We all have daily habits — things we do every single day, without thinking twice. While some of those habits might be beneficial (making our bed, taking out the trash, showering, etc.), others might actually be ruining our health. Here are 10 things you might be doing every day that are keeping you from reaching your health and fitness goal:
You’re Constantly On Social Media
It’s not a generational thing! A lot of people, of all ages, spend a considerable amount of time on social media. And that’s because of how convenient apps like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are. They’re right on your phone! It’s no wonder a lot of time is spent scrolling mindlessly through them. But even though it’s easy to sit on social media all day every day, that doesn’t mean you should do it. Besides all the chatter and negativity, looking at other peoples lives can cause you to feel insecure about your own life. Which isn’t healthy for you at all!
You’re Skipping Meals
Skipping meals isn’t the answer! Regardless of if you’re doing it to lose weight or if you’re just super busy, you need to make time to eat. Not only can fasting cause weight gain it can drain your energy and make you a tired, less productive person. In order to stay healthy, you have to eat!
You’re Working Out Too Much
Believe it or not, it’s possible to work out too much. If you’re doing high-intensity workouts every single day, you’re not helping your body — you’re weakening it. Training too much can negatively impact your immune system, which is why fitness experts always recommend taking a couple days off throughout the week.
You Don’t Move Around During The Day
Sure, maybe you worked out in the morning. That doesn’t mean you should spend the day sitting on your butt. Getting up and walking around a few times throughout the day might not provide you with a sweaty workout, but it’s still exercising and it’s still crucial to your well-being.
You’re Not Using Protection
Here are the facts: One in two sexually active people will contract an STD by the time they’re 25. Regardless if someone’s on the pill or not, you should always use protection (especially with a partner you don’t know very well). A lot of people think they’re immune to sexually transmitted diseases but the truth is, no one is immune. Don’t chance it!
You Never Travel
Travel helps everything — it can improve your mood and help you gain new perspectives. Staying in the same area all the time can make you feel stagnant. Even if you’re a homebody, it’s important you take at least some time to travel and explore something new. You probably don’t even realize how bored and uninspired you are. And you most likely won’t until you leave your comfort zone and travel.
You Rarely Talk To Other People
Maybe you’re shy or maybe you’re just not around a ton of people during the day, whatever the reason you might have a habit of keeping to yourself. There’s nothing wrong with spending quality time alone. In fact, that’s actually a good thing. But if you have a habit of staying quiet and rarely ever talking to people, it might be difficult for you to make new friends. Which is something people in their 20s desperately need — friends!
You’re Hanging Out With The Wrong People
The people you hang out with can have a strong impact on who you are and what you do! If you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle but all of your friends are eating and drinking all the time, it’s going to be hard to be your best self. You don’t need to ditch your friends but you definitely need to notice the way you are when you’re around them. If your habits change, you might want to consider broadening your friend group.
You Don’t Express Yourself
Do you hold your thoughts and feelings inside? Don’t do that. Try to express yourself somehow. Even if it’s not vocal. You can express yourself through drawing, painting, dancing, even exercise. Discussing your thoughts and feelings doesn’t have to mean you’re screaming at the top of your longs (because honestly, you shouldn’t do that). As long as you’re finding a way to relax your mind and alleviate stress, you’re expressing yourself.
You Spend Too Much Time Indoors
Odds are, if you work in an office you’re spending most of your time indoors. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about that. Work is a must. However, there are things you can do to make sure you spend a least a few minutes outside during the day. Leave your office building around lunchtime, walk around the area outside just to give yourself a little fresh air. There’s no Vitamin D indoors and you need Vitamin D so your body can get some much-needed serotonin (the happy drug).