Taking care of yourself can require a lot of work. The body is very complex, made up of a huge number of components. Each of them requires certain resources to function properly. Also, factors that affect one part of the body often affect others as well, so trying to keep up with all of them can be a challenge.
Sometimes, wellness is not just about adding the right habits to your routine. Instead, you may have to eliminate some things that are holding back your health. Without taking this step, all the healthy habits in the world may not be able to achieve the results you desire.
Cutting out habits can be difficult, especially if they are deeply entrenched in your lifestyle. However, it may be necessary to promote long-term health. Here are five habits that you should consider eliminating from your life.
Not Drinking Enough Water
The body is made up of 70% water. Much of that supply is used to maintain the structure of billions of cells, all of which are responsible for various functions in the body. Failing to replenish your fluids daily can cause cells to break down and dehydration to occur. Most people do not drink the recommended amount of water each day, which is between half an ounce and an ounce of water per pound of body weight. Poor hydration is a lifestyle choice that could cause constipation as well as numerous other issues. Water is crucial for digestion, blood supply, nutrient delivery, and body maintenance, so start drinking more water right away.
Inconsistent Sleep Schedule
The body is not designed to function 24/7. It needs periods of rest so that it can recover after expelling energy all day. This is why sleep is so important, and most adults need about eight hours of sleep for full recovery. The problem is that so many people are not getting enough sleep due to an inconsistent schedule. The body relies on rhythms to know when it is time to sleep. If you are constantly going to bed at different times, your brain will have no idea how to adjust. Try to set a consistent bedtime and stick to it so that your body knows when it is time to slow down and recover for the next day.
Leaving Bacteria in Your Mouth Overnight
The mouth is a very important part of the body. All your food passes through it, which means the potential for bacteria to collect there is very high. The longer that bacteria collects, the more exposed your mouth is to decay and disease. In particular, tartar buildup and gum disease are serious threats that you should try to avoid. To mitigate the amount of bacteria in your mouth overnight and prevent it from festering, start brushing your teeth more often before bed. If you already do this, then consider taking oral probiotics to replace bad bacteria with good bacteria, which will have the bonus effect of fresher breath. Mouthwash to rinse your mouth with would, also be a good idea at night.
Smoking
At this point, few people are ignorant of the negative effects that smoking can have on the body. Your lungs can be destroyed, the body is exposed to numerous carcinogens, and your moods can be severely affected. The problem is that smoking is highly addictive, so even the desire to quit may not be enough. To get started on this difficult journey, you could contact the national hotline at 1-800-662-4357 to speak to someone from a public health agency. A combination of medication and counseling is typically the best way to approach quitting, so seek out support resources to cut this dangerous habit out of your life so you can live a long and happy existence.
Your Office Job
No one is suggesting you quit your job just because you have to sit all day. The solution is to recognize the toll that is being exacted on your body after sitting for hours and hours on end at your office job. Combine that with constantly staring at the computer and multiple aspects of your health could be at risk. See if it is possible to work at a standing desk to avoid sitting all day. Consider wearing blue light glasses to cut down on eye strain while working. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to heart disease, back pains, and other health concerns, so remember to take frequent stretching breaks throughout the day and step away from the screen sometimes.
Make Changes to Promote Longevity
Supporting your health is crucial at any age. If you want to lead a long and happy life, then taking steps to promote wellness is important. Cutting out bad habits can be just as effective, if not more so, than adding healthy practices, though you should strive to do both for the biggest changes.
