We’re told that with health we can achieve anything so it makes sense to do all we can to stay healthy. But at times, even when you treat your body like a temple, there are things you’re not getting right.
Want to see which one you’re guilty of?
Sure, Here are 12 everyday activities that are incredibly damaging to your health (and trust me, you won’t believe how simple and innocent they seem). Alongside breaking down the impact of these habits and tips on how to make healthier choices.
01
Bedtime Reading
Some of us really love to curl up in bed with a good book before falling asleep, while it may seem like the perfect way to wind down at the end of a long day, there are a few reasons why reading in bed isn’t the best idea for your overall health.
Reading in bed can cause strain on your eyes and neck. Lying down for prolonged periods of time can put extra pressure on your eyes, causing headaches and eye strain. Similarly, holding your head up to read can cause pain in your neck and shoulders. So stimulating your brain with reading material before bed can make it difficult to relax and wind down. This can lead to tossing and turning in bed, making it harder to fall asleep.
So, what can you do instead? Try reading in a comfortable chair or on a couch. This will help to reduce the strain on your eyes and neck. Also, try to put away electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help your body prepare for sleep.
02
Taking Meds to Help With Illnesses That Aren’t Life-Threatening
Taking medicine when we’re feeling under the weather can help us feel better, but when you take medicine for an illness that isn’t life-threatening, you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.
For example, some over-the-counter pain relievers can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding if taken for long periods. Antihistamines, often used for allergies, can cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. And antibiotics, which are often prescribed for viral infections, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut and lead to antibiotic resistance.
Another problem with taking medicine for illnesses that aren’t life-threatening is that you may be missing out on other, more effective ways to manage your symptoms. For example, instead of taking medicine for a headache, you could try drinking more water, and getting more sleep.
Just remember that the more medicine you take, the greater the chance of experiencing side effects or interactions with other medications. If you take multiple medications, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they are safe to take together. More importantly, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication, and consider other ways to manage your symptoms.
03
Using Mouthwash Right After Brushing Your Teeth
We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. But have you ever thought about the order in which you brush and use mouthwash? Well, it turns out that using mouthwash after brushing your teeth is actually be bad for your health.
Toothpaste contains fluoride, which is a mineral that helps to strengthen and protect your teeth. When you brush your teeth, the fluoride in the toothpaste can penetrate the enamel and help to prevent tooth decay. However, when you use mouthwash immediately after brushing, you are essentially rinsing away the beneficial fluoride that you just applied.
Mouthwash also contains alcohol, which can dry out your mouth. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath, as well as an increase in bacteria and plaque buildup. What’s more, some mouthwashes contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.
So, what’s the solution? It’s pretty simple. First, brush your teeth with your toothpaste for at least two minutes. Then, wait after your meal or wait for at least 30 minutes before using mouthwash. This allows the fluoride from the toothpaste to fully penetrate your enamel and do its job.
Note: be mindful of the ingredients in your mouthwash, it’s recommended to look for alcohol-free products.
04
Holding in Sneezes
At some point, we’ve all tried to hold in our sneezes out of embarrassment or to attract unnecessary attention due to time and place. I get it but when it comes to your health, this is bad news.
Holding in a sneeze when it comes can be dangerous for your health. Sneezes come out fast, as fast as a car going 100 miles per hour.
If you hold it in, you can break your nose, get a nosebleed, or even hurt your eyes. It’s better to let it out, but if you’re in a place where it’s not appropriate to sneeze loudly, it’s better to let it out in a way that’s not too loud, by sneezing into your elbow.
05
Uses of Air Fresheners
We all know the feeling of walking into a room that smells fresh and clean. It’s invigorating and can lift our mood. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually in those air fresheners that are making our spaces smell so good?
Unfortunately, the truth is that many air fresheners contain harmful chemicals like Phthalates ( found even in most air fresheners labeled “fragrance-free” and are used to make fragrances last longer) that can be bad for our health. These chemicals can cause a variety of issues such as headaches, respiratory problems, hormonal imbalances, birth defects, and even cancer.
Another issue with air fresheners is that they mask unpleasant odors rather than eliminate them. This can lead to an overuse of the product, which causes even more harm to our health.
So what can we do to keep our spaces smelling fresh without risking our health?
Instead of using air fresheners, consider natural alternatives such as essential oils, baking soda, or simply opening a window for fresh air. And it’s important to also address the source of the odor, like a dirty carpet or moldy bathroom, instead of just covering it up with a chemical spray.
