your doctor or a mental health professional can also give you ideas.
12- Not cleaning your water bottle
Your reusable water bottle allows you to reduce your waste. But it can attract germs if you don’t wash it. You should clean it with soap and water every day, or at least on the days you use it. Rinse off all the soap and let it dry overnight. If possible, run it through the dishwasher.
Last Updated on April 18, 2024
