This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
There are some common lifestyle mistakes people think aren’t a big deal, whereas making them, especially long-term, can have serious consequences on one’s health.
These mistakes are usually overlooked and not taken seriously. And you may not even realize it until things get really bad.
📋 Table of Contents
Common Lifestyle Mistakes
Not getting enough sleep
You need to get enough sleep, as it is important for our physical and mental health. But most times, it is usually the first thing people sacrifice when things get busy. Or, just because they can.
These “little” habits like
- pressing your phone all night
- using social media at night
- watching videos or movies
- watching TV
- having late night calls
Every single day, it will eventually take a toll on you. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems. Lack of sleep can affect how well your brain works, your mood, including your physical and mental health. It can affect your emotional health, too.
Studies show that there is a link between poor sleep and high chances of gaining excess weight, getting diabetes, heart disease, and even a poor immune system.
Other things like:
- Higher chances of accidents and getting injured
- A decline in brain function
- Inability to calculate things or think well
- Zero energy to live your life, and do things you normally do (like chores, shopping, walking your pet)
- Messing up your mental health
Make it a priority to go to bed early, to get some sleep, 7-9 hours, every night. Even if it’s not possible to get that amount of sleep every day, due to one thing or the other, still aim for it.
Also, make sure your room feels good to sleep in. If you like your room to be dark, cool, and quiet, that’s fine.
Or, if you prefer to listen to something or read a book before sleeping, to relax, you can do that too.
Another common lifestyle mistake is having a poor diet
If you’re always eating processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, thinking you’re enjoying yourself.
You’re not. Instead, you’re treading a path that may lead to you developing chronic diseases. Studies show that eating too many calories, too much saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and not eating enough fruits, fiber, and veggies. It is linked to developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and excess weight gain.
Before you think about ordering anything again, consider this. What you eat matters; it can affect your energy levels and your health in general.
Therefore, eat foods that are high in nutrients. Such as lean proteins, fruits and veggies, carbs, healthy fats, and fiber. Also, cooking at home will help you control the ingredients and portion sizes.
Also, don’t just pick things at the store; try to read food labels, so you know what you’re getting. Start eating less sugar, drink more water, or herbal teas.
If you still would like to have a burger or fries, you can, but not every day. Also, watch the amount you eat, so you don’t eat too much.
Zero physical activity is also a part of the common lifestyle mistakes
Sitting all the time is BAD. These days, people tend to sit for long periods of time, whether at work or during leisure time.
But it’s not good for you, and it can affect your health. Being sedentary all the time can increase your risk of chronic diseases like:
- diabetes
- heart diseases (like hypertension, heart failure, and heart attack
Including gaining too much weight, developing mental health problems, and even dying early.
Start exercising, even if it’s ten to fifteen minutes a day, you can get some workout done.
Studies recommend that you aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise every week.
Not caring for your mental health is
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, but it’s still overlooked.
It’s more common to see people talk about working out, eating healthy, dressing well, buying this, and buying that. But not enough is said about mental health.
Ignoring your mental health will affect other parts of your life, like your fitness routine, diet, and life in general.
If your mental health is affected, it can lead to things like depression, anxiety, and even thinking about taking your life.
Don’t listen to anyone who tells you you’re being “too much”. Take a break if you need to, and prioritize your mental health.
Things like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help you manage stress. Also, do things you love, and be around family and friends who make you feel good about yourself.
End relationships that keep draining you; it’s not by force to be with someone or keep friendships.
If you’re the one who is at fault, take time to reflect on your actions, do some self-assessment at home, or get support from professionals.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water is more common than you think. Sometimes a headache, feeling extremely tired, or having digestive issues is due to dehydration.
Even hard poops might be due to you not drinking enough water. So, start drinking more water, with meals, after meals, and if you’ve done some physical activity.
Don’t play with your water. Seriously.
No checkups or health screenings are common lifestyle mistakes
If people knew how beneficial it is to go for checkups and health screenings regularly, they’d make all the appointments.
Because you feel healthy doesn’t mean you don’t need to see a doctor. Regular checkups can help discover any potential health problems on time. Which treatment is more effective?
Don’t put it off, schedule an appointment right now with your doctor, be kept in the loop for information or dates on vaccinations, and screenings for your age and health history.
Other common lifestyle mistakes like:
Overthinking: It doesn’t solve your problems and will only make you feel worse. So, stop. Although it’s not easy, but you can still try.
Procrastination: “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
“I will get it done later. “ It can be posted tomorrow.”
Stop procrastinating and learn to do things at the time you need to do them.
Overspending: Do you need to buy that thing? Is it a necessity? There is no need for money to always leave your account; learn to pick one or two days when you don’t spend money. It will help you save for more important things.
