Many people strive to adopt healthy lifestyles, but they may overlook the risks inherent in their seemingly simple and harmless daily habits, which may carry serious health risks.

Dr. Babak Ashrafi, a medical expert at Superdrug, reveals shocking facts that will change your outlook on your daily routine.

1. Watching TV Shows for Long Time 📺

When you sit still watching several episodes in a row, your metabolism slows down significantly, and your circulation becomes slower, increasing the likelihood of small blood clots forming.

Spending long hours in front of a screen without moving day after day can also lead to back and neck pain due to unhealthy postures.

To solve this problem, experts recommend using the "20-20-20" technique: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, while doing some light movement such as stretching, standing, or taking a short walk.

2. Snoozing the Alarm ⏰

Many people resort to snoozing their alarm to enjoy a few extra minutes of sleep. However, when you hit the snooze button, your body enters a state of hormonal confusion, with cortisol rising and serotonin declining, leaving you feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep. Worse still, this habit disrupts your delicate circadian rhythm, affecting the quality of your sleep in the long run.

The solution to dealing with this bad habit is to set your alarm for the time you really need to wake up and place it out of reach to ensure you wake up promptly.

3. Not Taking a Vacation🌞

Dr. Ashrafi explains, "Chronic stress can negatively impact the mind and body, increasing the risk of burnout, anxiety, and fatigue." Not taking regular breaks—whether it's a vacation, a moment of reflection, or even prioritizing self-care—can exacerbate stress levels and negatively impact long-term health.

4. Isolation

The doctor notes that "spending too much time indoors, especially without exposure to natural light, can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep and low energy levels."

Lack of exposure to natural light disrupts the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) and serotonin (the happy hormone), leading to sleep disturbances and mood disturbances. Vitamin D deficiency resulting from insufficient sunlight also weakens bones and immunity.

Even just 10 minutes of daily fresh air can reset your body clock and significantly improve your mental and physical health.

5. Exercise Obsession

Excessive exercise without adequate rest periods puts the body in a state of chronic stress—stress hormones rise, immune response weakens, and the risk of injury increases. Therefore, it's important to plan regular rest days into your training program.

6. Choosing the Wrong Footwear

Wearing shoes that are uncomfortable or inappropriate for your activity can cause a host of problems, from stress on joints to foot pain, back problems, and knee problems.

Therefore, it's important to invest in shoes with good arch support and a comfortable sole, which can prevent chronic pain, balance, and posture problems.

7. Neglecting Stretching

Neglecting stretching can lead to shortened muscles and stiff joints, limiting range of motion and increasing the risk of injury.

Daily stretching exercises, even for ten minutes, can maintain your flexibility, protect you from chronic pain, and improve your motor performance in all aspects of life.

8. Caffeine Addiction ☕

Dr. Ashrafi explains: "Although caffeine may give you a boost of energy, too much can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and an increased heart rate."

The doctor noted that moderation and proper timing are key to reaping the benefits of caffeine without its negative effects.

9. Midnight Meals

Eating late disrupts the natural digestive process, raises blood sugar levels, and stores excess calories as fat.

If you feel hungry at night, choose snacks like yogurt or unsalted nuts, and avoid sugars and simple carbohydrates.

10. Incorrect Sleeping Positions

Sleeping on your stomach is the worst sleeping position, as it causes neck twisting, pressure on the spine, and can lead to chronic pain. The best sleeping positions are on your back or side with a pillow between your knees to support your spine.

11. Excessive Use of Social Media 📱

Dr. Ashrafi explains that the blue light emitted by screens disrupts sleep, and constant social comparisons across social media platforms increase anxiety and depression. Therefore, the doctor recommends setting specific times for using social media and turning off unnecessary notifications.

Source: Metro - Published on 05-5-2025 https://ar.rt.com/zm0q