9 Habits That Are Hurting Your Health
Being healthy is complicated. There are so many methodologies and theories about the best way to pursue wellness by adopting new behaviors. It seems like there is no perfect formula for leading a healthy lifestyle, and that is because every person is different. Your body type, mental health, and personality are unique to you. Activities that others find enjoyable might make you miserable. The key is to find a health plan that suits your tastes.
Part of having an effective strategy for being healthier is eliminating behaviors that are detrimental to your well-being. It is not just about adding more activities to your schedule. There are plenty of habits that you might have that are actively working against you and preventing you from reaching your potential. Here are nine examples that you should eliminate from your routine if you want to get serious about being healthy.
Hot Showers
Though it may be pleasurable in the winter, a hot shower is actually bad for your skin. The high temperatures can strip your skin of naturally-occuring oils, leading to dry patches and irritation. Instead, try bathing in a lukewarm temperature or even under cool water to protect the integrity of your skin.
The Snooze Button
Your instant response to hearing your morning alarm might be to hit the snooze button. But try to get a few extra bursts of short sleep will not benefit you. These bouts of sleep provide no recovery benefits for your body and can make you feel even more tired during the day. Get up quickly once the alarm goes off to avoid this issue.
Pushing Through Stress
When you start to feel overwhelmed and worried as a result of your circumstances, you may try to push yourself through the stress. It is far healthier to try out practices that can reduce stress, which can promote heart health and improve your mood. Meditation, journaling, and taking more breaks can reduce the effect that stress has on your life.
Substituting Supplements for Nutrition
Supplements are a convenient way to increase your intake of key nutrients. However, these products are not meant to take the place of a balanced diet. If this is a habit of yours, then your body is being deprived of crucial resources. Instead, use nutrient supplements to support an already healthy diet with additional vitamins and minerals.
Overexposure to Screens
The deeper we get into the 21st century, the more inundated we become with screen usage. For work, social interaction, entertainment, and other purposes, we often stare at screens all day. This is horrible for your eyes. If you cannot cut back on your screen time, consider purchasing blue-light glasses to reduce the strain that screens are putting on your eyes.
Sitting Too Much
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, and low energy. To get better circulation, try standing up while working instead of sitting all day. Step away from the couch or desk chair for ten minute breaks every once in a while. The more you sit, the more stress you are putting on your spine, which can lead to significant health issues later in life.
Unhealthy Breakfasts
It can feel much easier to eat a bowl of plain old cereal every morning. But breakfast is an opportunity to inject your system with energy and nutrients to start your day, so you should take the time to prepare a healthy meal. Even something simple like a fruit smoothie is a better alternative to cereal, which tends to provide few nutritional benefits.
Poor Hydration
Your body is made up of roughly 70% water, which means hydration is extremely important. Your cells need it to maintain their structure and function, and the bloodstream needs it to deliver nutrients efficiently throughout the body. Drink the recommended amount of water each day to take full advantage of the health benefits it can provide.
Watching TV Before Bed
Consistent and good sleep is a critical aspect of health. But your nighttime habits could be disrupting those rhythms. Looking at screens right before heading to bed puts a strain on your eyes and tricks your brain into thinking that it is daytime. Instead of looking at your phone or watching TV and then immediately moving to lights out, try reading for 20 minutes or so to tire yourself out and avoid over-stiumulating your eyes and brain.
Examine Your Routines for Harmful Habits
Knowledge is the best weapon in your arsenal for leading a healthier lifestyle. Think about what your current routine includes each day. What are the activities you engage in between waking up and heading to bed? Are those activities benefitting or harming your health? A little self-analysis can help you discover any harmful habits that are preventing you from reaching a higher status of health. Examine your behaviors and see if there are things that you could cut out that would immediately have a positive effect on your wellness.