As humans, young or old, male or female, we all have habits and usually, it feels good when we indulge in them. Some of these habits were learnt; some were emulated; some were unconsciously picked up as we were growing and some were actually inborn. While it feels natural to indulge our cravings and sate our desires, we are also wired to know when some habits are detrimental to our health – physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
You will agree that in spite of this knowledge of right and wrong, what to do and what not to do, we usually find our bad habits creeping in on us. It’s not our fault though; human body just has a way of craving (and then doing) things that instinct and knowledge say is wrong. Luckily, the word ‘discipline’ was coined to tell us that bad habits can be controlled and conditioned.
In any case, if you are the type that lacks self-discipline and self-control, it’s better to have a rethink because what you';re doing now may bring you down later. So, below is a list of habits that causes future grief and misery if left unchecked and uncontrolled now.
1. Smoking
I believe the warnings “Tobacco smoking is dangerous to health” and “Smokers are liable to die young” have become clichés; however they are most certainly true. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, emphysema, cancer, stroke, asthma, lung infections, and dementia. A study, conducted by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, found that over time, smoking can even dull taste buds and can make it much more difficult to enjoy the natural flavours of fruits and veggies without loads of salt and sugar.
2. Drinking
Although, personally, I do not advocate any level of alcohol consumption, however, I believe if you must indulge in it, then moderation should be considered. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one in 10 deaths among adults, ages 20 to 64 (between 2006 and 2010) were attributed to excessive drinking. Medical experts say that one to two drinks a day can reduce your risk for heart disease by raising HDL (good) cholesterol, while three or more drinks a day may increase the risk for high blood pressure and heart disease and over time, drinking in excess can also lead to liver disease. So, moderation, if not abstinence, is the key to alcohol consumption.
3. Nail Biting
I know this feels harmless when you do it but the habit of using your teeth to cut your nails, can pass germs into your body. Our hands touch nearly everything and even if we wash them several times a day with soap and antibacterial lotion, some sneaky germs still stay stuck in our fingernails. So, using our teeth as nail cutter is a direct invitation to allow germs gestate in our bodies. Besides, medical experts say nail biting can lead to repeated colds or flu and bacterial infections. So stop gnawing on your nails and grab a nail clipper instead.
4. Eating too fast
This may sound unbelievable but gulping down your food can have negative effect on your health. Eating too fast doesn’t give your brain or gastrointestinal tract enough time to process the fact that your body is being fed. Over time, this will not only lead to overeating and weight gain. Also, eating too fast can also increase your likelihood for heartburn and bloating. Experts recommend that when eating, put your fork down in between bites, chew and swallow before putting more food in your mouth. It will help you eat more slowly.
5. Skipping Breakfast
Yes, many people are guilty of this. In a race to beat traffic and get to work places early, most people miss the most important meal of the day – Breakfast. Skipping breakfast can make you hungrier than usual and eat more later on in the day. It can also mean less energy during the day and just make concentrating harder throughout the morning. By the time lunch rolls around, you’re ravished and will eat a cow if it were in front of you. According to experts, breakfast eaters can process information in the morning better, and have lower blood pressure. So, before you rush off in the morning take some time and eat your breakfast – slowly!
6. Sedentary Lifestyle
A lot of people like to stay inactive for most part of day watching TV, browsing the Internet, playing video games, sitting behind a computer and so on. While these activities are not bad, the inactivity involved in doing them is what is bad. When the body stays inactive for most part of the day, it can reduce your stamina and will to stay active. Also, when one is not involved in an active action, one burns few calories and gains more weight. So, don’t just sit there, get busy!
7. Lack of Sleep
As hard as it is to believe, some people just don’t like to sleep and some just find it difficult to sleep. Sleep deprivation comes in all forms and can lead to depression, low libido, weight gain, and more. Medical experts say chronic sleep disorders, or lack of sleep, can lead to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and more. Getting little sleep also impairs your cognitive processes and can impact your alertness, concentration, reasoning, and problem solving. Also, lack of sleep can lead to fine lines, dark circles under the eyes, and overall lacklustre skin, so close your eyes and snooze a bit longer each day.
