5 Dangerous Habits That Could Be Harmful To Your Health

We all know what it means to live a healthy lifestyle – eating clean, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. But do you know what habits are actually dangerous for your health? Some of these may come as a surprise, and some are commonly known.

Let’s look at five dangerous habits that could be harmful to your health, and ways to adapt your behavior to cut them out for good.

1. Eating Too Much Sugar

If you’re serious about taking care of your health, you’ve likely already given up sweet treats like cake, candy, and cookies. But sugar could still be a culprit and be harmful to your health. Sugar can be found in fruit, condiments, and many commercial salad dressings. It can affect your health because instead of burning fat, your body will hold onto those sugar influxes and burn that. Too much sugar can also spike your insulin levels, making you more moody, emotional, and feeling like you’re on a roller coaster of energy levels, with constant ups and downs. So next time you consider a dressing for your salad, turn to natural alternatives like oil and balsamic vinegar or make your own dressing to make a smart decision for your health.

2. Not Drinking Enough Water

Many studies show drinking more water may help you lose more weight, maintain a healthy body weight, have more energy, and function to your fullest. Our bodies use water to function properly, and when we are hydrated, we burn more calories, eat less, and have more energy. In addition, water is a healthy, 0 calorie replacement for sugary drinks like sodas and energy drinks. Give your body the hydration it needs to live a healthier lifestyle

3. Binge Drinking or Using Drugs

Obviously, drugs and alcohol aren’t great for our health, but America’s addiction epidemic has gotten out of control. These vices affect our brains, bodies, and overall well-being and can be very harmful to your health. This likely doesn’t come as a surprise, but what might be surprising is how bad this repeated behavior really is. Those who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction may experience:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability/Agitation
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble communicating, which can affect relationships
• Decreased motivation or neglecting responsibilities
• Worsening of medical conditions
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Infections

This is just the tip of the iceberg of how harmful drugs and alcohol can be to your health. To successfully get and stay sober, find a rehabilitation center near you.

4. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Going to bed too late, changing up your sleep schedule, or not staying asleep during the night can all prevent you from losing weight. Your body uses a full night’s sleep to regenerate itself and studies have found that disturbances in sleep can affect our appetite hormones, energy levels, mood swings, weight maintenance, and much more. So try to get some shut-eye to kick this harmful habit and enjoy the benefits of sleep.

5. Not Taking a Break

Like not getting a good night’s sleep, not taking breaks regularly can be harmful to your health. Multiple studies have shown not taking a break, even if you want to continue pushing yourself, leads to emotional swings, injuries, sickness, and more. So don’t be afraid to take a step back and breath for a minute or two and slow your life down, if only for a bit.

Here are a few ways to find small breaks in your day:

• Every evening, spend some time writing five things you were grateful for that day. Typing on your phone doesn’t count! Keep a physical, pen-and-paper gratitude journal by your bed so you don’t forget to take this time out.
• Do a quick, 5-10 minute breathing exercise. Even taking 5 long, deep breaths when you start to feel stressed can help your mind take a mini-break from the day.
• Practice yoga, either at home or in a studio. Not only is it a great workout (which can be a break in itself!), but the practice is focused around spirituality, mindfulness, and relaxation.

These dangerous habits can be harmful to your health in many ways, and by addressing them, you can live a healthier and happier life.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

Jim Rohn