This article is going to directly address the bad habits that are taking years off our lives. Numerous clinical studies show that certain behaviors directly affect longevity. For example, a recent study of 5,000 British adults over a 20-year period found that four common bad habits aged the study group by 12 years: smoking, drinking, lack of activity and poor diet. Death certificates from this large study group were checked for the next 20 years and the most common causes of death included heart disease and cancer, both related to unhealthy lifestyles.
Here are 10 bad habits that can actually take away years from your life.
Here are 10 bad habits that can actually take away years from your life.
- Cut corners when it comes to sleep
Being tired most of the time causes you to eat too much, drive recklessly and be irritable even in mild situations. Plus, lack of sleep can also lower your immunity. Get at least eight hours of sleep a night. - Eat lots of sugar
Foods that contain lots of sugar will quickly increase your blood sugar and give you quick energy bursts. This won't last long and when the sugar is gone, debilitating exhaustion often results. Eat healthy snacks instead, like fiber-rich crackers or fruits. - Smoke
About half a million Americans die each year from smoking-related health conditions. Smoking can also decrease your lung capacity and prevent you from enjoying healthy activities. Find professional support or a peer group to get rid of this bad habit. - Too little exercise
Many serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and arthritis are linked to a sedentary lifestyle. Your body is made to move, so avoid these conditions with moderate exercise. It should help increase energy and reduce stress. At least 30 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended. - Worrying too much
Worrying about something that we cannot change only creates more damage than good. If you have a problem, try to solve it proactively. If it can’t be solved, simply let it go. - Eating poor-quality food
Junk food or foods filled with chemicals and preservatives will definitely harm your health. Eat more fresh and natural foods. - Too much sun
A moderate amount of sun exposure will help you look younger and give you healthy amounts of Vitamin D. However, too much sun will seriously damage your skin. Prolonged sun exposure is responsible for premature aging of the skin and many skin cancers. - Too many soft drinks
About 14% of an average American adult's calories comes from sodas. This will seriously affect sugar levels and weight. Try another healthy alternative - water or low fat milk. - Too little leisure activity
Do not live to work, work to live. Keep your work at the workplace and reserve extra quality time for you and your family. - Drinking too much alcohol
In addition to risk of injury or death as a result of accident or violence, alcohol abuse causes a broad range of physiological and psychological dangers. Long-term consumption can result in many different serious health conditions.
