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4 Unhealthy Habits to Kick in 2018
January is our annual reminder to evaluate the poor, unhealthy habits we carry, and replace them with new and improved practices that help us achieve a desired lifestyle. But in order to change our detrimental ways, we must first be conscious of them.
To help you identify the problem areas in your life, here are four unhealthy habits to consider kicking in 2018.
1. Junk Food Snacking
Eating junk food sporadically throughout the day may seem satisfying, but it can lead to chronic overeating and added weight, which in turn lead to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. This problem is often a matter of convenience – we tend to stock up on unhealthy snacks and keep them within reach.
A solution? Switch to eating healthier snacks – such as fruits, veggies, nuts and whole-grain – that boost nutrition and help you control cravings. Eating your snack with a glass of water instead of sugary drinks is also recommended. Doing so can help you lose weight, avoid energy depletion and achieve a more healthy, active lifestyle.
2. Anxious or Stressful Behavior
Sometimes, we fall into routines that leave us unhappy and stressed. Feeling this way isn’t just superficial – prolonged periods can result in higher blood pressure, lower immunity from disease and negative changes in behavior. Chronic stress is also a big contributor to skin issues like acne, eczema, premature aging and more.
The remedy lies in stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and more. Learning how to stay optimistic and cool under pressure helps you look at situations in a new and improved light. Eating healthy and exercising regularly has also proven to dramatically increase your ability to manage stressful situations.
3. Not Drinking Enough Water
Proper hydration planning is vital if you’re looking to achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle in 2018 and beyond. Failure to drink enough water each day can have devastating effects, leading to dehydration, lower energy levels and an inability to think clearly.
Keeping properly hydrated not only helps you reach your health and weight loss goals, but studies show that people who drink at least five glasses of water per day are 41% less likely to suffer from a heart attack than those who drank two or less glasses.
4. Not Exercising Regularly
Did you find yourself exercising at irregular intervals throughout the year? Skipping one workout leads to two, which leads to three, which leads to you completely falling off the fitness wagon. Failure to exercise regularly can result in higher risk of depression, decreased immunity from disease and even a shorter life expectancy.
If motivational fitness quotes aren’t enough to get you going, make appointments with a trainer to maximize your workout’s effectiveness and keep you in a positive mindset. Whether it’s winter or summer, a great exercise session is nothing without proper hydration and nutrition.
What unhealthy habits are you planning on kicking in 2018? Share them with us in the comments below!
