While there are many bad habits that humans develop in a lifetime, not all of them are entirely bad for you. Some bad habits may be considered bad not from a health but a social perspective like spitting or not bathing. Surprising as it may seem. Some of these so-called bad habits are actually good for you and your body. Let’s take a look at some the really gross habits that could be good for you instead.
From young, we are scolded in schools for being fidgety. Even a fidgety adult is considered a bad habit. However, it just turns out that fidgeting isn’t bad for you. Similar to creating activity in the absence of exercise like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, fidgeting is also like activity which can even burn around 100 calories a day. If you are constantly fidgeting and just can’t seem to sit still, then it’s a matter of concern, but fidgeting now and them is not so bad and can be a good thing.
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This is another habit that people consider gross and which should never be done in public places. On the other hand, if you spit during exercise, it can help in your breathing.
Breathing normally through the nose makes air humid as it is warmed up. This makes the body absorb more oxygen but during exercise, people usually breathe through their mouth. This produces more saliva that obstructs breathing patterns. Thus to make breathing more efficient while working out, spitting isn’t so bad after all. So now when you jog, always spit out extra mucus accumulated but always do it off the road and definitely not in front of people.
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Chewing gum may not be a gross habit but it’s a bad habit if you do it constantly. However, research has proved that chewing gum helps to study better and improves your ability to take tests. Chewing gum improves focus, sharpens memory and reduces stress. It also raises cortisol levels to maintain hormonal balance.
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The human body on an average releases gas at least 14 times a day. Even in your sleep, this can happen at least 3-4 times. Six hours after eating, carbon dioxide and methane is produced in the body and farting is one way to get rid of these gases. When these gases remain in the body, it results in bloating and abdominal pain.
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Social etiquette requires you to keep your burps low at the dinner table, but burping isn't bad for the body. After a heavy meal, burping is good as it relieves air from the stomach. When you surpass your burps and belches this causes gas to be trapped in the stomach which in turn may result in gastric acid in your gullet. This can cause reflux or chest pain. On the other hand, too much burping the entire day could be a sign of acid reflux disease which is when you should see a doctor.
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People say nail biting is a bad habit, well from a social and cosmetic standpoint; but look at it this way. Your nails contain bacteria deposits even though you may feel your fingers are clean. When you bit your nails, this bacteria enters your system.
Your body’s immune system then goes into fight mode producing white blood cells to fight the bacteria. While it does so, it also stores data of such bacteria much like a data bank. Thus when the same bacteria enters your system a second, your immune system will have produced the lymphocytes necessary to combat it. Studies have shown that sucking thumbs and nail-nibbling as a kid prevents the risk of suffering from allergies to some extent.
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Now this is definitely considered a gross habit and eating your boogers is even grosser, but studies have now concluded that eating your boogers can actually benefit your body by boosting immunity. The snot contains salivary mucins that actually have ingredients to fight bacteria that cause cavities. Eating your boogers triggers the body’s immunity to get white blood cells into action and defend against the cavity-causing bacteria.
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There have been many studies to this effect which have shown that when showering too often you actually wash away essential oils from your body, skin and hair. The oils keep our body hydrated and form good bacteria required for skin radiance and elasticity. There is no harm in skipping showers once or twice a week as it could be useful for health.
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Now, who actually does this? Many I’m sure because who is there to watch. While peeing in the shower is considered inappropriate. Research has found that almost 75% people do this once in a lifetime. While it may seem gross, the actual truth is your pee on your toes in the shower; you can prevent fungal infections from occurring on your feet and toes. This is because of the ammonia and uric acid present in your pee. Peeing in the shower also saves water and toilet paper.
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Losing your temper isn’t considered a good thing at all but then again, one needs to think from a different angle. BY losing one’s temper, it does not mean that you should show aggression, rage and get physical. No one wants to even be with a person like that. But losing your temper now and then can actually release the pent-up stress and anger within you. There is a positive way to lose your temper and that’s venting.
Losing your temper at your spouse because of problems at work isn’t the solution, but venting out in anger at what happened and telling her about it isn’t a bad thing. You get a sympathetic ear and a chance to release all the pent-up frustration.
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Believe it or not, psychology studies have proved that you should be friends with people who swear as they are liable to be more honest than others. Another study at Keele University and led by Dr. Richard Stephens found that swearing is a good way to relieve pain. If you stub your toe and abuse and curse a good deal of expletives, it actually becomes more tolerable. The study found that those who swore while dunking their hand in ice cold water bore up the chill 50% better than those who didn’t.
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Sleeping in is considered a sign of laziness and often people who do it are regarded as demotivated people. But when it comes to the weekend, then getting extra hours of sleep is never a bad thing. Nowadays, people sleep less than they need to because of work constraints. Of course, sleeping the entire day could signal a health issue that needs looking into, but on a Saturday if you choose to sleep till 11 am instead of the usual 8 am isn’t a bad thing at all.
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