Good health is vital for a fulfilling life. Not only does it increase your life span and eliminate substantial medical costs, but it also helps you to manage your stress and prevent depression and anxiety. What’s more, being in top shape increases your confidence level, leading to improved self-esteem. Indeed, good health comes about as a result of lifestyle changes. However, some habits can harm your health, including the following.
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Prolonged periods of inactivity
Indeed, being in one position seems comfortable as you don’t have to stress your body. However, an inactive lifestyle can cause you more harm than good. For starters, you don’t burn many calories, leading to weight gain. Likewise, your muscles and bones can lose their strength, and your immune system may not function effectively. Besides, you risk developing cardiovascular diseases, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis, cancers, depression and anxiety, etc. Unfortunately, four out of ten Brits lead an inactive lifestyle, decreasing overall health.
Fortunately, you can avoid these by exercising your body. However, it’s best to start slowly if you haven’t been active for a long period. For instance, starting with light exercises will prove helpful, so keep this in mind. You can also leverage a workout video at home, go for a walk or ride a bike. Gardening is an excellent way to engage your body, so feel free to try it out.
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Poor eating habits
Despite the importance of eating, poor eating habits can have adverse effects. For instance, eating fatty foods or larger meal portions can cause acid to leak into your oesophagus, leading to heartburn. Moreover, eating high-carb meals and carbonated drinks can cause gas to build up in your gut and cause bloating. While eating late at night is common for most people, it can cause indigestion, weight gain, and poor sleep. It is crucial to develop good eating habits for the best results.
You can draft a list of your drinking and eating habits and take steps to fix the unhealthy ones. For instance, eating slowly can prove helpful if you eat too fast. You also want to plan your meals ahead of time if you have busy days. Ensure that you eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated throughout the day. If you’ve been experiencing heartburn due to poor eating habits, using heartburn relief medication will help you alleviate your discomfort.
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Sporadic sleep patterns
If you have a sporadic sleep pattern, you may be harming your health in the long run. Research indicates that poor sleep affects the mental health of approximately 48% of Brits. Also, inadequate sleep is linked to a weakened immune system, weight gain, decreased sex drive, infertility, and higher Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases risks. To improve your sleep, it’s essential to create and follow a sleep schedule and be mindful of what you consume. Creating a calm atmosphere and reducing your daytime naps will prove helpful, so keep this in mind. While exercise can help you fall asleep, ensure that you don’t work out before bed for the best results.
Featured image: https://pixabay.com/photos/little-boy-hiding-sad-child-fear-1635065/
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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