Old habits are hard to break, but we must break them. These unhealthy habits, although it may seem harmless to us, can actually do more harm to our health in the long run. For example, did you know that knuckle cracking can tear the ligaments in between your fingers and injure your joints or that your kitchen sponge needs to be replaced after every two weeks? Also, skipping breakfast will not help in reducing your weight but, instead, can lead to weight gain and obesity – which also rings true for late-night snacking. If you are guilty of these unhealthy habits, it is the time to start changing your ways for a more healthier you!
Know which vices need to stop in this list of 10 Most Unhealthy Habits!
10 – Not Changing your kitchen sponge
While we use a kitchen sponge to clean our dishes, these sponges can do more harm than good if we keep them unsanitized for more than two weeks! They will become a source of many bacteria because they are often wet or moist and they come in the first contact with all the dirt and germs from our dishes. If you are also using them to clean your kitchen counter or sink, there is a higher chance that it harbors millions of bacteria that can cause flu and cold. You can sanitize them by putting them in a microwave for two minutes every day or, better yet, replace them every two weeks.
9 – Wearing headphones for too long
It is inevitable to use headphones every day, and some even use them throughout the whole day. But did you know that wearing headphones for too long, without any breaks in between, can cause hearing loss? The consequence may not be immediate, but it can definitely affect your hearing in the long run. This is especially true when you use it for short hours, but the volume of your music is too loud. So the next time you plug in your headphones, keep your volume down and always have time to rest your ears.
8 – Nail Biting
Other than the fact that nail-biting shows a symptom of anxiety disorder, nail-biting is also one of the unhealthy habits that need to be stopped. Because millions of bacteria can sneak in under your nails, constant nail-biting can transfer these bacteria to your mouth. Also, picking the skin around your cuticles can cause nail infection and open wounds. If you are suffering from nail-biting, you can stop it by always grooming your nails and putting nail polish to discourage you from gnawing on it. You can also chew on gum to keep your mouth occupied when you are bored or stressed out.
7 – Knuckle Cracking
Knuckle cracking after a long day of work feels good right? But recent studies show that knuckle cracking is actually an unhealthy habit. Although it may feel good sometimes because the small air bubbles in between our joints pop, constant knuckle cracking can injure your joints or tear the ligaments in between your fingers. Instead of cracking them, you can massage the joints in your fingers to relieve the stress and fatigue.
6 – Slouching
Slouching is one of the most common unhealthy habits that is so difficult to break. Whether you are seating at your desk or standing, slouching is never good for the posture. Plus, whenever you slouch back, the muscles at your lower and upper back are strained so much so that it will cause you back pain, fatigue, and headache in the long run. Although it is tough to correct a poor posture right away, it is not impossible. A good position means that your shoulders are relaxed and your chest is high.
5 – Not having enough sleep
Many of us take for granted sleeping, but studies constantly show that it is necessary to have at least 8 hours of snooze time every day to keep our physical, mental, and even emotional health at the optimum level. If you are lacking in your sleep, you are robbing yourself enough time to recover and replenish. Due to this, your immune system may become weak, and you may be prone to many diseases like flu and cold. Although it is impossible to get at least the minimum hours of sleep every day, make sure to take enough sleep on most days of the week, and you can always account for power naps during the day to refresh your mind. (see more facts about sleep)
4 – Skipping Breakfast
Ever since we were kids, our mothers always tell us never to skip breakfast – which remains the golden rule for a healthy living. Even though we are always in a rush every morning, it is important to feed yourself something before the day starts, even if it means a single fruit or a bowl of oatmeal. Studies suggest that eating breakfast improves one’s focus and performance throughout the day. Plus, it jump-starts your metabolism, which allows you to burn more calories every day while keeping your energy reserves.
3 – Sleeping in your contacts
Everyone knows that sleeping in your contacts can damage your eyes, but many still forget this unhealthy habit. If you sleep with your contacts on, you are in danger of an irritated eye the next day or, worse, a severe eye infection. Sleeping in with your contacts can deprive your eye of necessary oxygen, which it compensates by developing small blood vessels which can permanently damage your sight. If you always forget taking them out, try switching to glasses during nighttime or after you have gotten home from work.
2 – Late-night snacking
Late-night snacking is also one of the unhealthy habits that need to get rid of him. Although it may seem fulfilling at first, gobbling a late-night snack can do more harm than good to your body. Choosing late-night snacks can harm your metabolism, such as indigestion, which can interfere with your sleep and even cause you heartburn. Further, studies show that late-night snacking can cause obesity and weight gain as compared to eating at an early time during the night. The earlier your meal is, the longer the time your body can have in digesting your food and processing it.
1 – Not drinking enough water
Our body is 75 percent water, so it is no surprise that drinking not enough water during the day can cause severe damage to our system. Doctors suggest that to keep our body hydrated, we must drink at least 9 glasses of water for adult women and at least 13 glasses for adult men. Although, these numbers can vary depending on one’s size and weight. By staying dehydrated, you will be able to keep your mood stable and your memory sharp. It will also allow you to have radiant and glowing skin and flush toxins from your body. If you do a lot of exercises, hydrating yourself will keep your muscles and joints stronger.
