It is very easy to fall victim to small unhealthy habits, which is why there are so many common health mistakes that we often make without knowing the effects. Even the most health-conscious people have small lifestyle habits that undermine their well-being. These health mistakes are often unnoticeable, but the impacts they have on our health are long-term. We will delve into six of the most common health mistakes to understand how they impact our lives. We will also explore how to avoid these health mistakes to improve your health and have a balanced life.
1. Not Sleeping Enough
Sleep is not prioritised as much as it should be despite being a significant contributor to good health. Whether it is because you are working long, irregular hours or you are staying up to browse social media, sleep is pushed lower on the priority list. Over a third of adults fail to get the recommended seven hours of sleep per night, according to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC).
If you develop chronic sleep deprivation, you are at risk of developing conditions like obesity, depression, and cardiovascular diseases. You can prevent this by creating a night routine, putting your electronics away at least 30 minutes before bed, and speaking to a specialist if insomnia persists.
2. Neglecting Hydration
Hydration plays a vital role in maintaining bodily functions. Doctors have warned against dehydration, a serious health mistake that occurs frequently. Dehydration occurs when the body receives less water than it excretes. Being dehydrated can lead to fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and dizziness.
Staying hydrated requires drinking more water daily. You can carry a water bottle with you to increase your water intake. You can also ensure that you drink at least a glass of water with every meal.
3. Sitting for Prolonged Periods
Whether it’s working at a desk or watching the television, many people sit for several hours during the day. Prolonged sitting has become a common part of modern lifestyles.
However, sitting for extended periods can result in conditions such as obesity, high blood sugar, and cardiovascular issues. You can get rid of this sedentary habit by taking short breaks. Taking a 30-minute break to stand or move around can help add more activity to your day and reduce certain health risks.
4. Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
It is a common belief that you only need sunscreens on hot days, but you should be wearing sunscreens whenever you go outside. Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Redirect Health Dr Janice Johnston stated that millions of Americans do not wear sunscreen on cold and cloudy days even though it is still necessary. While the sun’s rays may not seem harsh on those days, the harmful UV rays can still penetrate clouds and damage the skin.
Constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing over time. To lower these risks, you can consider covering your exposed skin with a daily moisturiser with SPF.
5. Improper Ear Cleaning
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, unaware of the health risks. While cotton swabs are marketed as a safe tool to clean your ear, they can lead to ear infections or push the wax deeper into your ear canal.
Research has shown that cotton swabs can even cause hearing loss because they can puncture your eardrum. Research also indicates that your ears are self-cleaning, but if you have wax buildup, you can consult a doctor for safe removal.
6. Overusing Harsh Antiseptics
It seems practical to clean a cut with substances such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. However, these substances are harsh, and they can delay the healing process. While your only intention is to clean your wound and prevent infections, these substances can lead to healthy skin cells being damaged.
It is best to clean minor cuts by washing the wound with a mild soap and water. After washing the area, you can keep it moist with petroleum jelly.
