When it comes to habits it turns out we often think ours are good when actually many are bad for you, like taking afternoon naps. Don’t be fooled – these common “good” habits are actually quite bad for you.
1. Showering multiple times a day
You might feel like you’re getting cleaner, but showering too often can strip the skin of its natural oils. Hot water and soaps or gels dry the skin out and can eventually lead to cracking or infections. If you want to shower frequently, stick to cooler water and skip the soap.
2. Using antibacterial everything
Soaps, detergents, surface sprays – it seems that just about every cleaning product now comes in an antibacterial formula. In truth, plain old soap and water are usually just as effective. Studies have shown that people who use many antibacterial get just as many colds and stomach bugs as the rest of us. There is also some evidence that these products can lead to an antibiotic resistance.
3. Having afternoon naps
Hang on, you say, naps are so good! While it may seem like it at the time, naps can actually upset your sleep schedule and make it harder for you to drop off at night. If you feel extra tired during the day, try going to bed early. It’s also true that you can’t make up for lost sleep during the week by napping on the weekend – sorry to break it to you.
4. Taking lots of supplements
It’s hard to walk past a chemist or open a magazine without seeing advertisements for a huge range of vitamins and supplements that promise to improve your health. In reality, we should get all the nutrients we need from our diet. That means that most of these supplements are a waste of money, at best. At worst, taking too much of some can damage your health. Check with your doctor before you embark on a new regime.
5. Brushing your teeth after every meal
If brushing your teeth is good for them, then brushing them more must be even better, right? In short, no. You only need to brush your teeth morning and night, and you should avoid brushing them right after meals. The acids in in foods softens the enamel so you can easily damage your teeth. If you must do something, try rinsing with mouthwash.
6. Exercising no matter what
There’s no denying that exercise is great for you, but you need to know when to take it easy. If you’re sick or injured, you need to give yourself adequate time to heal. Don’t think that you are being weak – your body is a complex machine and so needs to be looked after. If you really must exercise, do something light and stop as soon as you feel unwell.
What else would you add to the list? Share in the comments below.
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