Photo by: Pedro Figueras (Pexels)
It’s great to live life to the fullest and enjoy it in every way possible, but it doesn’t mean you should intentionally abuse the only body you have. We live in a culture where people believe they’re invincible. Some individuals have several bad habits that could be taking years off their lives. These made the top of most lists of the worst habits to adopt:
Heavy alcohol consumption – If you want to look and feel older, then drink up! According to the NIAAA, alcohol is linked to 200 health problems including 7 cancers, liver disease, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and mental health issues to name a few. I rarely drink these days and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.
Sleep deprivation – The NIH explains that chronic sleep deprivation is associated with obesity, depression, hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. There’s also a link with dementia and cognitive decline, since sleep is connected to emotional regulation.
Lack of exercise – A sedentary lifestyle causes poor circulation. Inactivity hinders lymphatic system drainage which can lead to edema and swollen ankles. Walking and drinking water can help with this condition. I do some form of activity every day. If you work in an office environment, you need to strive to get 10,000 steps per day minimum. This helps offset eight hours of sitting.
Smoking – Smoking damages the body down to the cellular level. There are over 60 carcinogens in cigarettes that are known to negatively affect DNA. Nicotine is considered to be as addictive as cocaine and heroin. Watching someone take their last breath due to lung cancer is something that stays with you forever.
Chronic stress – Worrying yourself sick does absolutely no good. Many things in life are out of our control, so sitting around over-analyzing is a waste of time. If your job causes you stress, then find another one or change your mindset so you can be at peace the majority of the time you are there.
Overeating – I used to overeat at every meal. I never had a weight problem luckily, but I would always eat too much because it was readily available. I never skipped dessert, especially at gatherings or restaurants. The “live to eat” strategy isn’t good mentally or physically. It stretches your stomach beyond its normal size which crowds the organs. It makes you feel sluggish and has been linked to mental health issues.
Drug abuse – Chronically using hard street drugs leads to mental and physical deterioration. It can literally change a person’s appearance. I’m sure you’ve all seen the before and after pictures of drug addicts and it’s mind blowing. Fentanyl, a synthetic chemical-based drug, is at the center of the deadliest drug epidemic. Nitazenes are also playing a role in drug overdose deaths.
Hours on social media – Think of all the productive things you could be doing instead of doomscrolling. I will admit that there are some positives to social media. I learn a lot about fitness, nutrition, and various health topics. Most people are scrolling purely for entertainment and to get a quick dopamine rush. Unfortunately, social media is a hobby for some people and contributes to a sedentary lifestyle.
Too much news – I’m sure you know someone who has the news on 24/7. I used to watch it quite a bit until I realized that most of the stories were about unfavorable topics. I don’t need to hear about every murder in the area. It’s usually the same information repeated over and over. The reality is, it’s good to be informed about what’s going on in the world but since you don’t have any control over these issues, it’s better to focus on your own life. Watch it for a few minutes and then turn it off.
Dehydration – I’ve known people who only drank pop and coffee. I can’t even imagine how sluggish they felt on a daily basis! Chronic dehydration is responsible for persistent tiredness and difficulty focusing. Other health problems include coronary disease, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and faster aging. Buy a stainless-steel water bottle and make a point of drinking water. There are plenty of Apps that can help you track your ounces.
In the end, the unhealthiest habits can slowly erode both physical and mental well-being. Though they may seem harmless or manageable in the moment, these patterns often compound over time, leading to long-term consequences. We all gravitate towards certain behaviors that aren’t always the healthiest, but it’s important to acknowledge these habits so they don’t get out of hand. Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small, consistent efforts can make a powerful difference.
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