Monday 16 February 2015

Bad habit to quit for a healthy living

You became an 'Owl' at night

Many of us, burn the midnight oil for exam preparations and work. But if this becomes routine, you will damage your body in the long run. Without 6-8 hours of good sleep, you are damaging your immune system and other body processes and systems. Due to lack of sleep, your immune system becomes weak and thus produces fewer 'germ fighters' - lowering your tolerance for withstanding common bugs in your environment. To fight against various diseases, it is necessary to at least get a minimum of 7-8 hours of good sleep on most nights of the week. A good night's sleep also helps you stay awake and fresh throughout the day.

I am so 'lonely'

Dr. Vahia says - the key for good health is a healthy and fresh mind. If your mind is unhealthy, it will affect your immune system and put you at several health risks. If you spend most of your time obssessing over your loneliness, and any other social challenges, or whatever could cause feelings of despair and frustration, then you are harming your mental health, detaching yourself from people, and stressing your mind and body.

Wearing headphones for long hours

Headphones or earphones are the sole companions for some of us throughout the day. We listen to music to pass time, while travelling or while working out. But, if you have plugged in for hours, with no breaks, then you need to keep this habit under check. Dr. Vihang says - listening to loud music via earphones, can cause hearing loss. He further adds - headphones aren't the culprits, it is the volume and the hours that can land you in trouble. Besides, ignoring minor symptoms of hearing loss is also one of the biggest criminals.

TV trouble

Sitting for hours on the couch, watching that idiot box can put your heart and eyes at risk. Watching too much TV can put you at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and obesity. The more you are glued to the TV, the more immobile life will affect your levels of fat and sugar in your blood. Besides, it also strains your eyes and causes damage to the refractive lens.

Wearing heels

Women who wear heels on a daily basis, do lots of harm to their bodies. Dr. Tina Mahendraker - Physiotherapist, Mumbai says - high heels can affect your posture, put pressure on joints - which can cause arthritis, back pain and tendon injuries and other heels related accidents. Thus to prevent such horrible effects on your health Dr. Tina says - limit your heels to not more than 1.5 inches, and wear insoles to reduce the pressure on your joints.

Carrying an extra heavy bag

We love to carry our world wherever we go, because we can't afford to miss a single thing. This habit of hauling the world with our (lots and lots of) worldly things on the back or shoulder causes lots of harm to our health. Carrying heavy bags can cause various long term effects like serious back pain, neck pain and poor posture - says Dr. Tina. Hence, to avoid ageing your body prematurely, do yourself a favour and empty that bag.

Snacking, even if not hungry

If you disrupt your regular eating pattern, then your body will no longer send hunger signals and you may end up eating even when you are full. This extra eating can flood your body with extra calories and unhealthy ingredients, which can further cause serious chronic health problems like diabetes, heart problems and acidity.

Lying constantly

Surprised to see this one on a healthy living post? Those minute white lies can cause serious damage to your health. If you lie constantly, you will have constant fear of the truth being disclosed, this will create a feeling of stress in you, says - Dr. Vihang. Stress, is the worst thing for your body, as it damages your heath due to the release of stress hormones. Besides, it further leads to headaches and anxiety.

Skipping breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - says Ms. Eileen - Nutritionist, Mumbai. If your entire breakfast comprises one cup of rushed coffee and a toast, then you're setting yourself up for an unhealthy future. This will affect your digestive system. Besides, it will also harm your energy reserves and negatively affect your metabolism. If you skip your breakfast, you are likely to eat more during the other meals and this can lead to weight gain. Eileen says - the key to a good breakfast is a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

Ignoring sex

Whatever the reason for a low libido might be, whether too much work or stress, avoiding sex altogether for many days and months at a time is not good. Sex is good for you and your health. It helps to improve your immune system and relationship. But if you are not interested in this pleasurable act, then you need to talk to your doctor immediately. Because, a low libido can be beyond stress, it can be caused due to an under active thyroid, hypertension or simply a hormonal imbalance.

Fast eating

Eating at lightning speed due to work pressure or lack of time can adversely affect your digestive system. You should take at least 20 minutes to finish each meal. If you just gulp your food, without chewing it properly, it can cause acidity, bloating and excess gas in your stomach. Hence, slow down and enjoy your food.

Bad habit to quit for a healthy living # 20: Picking at your skin

If there is some flaw on your face, you must resist yourself from constantly stressing on it. If you constantly keep worrying about acne by touching it, it will act up more. Besides it will lead to scars and inflammation. Hence, stop picking at your face to avoid worsening skin issues.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

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