How Your Poor Lifestyle Choices Are Really Affecting Your Health

Contributed by Ryan Peterson.

We all know the basics of a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Don’t put dangerous chemicals into your body and make time for relaxation. However, in practice, it can be a bit more tricky. Our bad habits have been going on for so long that we might not even consider the health effects anymore.

Here are some examples of the ways your poor lifestyle choices are affecting your body.

Sedentary lifestyle

Research shows that the average American sits for around thirteen hours a day, and sleeps for around eight. That’s a massive part of our day, and our lives in general that we’re not getting any activity. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain and obesity which comes with its own set of significant health issues. It can cause weakness in joints and muscles and make it more likely that you will sustain an injury when you are active.

One example of this is plantar fasciitis, while it’s common in runners it also occurs when sedentary people up their activity levels. This is when the thick band of muscle at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and micro tears appear making it very sore in the heel area. Orthotics such as Biopods can help with this, click here for more information. However maintaining an active lifestyle will prevent the body from becoming weak, you’ll keep your fitness levels and exercise in general will benefit every cell in your body.

Find activities you enjoy doing, it could be anything from swimming to a dance class. Make an effort to stay active- walk your dog more, bike instead of taking the car and go on days out where you’ll be doing a lot of walking around. If you work from a desk, speak to your employer about switching to a standing desk. If you make these things just a part of your lifestyle then you’ll stay fit and healthy without it even feeling like exercise.

Lack of sleep

We all live such busy lifestyles that it’s become almost a norm to feel constantly tired. Many use caffeine pills, coffee and energy drinks just to get through the day, and this is viewed as a relatively normal thing to do. However the reality is that it’s anything but normal, our bodies aren’t designed to work this way.

Research has shown that losing even an hour of sleep a night can cause changes that are comparable to brain damage. Sleep helps to repair our bodies, regulate hormones and improve mood. Without enough sleep there are issues both long and short term- from poor concentration and irritability to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Life IS busy but for many of us, better sleep could be achieved with a good routine and prioritising our health. Instead of spending an extra hour watching tv in the evening or going out for drinks with colleagues after work, going home and getting an early night will benefit you far more. Of course, we all need time to zone out in front of the tv and meet with friends, but your health should come first so try and fit other activities in at other times.

Dangerous vices

It goes without saying that too much alcohol, illegal drunks, smoking and even binge eating are extremely bad for the body. Toxins in the body can lead to cancers and other illnesses, you will age prematurely and they can affect your bones and organs. Too much fat, sugar and salt can lead to heart issues, diabetes, strokes and more.

When we’re young it’s easy to overlook the consequences, but as you mature it’s time to take a serious look at your habits and start putting them right. Speak to a doctor if your vice is also an addiction, and get yourself the right support.
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