We all want to live long, healthy lives, but what if some of our daily habits are actually cutting that time short? While diet and exercise are often at the forefront of discussions on longevity, the truth is that small habits, sometimes ones we don’t even think about, are having a huge impact on our health. The good news is, making a few simple changes can go a long way towards improving your long-term well-being. So, what are the habits you need to watch out for? Let’s take a look.
1. Your Phone Could Be Harming Your Health
We spend a lot of time on our phones, checking emails, scrolling through social media, and browsing the web. But your phone may also be responsible for affecting your health. Research has shown that mobile phones are covered in bacteria, some of which are harmful. If you’re not regularly cleaning your phone, you could be exposing yourself to germs that contribute to skin issues, infections, or even more serious health problems.
On top of that, the blue light emitted by screens disrupts your circadian rhythm, affecting your sleep quality and leading to poor rest. This can have a long-term impact on everything from your mental health to your heart health.
How to Fix It:
Regularly disinfect your phone with alcohol wipes and set aside time during the day to put your phone down. Give your eyes and mind a break.
2. Sitting Too Long Can Shorten Your Life
Sitting is the new smoking. OK, maybe not exactly like smoking, but sitting for long periods each day has been linked to a host of health problems, including increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and even early death. Whether you’re working from home or spending hours watching TV, prolonged sitting slows circulation, increases fat storage, and reduces your metabolic rate.
How to Fix It:
The solution is simple: get up and move. Stand, stretch, and take a walk every 30 minutes. If you’re working, consider using a standing desk. Small changes like this can have a big impact on your longevity and overall health.
3. Poor Sleep Habits Are Speeding Up Your Ageing Process
Sleep is the body’s natural way of resetting, and yet so many of us don’t get enough of it, or don’t get the quality sleep we need. Poor sleep hygiene is linked to a range of health problems, including weakened immunity, cognitive decline, and a greater risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Studies show that those who consistently get poor sleep tend to age faster, both mentally and physically.
Not to mention, lack of sleep increases stress and disrupts hormone balance, making it even harder for your body to repair and restore itself.
How to Fix It:
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Avoid screens before bed, and make sure your sleeping environment is cool, dark, and quiet.
4. Skipping Breakfast Could Be Hurting Your Metabolism
For years, people have been led to believe that skipping breakfast is a way to cut calories and lose weight. However, recent research has shown that skipping breakfast can actually slow down your metabolism and cause you to eat more later in the day. This is because breakfast helps stabilise blood sugar levels and gives your body the fuel it needs to start the day. Without it, your body enters a “starvation mode,” which can slow down metabolism and make it harder to lose weight.
How to Fix It:
Make sure you eat a balanced breakfast each day that includes protein, fibre, and healthy fats. A healthy breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and ensures you have the energy to get through the day.
5. An Unhealthy Diet Is Shortening Your Life
What you eat plays a massive role in your longevity. A diet high in processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to chronic inflammation, heart disease, and diabetes. These conditions, over time, can reduce your life expectancy and quality of life. A poor diet also impacts your energy levels, making you feel sluggish and less motivated to stay active.
How to Fix It:
Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and added sugars, and make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
6. Not Drinking Enough Water Is Dehydrating You
It’s easy to overlook hydration, but it’s a silent saboteur of health and longevity. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and it’s essential for nearly every bodily function, from digestion to nutrient absorption. If you're not drinking enough water, it can lead to fatigue, poor digestion, and even headaches, and over time, chronic dehydration can impact your kidney function, skin health, and energy levels. Without enough water, your body simply can’t perform at its best.
How to Fix It:
Make sure you’re drinking enough water, at least 2 litres of water a day. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to remind yourself to drink, and consider eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
7. Choosing the Wrong Supplements Could Be Harming Your Health
Many people rely on supplements to boost their health, but not all supplements are created equal. In fact, choosing the wrong ones can do more harm than good. Many supplements are filled with fillers, low-quality ingredients, or ineffective doses that don’t actually provide the benefits they claim. In the long run, they can end up leaving your body lacking the nutrients it needs to thrive, or worse, causing imbalances that could affect your health.
How to Fix It:
Instead of wasting money on poorly formulated supplements, go for ones with high-quality ingredients that are backed by science. Simply Nootropics Essentials Plus is packed with effective ingredients like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and L-Theanine to support your cognitive function, boost your energy, and promote overall well-being. This formula is designed to fill in the gaps of your daily nutrition and keep you performing at your best.
