Have you ever noticed those silly habits you have that, in the long run, could potentially be damaging your body and health? Well, we came across a social media thread that reveals many small habits that can do some serious damage if left unchecked. From high, uncomfortable heels to loud music, it’s time to unravel the truths of the everyday life choices we make that could one day come back to haunt us.
#1 Protect Those Ears
“Loud noises without hearing protection.”
Loud music, afterparties, operating heavy machinery, riding a motorcycle or even working with power tools, are responsible for people’s loss of hearing. There are many warnings that caution users to properly protect their ears and the users in this social media thread emphasized the importance of paying heed as these activities can result in ear damage over time.
#2 Get Moving
“Bad posture from a sedentary life.”
With the comfort of modern times, we find it too easy to be inactive and spend too much time with our heads down. This creates bad posture. Sitting hunched over a computer or desk for long periods of time, if unchecked, could lead to aches and pains in the back and the neck as we age.
#3 Break the Loop
“Repetitive work.”
Many users emphasized how mindless monotony at work can be invisible but risky over the long run. Typing at a keyboard, moving a mouse, working on any assembly line can result in repetitive motion syndromes such as carpal tunnel, so changing up tasks and taking breaks is recommended.
#4 The High Heel Dilemma
For women, the attraction of high heels is often couched in a sense of self-sacrifice, with users – especially women – giving long lists of the health problems associated with prolonged wear: including back, hip, knee, foot and ankle complications. Perhaps, when it comes to clothes, fashion can indeed bite us back.
#5 Wallet Woes
“Sitting on your wallet in your back pocket can cause back pain and sciatica.”
So ubiquitous is the wallet – perhaps one’s constant companion – that it might even turn a pair of jeans into a culprit for causing a bad back if it is kept in your back pocket. the users in this social media thread are right to point out the discomfort and even sciatic nerve problems from sitting on your wallet. Reconsider where you carry your cash and cards.
#6 Flexibility Matters
It might seem like a throwaway aspect of your practice, but respondents were quite specific when discussing stretching. Unless you’re immobilised or otherwise unable to stretch, everyone gets older and the consequences of inactivity can benefit from a little dedicated stretching time. They reminded me: Don’t underestimate stretching; it’s an investment in your longevity.
#7 Up in Smoke
“Cigarettes. I quit 36 years ago. Stage III Lung Cancer now.”
The imminent hazards of smoking echoed in the user who had quit decades earlier but still suffered from stage III lung cancer. This ‘quitting saves lives’ mantra was hard to seriously refute, considering its direct and sometimes tragic consequences.
#8 Pain Relief Pitfalls
“Overusing OTC pain medication like ibuprofen.”
A quick fix might be achieved with over-the-counter painkillers, but some subjects noted potential side-effects with over-use. Taking daily Advil, for example, can cause nasty side-affects on the stomach, kidneys and liver. A warning about ‘everything in moderation’.
#9 Avoid Sugar Shock
“The amount of soda and sugar they put into their body.”
Other users pointed out that drinking too much soda and sugary drinks is not good for your body and might lead to problems. Too much sugar causes obesity and diabetes and also causes dental problems. Drink some water next time you feel thirsty for your health!
#10 Be Smile Savvy
“Flossing and oral health in general.”
Despite being part of a daily routine, users stressed the beneficial long-term aspects of oral health. If you neglect flossing or poor dental hygiene in general, you are more likely to deal with gum disease, abscesses, cavities or other dental problems down the line. Brushing your teeth and flossing is just a small effort for a huge benefit and a healthy smile as you get older.
#11 Tan Trap
Suntanning. Out in the sun or using a tanning bed. You will look like an 80-year-old in your 50s.
Tanners’ warnings about the adverse, possibly permanent, effects of a suntan on your skin may have far-reaching, future health implications. Skin aging and increased susceptibility to skin cancer were common arguments against tanning.
#12 Mind Your Growth
“Smoking weed or drinking excessively before your brain is done growing.”
A number of users noted that pot particularly could negatively affect brain development. Smoking weed when the brain hasn’t developed completely could, in theory, adversely affect cognitive functions and general mental health later in life.
#13 Healing Inside Out
“Living with unhealed trauma.”
Beyond physical habits, there were mental health implications. For those living with unmitigated trauma, the impacts on mental health and overall life satisfaction can be profound. navigating trauma, accessing trauma counselling and working through it can improve overall emotional resilience.
#14 Sole Survival
“Not taking care of your feet.”
Feet are often the most stressed areas of the body and actions such as walking in bad shoes can really make them hurt. I have had problems with plantar fasciitis in the past and both avoiding activities and failing to take plantar fasciitis care cause trauma. Good shoes are a necessity.
#15 Lifting Woes
“If you’re going to lift weights, especially big ones, learn proper technique.”
Lifting weights can be a really good form of exercise – in fact it is usually one of the most effective – but don’t underestimate the role of proper technique. Severe injury can be the result of unsafe form while lifting heavy weights, so don’t forget about the importance of protecting yourself from injury while you bulk up.
