10 Common Health Mistakes That Most People Make

In the age of the internet, when everyone is brimmed with information, most people end up making some of the gravest health mistakes. In this blog, I bring you the 10 most common health mistakes that most people make on an everyday basis. 

These are so simple that most people overlook the importance of these daily habits. Be it skipping your breakfast or carrying a heavy bag, using self-medication or avoiding to floss. Such simple lifestyle choices have a much deeper impact on your health. 

Check out these common health mistakes and how they are impacting your life!

10 common health mistakes most people make

1. Eating Everything that says ‘herbal’

This is the biggest mistake that most people are making these days. The awakened fitness enthusiasts are going gaga over herbal products. Herbal products are indeed safe, but this does not mean you can eat everything mindlessly. 

According to Ayurveda, herbs with medicinal value have to be consumed in the right quantity. Vedic science emphasizes the importance of balance. So, anything in excess, even natural herbal medicines can cause harm.

Consume everything within limits including medicinal herbs and spices.

Also Read: Avoid This Common Eating Mistake

2. Skipping Breakfast

The traditional scene of eating a healthy and wholesome breakfast is vanishing from our modern routines. People are picking anything on the go to satiate their hunger. But little do they realize that starting the day without a healthy breakfast is like driving a car with no fuel. 

It makes you sluggish and reduces your productivity. But that’s not it. Skipping breakfast can also increase your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. In the long run, it impacts your memory and hampers your heart.

Research proves skipping breakfast is causing chronic diseases. 

Also Read: Skipping Breakfast can lead to chronic diseases

3. All foods rich in fats causes obesity

Another common misconception is that all fats cause obesity. People are picking their foods reading the labels of 0% fat and calories. But not all fats are bad. Omega-3 fatty acids and medium-chain fats are essential for cell growth. It’s important to add good fats to your diet but in limited amounts. 

Fats provide energy to the body and protect the internal organs.  Avocados, Eggs, and Fish are some of the examples of healthy fats. Ghee is also an essential fat that has many medicinal benefits. From healing wounds to enhancing your skin tone, ghee has magical properties.

Eating good fats in the right quantity protects your body and provides many health benefits.

4. Eating meals just before sleep

Going to bed immediately after meals is a grave mistake many people make. Studies show that this can lead to acid reflux, heartburn, weight gain and disrupted sleep. When you fall asleep your metabolism slows down, thus leaving the food undigested. This gets stored as fats in the body. 

It’s best to have your dinner early at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. Your dinner should be at least 2 hours before bed. If you feel hungry at night you can go for something light like turmeric milk.  

Eating a heavy meal just before bed is harming your health.

5. Sleeping for longer hours for better health

We all know that sleep is the key to good health and better performance. After a long night of rest, you are at the peak of your energies for better performance. But does sleeping for longer hours ensure better work efficiency? There is no scientific proof of such claims. 

Studies say that high-quality sound sleep for a few hours is much better than 9-10 hours of disturbed sleep. Excess sleep makes you lazy and unproductive. Ayurveda recommends specific practices to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep quantity. 

Experts recommend 8 hours of sleep every night for optimum health!

6. Using your gadgets before bed

An increasing number of people are suffering from sleep issues and the use of mobile phones before bed is to blame.  The blue light emitted by electronic gadgets messes with the brain’s signals. 

Blue light can reduce or delay the natural production of melatonin and deem feelings of sleepiness. Scientists reveal that radiation from cell phones can cause insomnia and headaches. It also impacts your sleep quality which is detrimental to your health! 

Stop using your electronic gadgets at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The best tip is not to take your gadgets to the bedroom!

Also Read: How electronic gadgets impact your mood?

7. Carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder

Heavy bags are the culprit for arthritis, spondylosis, neck problems and backaches. Most women have a habit of carrying a very heavy bag on one shoulder. This over the years can result in excruciating pain. 

The simplest solution is to carry only what’s essential. Also, using bags with broader straps can help in distributing the load. If the bag is too heavy then carry it on the back rather than hanging it on one shoulder. 

8. Ignoring the dangers of Self-Medications

Self-Medication is one of the most dangerous things that often sees a casual response. Starting or stopping medicines needs an expert’s intervention. Self-medication increases the risks of drug abuse, drug dependence and drug resistance. In adverse cases, self-medication can result in death. 

Much like starting medicines without a doctor’s consult is dangerous, stopping them abruptly can also be detrimental. Stopping medicines suddenly can have health implications ranging from mild to worse. It can cause headaches, seizures and other side effects. 

Always consult a doctor before starting or stopping your medicines.

Also Read: 5 Life-threatening Dangers of Self-Medication

9. Staying in all-day

As harmless as it sounds, staying locked within the safe walls of your house can lead to depression. That’s one of the main reasons behind the surge in mental health issues during the lockdown. Staying in a closed set-up can result in a range of health issues. 

From deficiency of Vitamin D to poor sleep to higher stress. Further, walking in the out encourages the secretion of happy hormones. It exposes your body to natural light and air. These elements of nature, also have healing properties for the body.  

Enjoy a brisk walk in the morning sun at least for 30 minutes every day!

Also Read: Impact of social isolation on elderly patients

10. Underestimating the importance of flossing

Many people don’t realize that flossing is a key part of oral hygiene. Plaque accumulating between the teeth can weaken them and lead to tooth loss. Flossing helps remove the food particles stuck between the tooth. It also cleans the accumulated plaque on the teeth. 

Ayurveda always emphasizes the importance of proper oral hygiene. The right way to take care of your teeth is by brushing, flossing and oil pulling. But for many, oral care is only limited to brushing!

Remember to floss your teeth every day and make sure you do it in the right way!

Takeaway!

In conclusion, I would say, being healthy is all about simple decisions that you take daily. Listen to your body, it communicates through the signs of pain and discomfort. The heavy bag on your shoulder will cause pain. Not eating your breakfast will cause discomfort. Checking the gadgets for a long will make your eyes watery. So, acknowledge these signals and attend to them.

Listen to your body and stop making these common health mistakes that are hurting you!