Adults know all too well that their bodies don’t come with owner’s manuals. In other words, people have to learn how to care for themselves properly by trial and error as they move through life.
Unbeknownst to many people, there are lots of little habits that can destroy your best efforts at authentic self-care. Here are seven seemingly simple habits that could be undermining your best healthy efforts.
Skipping meals
Dieters, you’ve been warned: skipping meals is unlikely to have the effect you desire. Skipping meals (and snacks) can lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism. What’s more, you’re likely to be irritable, groggy, and exhausted without the proper calories to sustain your body’s function.
Wearing your contacts too long
You might be tempted to save a few dollars by stretching the life of your contacts, but don’t. The longer you wear contacts, the less oxygen they let in, which can cause permanent damage to your corneas. In addition, you risk eye ulcers, light sensitivity, corneal abrasions, and more.
Instead, order your contacts from online providers 1 800 Contacts to save time and money. These contact lenses deliver directly to your door, so it’s easy to remember when it’s time to swap out your supply.
Using plastic containers
Meal prepping and packing your lunches from home are good ideas, but storing food in plastic containers is not. That’s because many contain BPA, a harmful chemical that seeps its way into the food you eat. The same applies to plastic water bottles. Switch to glass or stainless steel.
Too much negative self-talk
The way you speak to yourself matters. If you constantly put yourself down or focus on perceived failures, you’ll have difficulty stirring up motivation or making positive changes. This rule is especially true in the morning. Try starting a gratitude practice in the morning to reset your mindset.
Skimping on sleep
Everyone knows sleep is important, but don’t fall into the trap that many people do: skimping a little on sleep here and there to complete other essential tasks. Whether it’s an early morning workout or cleaning the kitchen before bed, it can wait.
Not properly cleaning your hands
Many people don’t wash their hands for long enough or substitute hand sanitizer, which is excellent between hand washings but should never be used as a substitute. In addition, make sure you wash your hands for long enough.
You should wash long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” twice or the whole alphabet once. Be sure to get each finger, between fingers, the backs of your hands, and nails.
Eating low-fat and diet foods
These might seem harmless or even healthy, but they’re not. Diet sodas and foods are packed with artificial sweeteners and more harmful ingredients than their non-diet counterparts.
You’re much better off eating a balanced diet of natural foods with ingredients you recognize. Fill your plate with fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lots of protein. Meal prepping can help save time and your health, as well.
Before you go
These are small habits, so there’s good news: they’re easy to change. Minor changes to your lifestyle can add up big time. Start with this list, and watch your life transform.
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