Introduction
Time for part two in this four part series on bad habits:
Do so hope that you enjoyed the first part of this series, more importantly that you did learn some interesting facts on the topics that were mentioned last week.
This week I have six more bad habits for you to look at and hopefully more importantly learn and understand about, should you have any of them.
Many people get into bad habits of taking prescription drugs when they have an injury, such as a back injury. They may be given muscle relaxants and strong pain relievers to get them through the first painful days. This is a reasonable medical response to their condition.
It is also my intention starting this week to add a few health tips after the conclusion.
Bad habits can be expensive
Bad habits can be a real drain on your wallet – and not to mention, annoying for those around you. Take smoking for example. In the past, people smoked more cigarettes, but they were a lot cheaper. Fast forward to today, with taxes on cigarettes skyrocketing, it’s no wonder why people have cut down. In some places, the taxes are set to go up an extra $10 per carton. So if that doesn’t make you quit, what will?
Alcohol is also a bad habit that can be expensive, depending on your tastes. Most people tend to opt for cheaper options as their dependency grows, but it’s not uncommon to blow your entire paycheck on a night out at the bar. And if that’s not enough, people may even resort to getting their pain relief medications on the streets – which costs even more.
Illegal drugs are probably the most expensive bad habits of all. Whether it’s cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or methamphetamine, it’s never cheap. And if you’re addicted, you’ll always want more until you quit, that is if you can.
Gambling can also lead people into financial hardship. Some people get so addicted that they lose their homes and everything else they own. Now with online gambling, it’s easier than ever to keep up the bad habit.
Shopaholics can also find themselves in a financial pickle. This bad habit can quickly destroy a budget and take money away from important things like mortgage payments.
It’s clear that bad habits are expensive – both in the short-term and in the long-term. Take smoking for example – the cost of cigarettes is high, but the cost of lung cancer is much higher. Ditching your bad habits is the only way to get your finances back on track.
Bad habits related to health
Bad habits can have a major impact on your health and wellbeing. Overeating, eating unhealthy food, not exercising, overworking, smoking, drinking, and taking drugs are all habits that can cause serious illnesses and diseases. Obesity, heart disease, diabetes, bone and joint distress, and even some forms of cancer are all linked to bad habits. Furthermore, very obese people can become bedridden and unable to care for themselves.
It’s not easy, but if you want to lead a long and healthy life, it’s time to make a change and get rid of those bad habits. Start by eating the right foods and getting regular exercise. Make sure to take time to relax and enjoy life, too. It’s also important to be aware of how much salt you’re consuming and to avoid smoking, drinking, and drugs.
Start your journey to better health today – it’s a goal worth striving for!
Dangerous Bad Habits
Bad habits can be more than just annoying – they can be downright dangerous. Some people take risks without thinking about the consequences, while others don’t pay enough attention to their physical condition.
Taking sedatives while working, for example, can have dire consequences.
Working two jobs while sleep-deprived is also a bad habit that can be hazardous.
People can also be careless around electricity, using frayed extension cords and standing on metal ladders near power lines.
Reckless behavior, like ‘surfing’ on top of moving cars, is also an unnecessary risk.
When it comes to driving, many people don’t take the necessary precautions, leading to a number of dangerous situations. Grooming while driving, using cell phones while driving, and driving through high flood waters are all bad habits that can have disastrous results. Of course, the ultimate bad habit is drinking and driving, which puts yourself and everyone else on the road in danger.
If you find yourself engaging in any of these dangerous habits, it’s time to ask yourself why and take steps to curb them.
How Good Habits can turn into bad habits
It’s not uncommon for good habits to turn into bad ones if we take them too far. We should all be aware of our behavior, even if it seems positive.
People who strive for excellence can be very inspiring – until they go overboard. When their leadership turns into nit-picking perfectionism, that’s when their good habits become bad habits. It’s not easy to turn back the clock once it’s gone too far.
Sometimes people can take their neatness too far. They start out with good intentions, wanting to keep things tidy and clean. But then they take it way too far, stressing over every tiny speck of dust or smudge. Not to mention they expect everyone else to be as obsessive as they are.
