Although many bad habits are obvious, some may be hidden in your daily routine. Are you guilty of these three bad behaviors?
1. Slouching: Whether at your desk or on the couch, it can be hard not to slouch. Slouching is an extremely common (and typically subconscious) habit, but it could potentially cause a host of problems, including tension headaches, pinched nerves and joint pain.
How can you break this bad habit? Be mindful of the way you are sitting or standing. When sitting at your desk, be sure you have the proper back support to sit up straight and avoid leaning forward toward your computer monitor.
Practicing good posture can evenly distribute your weight without putting extra pressure on any one part of the body.
2. Mindless Munching: Eating while engaging in other activities, such as watching TV, reading or surfing the web is not multi-tasking, it’s mindless munching! Research has shown that those who snack under these circumstances tend to underestimate their calorie consumption ““ making it all too easy to overeat!
Handle this habit by keeping mealtime separate from all other activities. If you absolutely must have a snack in front of the tube, prepare a small portion of healthy food (such as cut up fruit or veggies) before settling down on the couch to avoid munching mindlessly.
3. Licking Your Lips: We all do it, even though we know it doesn’t do a “lick” of good! Licking your lips may provide temporary relief from dryness, but in the long run it can do more harm than good. This is because your saliva evaporates quickly and can strip away some of your lips’ natural oils in the process.
Kick your licking habit by using an unflavored moisturizing lip balm, as the flavored ones may tempt you take a lick. To further prevent dry and chapped lips, remember to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to dry air.