Is your daily routine as healthy as you think? These 10 sneaky habits could be quietly shaving years off your life.
Sitting for prolonged periods
Whether it’s at work or during your downtime, sitting for long stretches can really take a toll on your health. It’s linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and even premature death. Remember take regular breaks to get up, stretch, and walk around. On average, you should aim to get about 7000 – 10 000 steps a day.
Unsplash / Luke Cheser
Drinking too much coffee
While a cup of coffee really ‘does the job’ every morning, overdoing it can lead to a mix of health issues including increased heart rate, digestive problems, and it may even mess with your hormones. Moderation is key to enjoying your morning fix.
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Poor sleeping habits
Not catching enough Z’s (less than 7 hours a night) or having an erratic sleep schedule messes with your body’s natural rhythms. This weakens your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to chronic diseases. Prioritise getting enough restful sleep.
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Not paying sustained attention or focus to tasks
Constantly multitasking or flitting from one thing to another may seem efficient, but it can actually reduce your productivity and increase stress levels. Giving tasks sustained attention helps you accomplish more and reduces mental fatigue. Staying focused keeps your attention sharp!
Not getting enough sun
If you don’t get enough sun, you may be battling Vitamin D deficiency which can weaken bones, impair the immune system, and even contribute to mood disorders like depression. Getting some sun on your face each day is important for your overall health.
Unsplash / Sara Kauten
Smoking
This one’s a major no-brainer. Smoking is still one of the top preventable causes of death worldwide, upping your chances of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
Unhealthy eating
Too much processed junk and not enough fruits, veggies, and whole grains? Your diet plays a huge role in your weight and overall health. Eating poorly can lead to obesity and a whole host of other issues that shorten your lifespan. Be conscious about every meal that you eat.
Chronic stress
Stress isn’t just a mental burden—it affects your physical health, too. It can spike your blood pressure, mess with your immune system, and crank up inflammation levels. Over time, this wears down your body and can make you age faster.
Unsplash / Daria Nepriakhina
Not exercising
If you neglect to move your body, it can lead to weight gain, heart problems, and weaker muscles and bones. Staying active isn’t just good for your figure; it’s crucial for your long-term health and vitality.
ALSO SEE: Studies show just 11 minutes of exercise daily can prevent an early death
Skipping medical check-ups
Ignoring those routine check-ups might seem harmless, but catching health issues early can make a huge difference. Regular screenings can detect problems before they become serious, potentially saving your life. Never skip out on a routine check-up.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about avoiding the big health scares—it’s about making small, everyday choices that add up to a longer, healthier life.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Huum
