Whether you’re the sort of guy to have a smoke after a meal or might skip one too many days at the gym, these little choices can develop into bad habits. It might seem innocent initially, but these choices can take a terrible toll on your body. It’s essential to take the time to reflect on your daily habits and figure out which ones are interrupting your mental and physical health. This guide will outline some unhealthy habits that you need to quit and offer some advice on how to leave them behind.
Change the people you’re around
As a man, you’re expected to be tough and thick-skinned. Unfortunately, this societal expectation often leads to you putting up with people who bring a lot of negativity to your life. You know the type — the people who always have a counterargument to your ideas and love playing the “devil’s advocate.” Dealing with the constant stream of naysayers and brutish jokes can be mentally exhausting. It’s better for your mental health to surround yourself with people who support you and your goals. A good friend doesn’t just point out your flaws but offers constructive feedback alongside it.
Break away from addictions
Because of stress and boredom, you might have taken up a habit you just can’t quit. This could be something socially acceptable, like a caffeine or nicotine addiction, or you might have a problem with substance abuse. The important thing is recognizing the problem and getting the help you need. There is a stigma attached to men who admit to needing help- as if it’s a weakness, but that’s outdated thinking. Reach out to groups like Serenity at Summit to ensure you get the support you need to overcome your addictions.
Don’t watch too much TV
Enjoying a show or movie might seem like a harmless thing to do, but there can be consequences. The time you spend watching TV takes away from time you could allot to the gym, socializing or productivity. TV is acceptable in moderation, but using it as an endless distraction quickly deteriorates your physical health. A simple solution to this is following the 2/30 rule. Make sure you don’t watch more than 2 hours of TV a day and try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in. A fitter body will also sharpen your mind, which can help you in your professional and personal life.
Stop spending too much
You might be the type of dude to use shopping to fill the void of boredom in your life. This could apply to new clothes, eating out, or investing too much money in a simple hobby. It’s common for people to get a rush of excitement when they buy something new, but depending on that false sense of fulfillment can lead to financial ruin. The stress from financial mismanagement can lead to high blood pressure, ulcers, insomnia, eating disorders, lowered immunity, and more. One simple habit of overspending can snowball into various adverse effects on your financial and personal stability. You can start counteracting this habit by creating a monthly budget. Use debit cards instead of credit cards. And automate your bank to transfer some money from your salary account into your savings account each month.
Avoid bad eating habits
When you don’t balance your life — like spending too much time working — your eating habits often suffer. People who live a busy life tend to opt for junk food instead of making a healthy, home-cooked meal. While fast food is convenient, it is also terrible for both your wallet and your waistline. Making a permanent change to healthier eating habits can take time, but the difference in your health is noticeable. Good food can help you slim down, improve your skin and hair, and prevent heart-related diseases. It can also make your efforts in the gym more fruitful. Start with simple steps, like avoiding impulse eating and weekly meal prep. You should also switch out fizzy drinks with water and avoid too much red meat.
Stop biting your nails
This might seem like a minor gripe, but nail-biting is an unhygienic habit that can lead to dental issues. It can result in malocclusion of the anterior teeth, stomach problems and deform your nails in the long run. Nail-biting is often a symptom of stress. So instead of chewing on your fingers, you would be better off figuring out why you’re stressed. Getting to the root cause of the problem will help you create a more stable life in the long run. In psychology, the James-Lange theory states that your emotional state is a result of your physiological actions. In other words, doing physical activities like nail-biting can worsen your mood instead of alleviating your stress. Next time you feel like biting your nails, try to engage in a different activity instead, like going for a walk or listening to music.
Conclusion
Bad habits can take a toll on your physical and mental health, as well as damage your relationships. It’s essential to keep a check on the activities you engage in to ensure a quick stress relief doesn’t turn into a problematic routine. The key to overcoming bad habits is accepting that you’re not just breaking them; You’re replacing the bad habit with a better one. Creating a positive support group, getting the help you need, and holding yourself accountable are essential steps on the road to self-improvement.