The same goes for saving money. It’s great to save for emergencies or for the future. But if you become too obsessed with saving, you can become a miser. You might not buy your kids new school clothes or you drive a car that breaks down every week.
It’s also easy to take bulk-buying too far. You start out stocking up, but eventually your whole house is filled with extra food and cleaning supplies that will go bad before you can use them all.
Being considerate of others is a great trait – but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. The same goes for asking questions. It’s great to ask questions in school or at work, but don’t let it become a bad habit. Sometimes it’s better to try to figure something out on your own.
At the end of the day, extremes usually lead to bad habits. So be a considerate person, but don’t forget to look out for yourself. Make sure your family has what they need, and don’t let your good habits turn into bad ones.
Irritating bad habits
Some bad habits can really get on the nerves of those around you.
From nervous habits to thoughtless behaviors, these can be anything from following someone’s car too closely in the parking lot, to cutting in line at the store, to making unnecessary noises.
Nervous habits like cracking knuckles or tapping pencils can be distracting, while chewing gum or smacking lips can be irritating.
And if you have a pet that barks all night long, that can drive your neighbours up the wall. It can be hard to break these habits, but if you make yourself aware of them, you can do a lot to make those around you more comfortable.
Picking up bad habits from others
You may think you’ve managed to stay away from the bad habits of others, but it’s all too easy to start picking them up without even knowing it.
Eating the same greasy foods, smoking cigarettes, getting into arguments, carelessness at work, gossiping, one-upmanship, and pessimism are all habits that can be passed on from person to person. It’s not always intentional, but it can still affect you.
If you want to avoid getting sucked into the bad habits of those around you, the best thing to do is to stay strong and remember that you don’t have to conform. It’s up to you to make the right choices.
Conclusion to Part Two
Some interesting points for you to consider, especially where others are involved, it is so easy to get dragged into their habits.
This Week’s Health Tips:
- Make sure that you do everything in moderation – and that includes eating (is it healthy), drinking (be careful with alcohol) exercising, taking supplements and vitamins.
- Drink 8-9 glasses of water a day if you’re a woman; 12-13 if male. Water gets rid of toxins by flushing them through your kidneys. People age more quickly when chronically dehydrated.
- Drink more water when exercising, suggest at least 1 ½ glasses. More if your exercise is aerobic. If you have diarrhea, be sure to keep up your water intake – dehydration is the biggest danger (particularly with the elderly). Drink more in hot weather, too.
Please note that I am not a qualified Health Professional.
The next article which will be posted on Monday will be Bad Habits – Part Three.
Stay Healthy
Stuart
https://healthyyouonline.com
You are so right, it is just not worth the time, our health, or money when it comes to bad habits and yet there are so many people who are struggling with these habits the good news is with practice these habits can be overcome but it will take time and work. Once you see the positive side of getting over these bad habits that can help push you in the right direction.
Hi Norman,
What a great reply, many thanks.
Stuart
Your article on bad habits, part two, is an insightful continuation of your exploration into behavior and personal growth. It’s evident that you’re dedicated to helping readers understand and address these common challenges in life.
I appreciate how you’ve highlighted the impact of these habits on mental health and overall well-being. Your practical tips for breaking these habits and fostering positive change are genuinely helpful.
In your future articles, would you consider delving into specific strategies for maintaining the motivation and discipline needed to overcome these habits in the long term?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and providing guidance on improving our lives by breaking free from bad habits. I’m looking forward to reading more of your valuable insights in the future.
Hi Kiersti,
Many thanks for your very kind comments, I have made a note regarding your request for specific strategies, a I have a number of articles in the pipeline to publish, it could be sometime before I can do this, but it is certainly a very good idea, many thanks.
Stuart
Hey there! This was an eye-opening post about bad habits, especially the financial impact they can have. I totally agree that smoking and excessive drinking can take a toll on your wallet, not to mention your health. It’s scary how illegal drugs can drain your finances too. Looking forward to more insights in your upcoming posts!
Hi, many thanks for this, it is surprising just what bad habits can affect your finances.