Unhealthy Habits: The 5 Worst Things You Can Do for Your Body

We all have unhealthy habits, but some are much worse than others. In this post, we reveal the worst things you can do for your body.

The most common New Year’s resolutions include pledges to eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight. Sadly, those resolutions are often the ones that get broken and fall by the wayside.

No one is perfect when it comes to their health, but some unhealthy habits are much worse than others. And some habits that start out small can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle—or worse.

In this post, we’ll look at 5 of the worst things you can do to your body. Are there any unhealthy habits on this list that you need to break?

Sitting Too Much

Americans sit now more than any other time in history, with the average office worker sitting 15 hours a day.

Even if you exercise regularly, it’s not enough to counteract spending your other waking hours in a chair. Standing up to stretch and take a brisk walk around the office will do wonders for your body and your long-term health.

Don’t believe us? Believe this: Sitting more than 11 hours a day increases your risk of premature death by 40%.
Not Staying Hydrated

Water does more than quench our thirst. It transports oxygen and nutrients to our muscles and organs while eliminating waste products.

If you’re the type who gets bored drinking plain water, switch it up with hydrating alternatives. Juices, smoothies, coconut water, and herbal teas are flavorful ways to hit that 8-a-day mark.
Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol in moderation is fine and might even lengthen your lifespan. We’re talking no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 or fewer daily drinks for men.

Overindulging in alcohol (or worse, drugs) is a leading contributor to an unhealthy lifestyle. Even drugs that don’t seem “that” bad, like marijuana, can damage your health if used in excess.

Many who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction need professional help to break these unhealthy habits. The best drug rehab programs not only help you through the detox but provide tools you need to stay clean long-term.
Sleep Deprivation

Not getting enough sleep can do far worse than make you sluggish or cranky the next day.

It can make you more prone to catching a cold or the flu. It can wreck your concentration and raise your blood pressure. You might also consume more calories, leading to weight gain and other health issues.

If you’re regularly getting less than the recommended 7-9 hours a night, it’s time to make some lifestyle changes.
Eating (And Drinking) Sugar

Sugar is linked to diabetes, cancer, and host other health problems you don’t want. Even if you skip dessert and don’t add sugar to your coffee, it’s lurking in most sauces and processed foods.

Don’t overlook the sugar content in your favorite drinks either. Beers and sugary cocktails are loaded with calories that lead to bloating and weight gain. You’re not any better off with diet drinks either, as aspartame and other sugar substitutes carry their own risks.

Reducing or even eliminating sugar from your diet is a sure step towards better health!

Do You Have Unhealthy Habits to Break?

Don’t let an unhealthy habit lead to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Moderation is key in all things, so try to be moderate in your eating and drinking habits. Make sure you get enough water and sleep. And don’t forget to stand up and take regular breaks from sitting!

Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to check out our other Health & Wellness posts for more great information.