Late-Night Tech
Cell phones, tablets, computers, and TVs all give off light, and that light can give you a lot of trouble when trying to fall asleep. It stimulates, rather than relaxes your brain. It’s far better to read a paper book under a gentle light before bed. Close the book and turn out the light 20-30 minutes before you need to go to sleep, just to give your brain time to gradually relax.
Losing Sleep
Speaking of sleep, when you don’t get enough, it not only makes for a miserable day, but in the long-term could lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and diabetes complications. Prepare your bedroom to be a quiet, peaceful place that encourages better sleep. Develop a nighttime routine, and stick to it. Aim for between 7 and 8 hours per night.
Sitting Still
Americans are more sedentary than ever. The 9-5 workday at a computer desk certainly doesn’t help the issue. Sitting for hours upon end with no movement or exercise slows down your metabolism, and is linked to a variety of other health problems including heart disease. Get up and move every hour or so, walk around your office, take a 5 minute walk outside.
Overeating
This habit can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Make your plate before sitting down to eat a meal, and measure out your snacks into individual bags to keep portion sizes on track.
Eating too quickly can cause you to overeat, as well. When you eat too fast, you don’t feel as satisfied over time, making you want to eat more. When you eat more slowly, it gives your brain time to tell your stomach that its full. Take small bites, chew well, and try putting your fork down in between bites.
Floss!
Have you heard this from your dentist lately? Yes, brushing is essential but flossing is just as important for dental health. Flossing removes the plaque stuck between your teeth and against your gums. Excess plaque can cause gum disease; this condition can be serious, and has been connected to other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Biting Your Nails
Not only will you risk damage to your teeth by chewing your nails, but you will open yourself up to increased risk of infection. Putting your fingers in your mouth causes germs to be introduced directly into your system, while putting your nail beds at risk for skin infections, as well. Keep nails clean and trimmed short. If chewing your nails is an anxious or nervous habit, try some more healthy stress-management strategies.
Blasting the Music
It’s best to keep the volume in your headphones below 75 decibels (about as loud as a vacuum cleaner) to be safe. Don’t listen for more than an hour or two at a time. You’re more likely to lose your hearing as you age if you listen to loud music for extended periods of time.
Heavy Drinking
More than 2 alcoholic beverages per day for men, or more than one per day for women, can lead to health complications like kidney or liver disease, heart problems, even some forms of cancer.
Smoking
Smoking is a habit that many individuals struggle to overcome, and it has an effect on nearly every part of your body. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung diseases, immune problems, all compounded by smoking. It’s especially crucial for diabetics to quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, talk with your physician about quitting.
Tanning Beds
Artificial UV tanning is horrible for your skin, and your overall health. Skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S., greatly accelerated by tanning bed use. It’s much better to get 5 to 10 minutes of real sunlight every day. Use an sunscreen SPF 50 or higher, especially on your face. Get established with a dermatologist, and see them yearly, or more often if needed.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-bad-habits
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