Another option is to simply open a window and let some fresh air in. This can not only improve the smell of your space, but it can also improve your overall health by getting some fresh air and natural light into your home.
06
Holding in Farts
Holding in your farts for a long time is one of the cruel things you can do to your body. But I also understand why we feel the need to do this due to social pressure, but it can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.
It’s better to let it out or if you’re in a public place, try to release it quietly and away from people. It makes your stomach feel uncomfortable and makes you feel bloated. It’s better to let them out instead of holding them in, but if you’re in a place where you can’t, try to release them quietly and stay away from people.
07
Leaning Your Head on Your Palms
Resting your face on your hands may seem like a harmless and comfortable habit, but as much as we all love to rest our faces on our hands, it may be doing more harm than good
First, resting your face on your hands often leads to poor posture—you’re more likely to slouch and hunch forward. Aside from causing strain on your neck and shoulders, it worsens your posture over time.
Second, resting your face on your hands puts pressure on your skin. The skin on your face is delicate and sensitive, and it’s easy to get irritated or damaged by the friction and pressure caused by resting your face on your hands which leads to redness, dryness, and even acne.
Third, resting your face on your hands can spread germs and bacteria. Your hands come into contact with a lot of different surfaces throughout the day, and easily pick up germs and bacteria. When you rest your face on your hands, you’re exposing your face to these germs, which can lead to skin infections or even the common cold.
08
Too Much Caffeine
We love our morning cup of coffee or tea to kick-start our day. It’s a great pick-me-up when you’re feeling tired. So how does this impact your health?
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase alertness and energy levels, but when consumed in large amounts, it can lead to several negative side effects. Such as insomnia, dehydration, anxiety, stomach problems, high blood pressure, and Increased heart rate, which is dangerous for people with heart problems.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. That’s roughly the amount in four cups of brewed coffee, ten cans of soda, or two “energy shot” drinks.
However, it’s important to note that everyone’s tolerance to caffeine is different, so you may need to adjust your intake accordingly. More importantly, take note of the time you’re consuming caffeine, and try to avoid it after 2 p.m. to avoid disrupting your sleep. Remember, moderation is key.
09
Eating Right Before Exercise Routine
Eating right before exercising can make you feel uncomfortable and make it harder to work out. If you’re a runner or do fast movements in your workout, it’s best to avoid eating big meals one hour before exercising.
Foods that are high in fiber and fat can take a long time to digest and can cause cramps and make you feel sluggish. If you’re hungry before working out, eating something small and easy to digest like a piece of fruit is better.
10
Wearing Pointy-toed Shoes
Sorry ladies, but as much as we get over the moon for some good pair of heels or stylish flats, there’s one downside to pointy-toed shoes that you may not be aware of.
First, let’s talk about the most obvious issue: pain. Pointy-toed shoes tend to squeeze your toes together, causing a lot of discomforts and even lead to blisters and calluses. They also put extra pressure on the balls of your feet, not to mention how sore after a long day of walking or standing feels like.
Additionally, pointy-toed has been linked to issues with your posture and balance, which leads to back and knee pain.
So, what can you do to avoid these issues? The best solution is to avoid pointy-toed shoes altogether and opt for shoes with a round or square toe instead. If you can’t resist a good pair of heels, try to stick to shoes with a lower heel and a wider toe box. And don’t forget to take breaks and stretch your feet throughout the day.
11
Eating Too Much Protein
Eating too much protein is harmful to your health as it can put a strain on your kidneys, dehydration, and loss of calcium through urine. As a result, when the body cannot use all the protein that is consumed, it’s converted into fat, which leads to weight gain.
For example, eating a lot of animal protein like red meat and also taking protein supplements or protein shakes is a dangerous combination of protein you should avoid at all costs. Pairing your protein intake can lead to a high intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
A healthier choice of protein include a mix of plant-based and animal-based proteins in your diet. For example, combining a serving of quinoa with a serving of grilled chicken or fish, or having a veggie burger made from lentils and beans with a side of roasted vegetables can provide a balance of proteins that the body can use.
12
Sitting Too Much
Definitely, not a hassle for most.
In fact, Americans are habitual sitters, even if they exercise regularly.
Several studies in California and University and beyond have shown that sitting too much can increase the risk of heart disease, make you feel worse mentally, along with other problems.
Sitting has been compared to smoking because it can be that harmful. When you stand, you burn more calories than when you sit. I know it’s difficult to change your work habits, but try to move around the office more and take a walk after your workout. It’s important to spend some time on your feet.
