We all hope for a long life but we may be ignorant of certain habits that can lead to a shorter lifespan. These lifestyle choices can impact one’s health to such an extent that it is imperative to pay attention to them.
If you have hope of reaching the 100-year mark, here are 6 habits that could dash those hopes:
Loneliness
As good as solitary time can be for productivity and self-reflection, we also need to create time for a healthy social life. Living a life of isolation can indeed have more negative health effects than smoking and obesity.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Whether its work or indulgence in unhealthy activities, people stay up late for a variety of reasons. The bottom line is that not getting enough sleep can reduce one’s energy to a considerable extent. One study showed that getting less than six hours of sleep per night can reduce lifespan by 12 %.
Smoking
Smoking can potentially reduce the lifespan of an individual by up to 10 years. In addition to that, it also has side effects such as shortness of breath, agitation and breathing problems. The good news for one can stop smoking at any age and still see a significant improvement in health.
Sitting All Day
If you sit in front of a PC all day, then you may want to consider your lifestyle choices as this could impact your health. From obesity to postural problems to weight gain and cancer to deep vein thrombosis, prolonged sitting holds several health risks.
Excessive Exercise
Unfortunately, exercise, which has been hailed for its amazing health benefits for decades, can also reduce lifespan if not done rightly. You should always listen to your body and know when to stop exercising. Moreover, you can consult the doctor to find out how much exercise you should be getting based on your health status.
Being Pessimistic About Life
Having a negative view about life does not only affect your mood but also carries potential risks for your overall health. Negative people get more stressed and as a result, they are more susceptible to falling sick. This study shows the effects of stress and how it can weaken body function.
Sources:
NHS
NCBI
Featured Image Source: Josh Van Berkel