You can think you’re doing everything right but here are habits that have a large impact on health that you might not be focusing on enough.
One of the most difficult things about staying healthy is that there are so many competing demands on your time, energy, and attention.
It can be hard to keep up with all the latest health advice, especially when people seem to be telling you something different every other day.
I’ve found that one way to stay on top of things is to focus on habits, both good and bad. Because whether you realize it or not, the choices you make every day have a big impact on your health.
As you might know, I am a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
I wrote a bestselling longevity book called Life is Long. Plus I founded a therapist recommended online course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love helping people to live their happiest and healthiest lives.
So that’s why I put together this article all about the habits which you need to work on to improve your health.
In this article, I will discuss 5 habits that are harmful for your health, and what you can do to let go of them.
Smoking cigarettes is one of the most harmful habits you can have. Not only does smoking lead to a host of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke, but it also causes premature aging and can make you look older than you are.
You should know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. So if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
But we know that quitting smoking is not easy. So if you’re struggling to quit, talk to your doctor about ways to kick the habit for good. There are various medical drugs that can help you fight nicotine addiction, and it’s a good idea to discuss these with your doctor.
You might not think that skipping a day or two of brushing your teeth would have any impact on your health, but you’d be surprised. Not brushing your teeth cannot only lead to dull colored teeth – it can lead to gum disease, which is a serious condition that can cause tooth loss.
And it’s not just your teeth that are at risk. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. So if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, make sure to brush at least twice a day.
One easy way to develop the habit of brushing your teeth daily is to keep your toothbrush in a visible spot, like on your bathroom sink. That way, you’ll be reminded to brush every time you see it. You can also set a daily alarm on your phone to remind you about brushing before going to bed.
In case you have already developed gum disease, don’t make the mistake of delaying dental treatment. Because as we’ve discussed, gum disease is linked to various health conditions.
The longer you delay treatment, the higher your risk of losing your teeth and developing serious healthy complications. Treatment of gum disease and other oral health problems will require professional expertise – Australian Dental Specialists are a good example of somewhere to start when looking for the right dentist.
If you’re not getting enough exercise, you’re putting your health at risk. Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer, and improving your mental health.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend hours at the gym to get the benefits of exercise. Just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking) most days of the week is enough.
If you’re having trouble fitting exercise into your schedule, try breaking up your 30 minutes into smaller chunks of time throughout the day. For example, you could walk for 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes at lunch, and 10 minutes in the evening.
You can also try exercising with a friend or family member to make it more enjoyable and to ensure good accountability.
Drinking alcohol in excess is a harmful habit that can lead to liver damage, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. For example, it can lead to fatty liver disease, which is a condition where fat builds up in your liver and can eventually lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring).
Similarly, it can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a condition where your heart muscle weakens and can’t pump blood effectively. This can lead to heart failure.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency, which is essential for many functions in your body, including making DNA and red blood cells. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
If you drink alcohol, it’s important to do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
In case you’re struggling to overcome alcohol addiction, there is help available. The most popular platform for help is Alcoholics Anonymous. This is a 12-step program that can provide support and guidance as you recover from alcoholism.
Chronic stress can have a serious impact on your health. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Stress can also make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, which can further exacerbate the effects of stress.
One way to reduce stress is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, but one simple way is to focus on your breath. For example, you can sit or lie down in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Then, simply focus on your breath as it enters and exits your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
You can also try other mindfulness exercises, such as body scan or walking meditation. There are many resources available online or in books to help you get started with mindfulness.
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