Most people acquire bad habits in their teens and early adult life. Initially, they open the door to a social life they otherwise may not enjoy. Unfortunately, these same bad habits often carry over into their adult lives, making the problem that much harder to solve.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Both alcohol and drugs are addictive. You may think you have your habit under control. However, the reality is that if you feel like you have to take pills or have more than two drinks daily, you are probably an addict. Your body relies on the daily dose to sustain function. Kicking either habit is in your best interest. Alcohol can affect people differently, some more severely than others. Doing illegal drugs or abusing a prescribed medication can put you at risk for serious health-related illnesses and even death.
Smoking Cigarettes
Despite the warning on the outside of each cigarette pack, people continue to smoke. That’s because cigarettes contain nicotine, which is very addictive and produces strong cravings. Along with possible heart and lung disease, the inhaling process of each puff causes the mouth to pucker causing many users to show signs of aging sooner than normal. Cigarettes create a yellowish film on clothing, in your home, and in your vehicle. If you want to quit but can’t do it on your own, you don’t have to. There are many products on the market, along with treatment centers and therapists, that can help you achieve your goal.
Compulsive Tendencies
Compulsive habits often develop as a way to cover up underlying problems such as anxiety and depression. People use the habit as their way of escaping their true feelings. Unfortunately, bad habits eventually become their go-to action when they feel anxious or depressed. For example, with millions of stores online, compulsive shoppers no longer need to leave the home. It only takes a few minutes and a few clicks to spend thousands. Compulsive shopping can lead to enormous amounts of debt and put stress on a relationship. Thankfully, addressing the real reason you shop is something that a therapist can help uncover.
Skipping Breakfast
Many people skip breakfast due to a lack of time. They wake up late, dress quickly, and head to work. Unfortunately, when your body doesn’t get the food it needs to function properly, it can’t perform at 100 percent. Breakfast jump-starts your day. Once you become hungry, you will more than likely eat anything to satisfy it. This can lead to poor food choices such as those higher in sugar and fat, putting you at risk for weight gain. The additional weight can bring on illnesses and diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes. Luckily, you can solve the potential health problem by setting your alarm a half-hour earlier.
Lack of Sleep
Not getting enough rest can cause you to feel tired and unfocused. It can also cause you to become emotional. Late-night television viewing, as well as playing on computers and cell phones may contribute to your lack of sleep. Without the proper amount of rest, your body doesn’t have a chance to heal itself or store away into its memory the day’s events. On occasion, you won’t feel like yourself. However, as a regular practice, you can do serious harm to your overall health. Put electronics away a least one hour prior to bed and avoid eating late-night sugary snacks or drinking alcohol.
Sitting for Extended Hours
Today, sitting for many hours is no longer something that only adults at the office do. Children, especially teenagers, also sit for many hours while they use their electronic devices. The body burns calories while in motion and very few when in a seated position. Sitting too long can lead to obesity, lower brain function, and put you at a greater risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Make sure that you get up and stretch or take a brisk short walk every few hours to keep the blood circulating.
Bad habits can have a negative impact on your health. Thankfully, there are ways to end your bad habit and begin to feel good.
