We all tend to slip often and stick to bad habits that are detrimental to our health if not taken care of. However, avoiding some health mistakes can make a lot of difference in the long run. Here are some of the biggest health mistakes people make and don’t realize daily. We can feel much better by being informed and making some simple changes.
Crossing Our Legs
You are crossing our legs when sitting? This can be a health mistake!
Though sitting this way may appear elegant and ladylike, it reduces circulation in your legs. Don’t cross your legs every time you realize you have one knee on top of the other if you don’t want varicose veins to ruin the appearance of your legs and compromise your health.
The best way to sit is to place both legs on the floor, balancing your weight equally. Then, if you feel like changing position, move both legs together to one side instead of crossing your legs.
An alternative would be to cross your legs loosely at the ankles. There is no better way to sit than with your legs crossed at your knees, and it is a classic way to sit that is far better for your health and your legs.
Not Changing Toothbrush
Does your toothbrush need to be changed often? It’s common for us to wait until the bristles of our brushes are so worn out that pulling them out in public would make us feel embarrassed. Because not many of us pull out our brushes in public, we keep our frayed ones until we lose them. Change your toothbrush frequently as this can be a serious health mistake. In addition, damaged bristles do not massage your gums properly and can damage the enamel.
It might not be fun to brush your teeth, but you might as well do it properly if you must. Imagine that brushing your teeth twice a day causes the enamel on your teeth to be damaged each time. You should also use a toothbrush with soft bristles unless your dentist specifies otherwise.
Eating Out Often
Some oils contain a lot of cholesterol and fats, but they are better for avoiding heart disease than others. However, it is never a good idea to consume too much oil, no matter how light it may be. Likewise, you should avoid junk food or fried foods as it is the biggest driver of inflammation.
Your favorite Indian food restaurant will throw a ginormous chunk of butter into your small bowl of dal. You can see why the customers licked their fingers afterward. And they were not surprised to feel so heavy and stuffed afterward. Don’t eat outside unless you are sure you are getting light, healthy food.
Skipping Breakfast
You should never skip breakfast. You have probably eaten within the last 10-12 hours when you wake up in the morning. Now is the most important time to eat. Make sure you eat a large morning meal. The calories will be burned quickly if you are busy all day. Eat a light dinner if you are trying to lose weight. Also, add a portion of lean protein and fiber-rich foods to avoid spiking insulin levels.
More importantly, a glass of water in the morning can kick start your metabolism and help raise your energy levels throughout the day.
High Heels
It may look cool, but wearing high heels regularly can be brutal on your back and is definitely a health mistake. However, this does not mean you should avoid stilettos. Put on them, but not when you will be walking a lot. Instead, wear them when you are going to lunch or dinner – when the only walking you will be doing is getting into your car, going to the table, and coming back.
When walking, do not wear high heels. Instead, look at your flats if you constantly reach for your heels. Does something bother you about them?
Consider buying a pair of low-heel flats or shoes. Select something you love and will wear often.
Sleeping On A Soft Bed
Sleeping on a soft bed will make you feel more comfortable. Have a firm mattress for your back, but be kind to it. Despite the comfort of a spring mattress, it is bad for your back. If you already have an old spring bed, you don’t have to purchase a new one – cover the springs with a thick wooden plank and place the mattress on top.
You should also get a new mattress if your old one is lumpy. You’ll thank yourself later. This also applies to couches. When spending hours on a sofa, choose a firm and comfortable one. Slumping into a couch is not the best idea.
Pillows
Pity your neck and resist the temptation to sleep with ten cushions. Instead of ten pillows, you should sleep with one thin pillow. When your pillow becomes lumpy, throw it away and get a new one. If you sleep on your stomach, get a thin pad. If you sleep on your back, get something thicker to provide an adequate neck support.
Not Exercising
The fact is that we all know we should exercise more, but we seldom do so. We knowingly make this health mistake, which has become a destructive habit! Why do we do so? Due to our refusal to acknowledge the harm we are causing our bodies by not exercising. Several people only start working out once they’ve experienced a warning signal.
Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and is also good for your cognitive health. Other benefits include controlling blood pressure, regulating blood glucose, and keeping chronic inflammation at bay.
BOTTOM LINE
Change your lifestyle before a heart attack strikes. Take action and avoid these health mistakes. The top shape doesn’t require marathon training. The health benefits of brisk walking can be achieved with half an hour three to four times per week.
You could increase this duration to forty minutes, four times a week – and you’re good to go. If you haven’t exercised for a week, you make a mistake. Make sure to be active at least twice a week. Every 3 to 4 hours of exercise per week can give incredible benefits to the body and overall wellbeing. If you are not comfortable starting independently, get help from an exercise professional.
