Smoking and Other Negative Lifestyle Habits You Need to Kick to the Curb This Year

Published on: 11 November 2020 Last Updated on: 23 November 2020
Smoking

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us more cognizant of our mortality. Many people are starting to become more aware of the importance of healthy living. Smoking are responsible for up to 90% of all lung cancer diagnoses, as well as many other types of cancer.

One of the most important steps towards a healthier lifestyle is identifying and breaking self-destructive habits. You almost certainly have at least one bad habit that is threatening your health and well-being. Your quality of life and life expectancy will drastically improve if you take the correct action.

Here are some highly unhealthy habits that you should avoid at all costs.

Smoking Tobacco

Cigarettes are probably the least healthy mainstream habit in the United States. They are responsible for more preventable deaths than anything else. Although the prevalence of smoking has dropped drastically since the 1970s, 480,000 people still die of cigarette use every year. Cigarettes are responsible for up to 90% of all lung cancer diagnoses, as well as many other types of cancer.

In addition to causing premature deaths, cigarettes also hurt your quality of life in numerous ways. They cause vision problems, depression, anxiety, impaired lung function, and many other serious issues.

If you are a regular smoker, your number one priority should be to quit. This is the single biggest change in your life that will benefit your health. You can try using tobacco free dip to move away from cigarettes.

Consuming Food Late In The Evening

You might be tempted to have late-night snacks. There might be a number of reasons for this. Perhaps you didn’t get enough protein with your dinner. You might have eaten dinner too early in the evening, which leaves you feeling hungry an hour or two before bedtime. You might simply feel like snacking to alleviate anxiety.

Regardless of the reason, eating snacks late at night creates multiple health risks. It is a precursor to weight gain because your body can’t process the food as efficiently as late at night. Late-night snacks also tend to disrupt your sleep patterns. You might have trouble falling asleep at all and struggle to reach deep REM sleep when you finally doze off.

Eating Too Much Meat

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and ham sandwiches are major staples in the western diet. Meat isn’t just tasty. It also is a rich source of protein.

Unfortunately, many people consume meat excessively. You may develop a number of health problems if you eat too much of it, especially red meat.

What health risks can it create? Regular consumption of processed and red meat increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and multiple types of cancer. A research team from the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating one serving of processed red meat every day increased the risk of death from cardiovascular disease or cancer by 20%.

You don’t need to become a vegan. However, you should minimize your consumption of meat and reserve red meat for special occasions.

Using Your Smartphone Too Often (Especially In The Evening)

Smartphones are the newest addition that is taking over our lives. Unfortunately, they are so widely accepted that most people refuse to acknowledge the toll that they are taking on our health.

Excessive smartphone use can be debilitating in a number of ways, such as:

  • People that use smartphones regularly are more likely to suffer from back and neck problems. Every time that you look down to use your mobile device, you are putting around 60 pounds of pressure on your spine.
  • You have a higher risk of developing vision problems. The light from your smartphone screen can cause long-term damage to your retina. Your eyes might also start to suffer from nearsightedness since you aren’t spending enough time looking out long distances.
  • Your mobile devices might also disrupt your sleep patterns. If you are using them late at night, then you might be throwing off your circadian rhythms. You will have a harder time falling asleep and get less restorative REM sleep as well.

You can’t be in denial about the problems that your smartphone is causing. You need to use it in moderation to prevent back, neck, and sleep problems.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

PayPal & Kratom

PayPal & Kratom: Things Every Buyer Should Know

Over the last few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of buying Kratom. This natural herb is derived from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant and has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia for its unique properties. However, despite its growing popularity, many payment processing platforms like PayPal have been hesitant to allow transactions related to this product. Many people search for “is PayPal against kratom” due to this restriction. Some experts speculate that this may be due to regulatory concerns or pressure from government agencies. Regardless of this issue, the demand for this product among users looking for a natural product remains strong. As individuals continue to discover and advocate for the benefits of this plant, it's likely that the trend of buying and using this product will only continue to grow. 4 Things To Know About Paypal & Kratom 1. Consumers Can Charge Paypal For Fraud As more consumers turn to natural products like Kratom, the risk of fraudulent suppliers increases. Thankfully, Paypal offers a way for consumers to protect themselves against these deceitful practices by enabling them to charge a supplier for fraud. With this service, consumers have the peace of mind of knowing they can call out unscrupulous vendors and get their money back. It's a reassuring safety net in an industry that sometimes lacks transparency – and a clear reminder that consumers can hold businesses accountable. 2. Paypal Restrict Kratom Sale On Their Platform According to the new guidelines, vendors cannot use Paypal as a means of payment for their Kratom sales. This news has caused a stir in the community, with some vendors worried about its impact on their business. Some argue that the move by Paypal is unfair and unnecessary, while others believe it is a logical step to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers. Despite the controversy, it is clear that Paypal is taking a stance on sales, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the industry. 3. Sellers Disguise Products Kratom has long been a controversial substance. This product has been banned in several states, and payment platforms like PayPal have rules against buying and selling it. Nevertheless, some vendors have found a way around those rules: they disguise the product by giving it a different name or categorizing it as something else. This way, they can sell this product without drawing attention to what it is. While this might seem like a clever workaround, it's still illegal and puts consumers at risk. Without proper regulation, the quality and safety of these products are unknown, and users have no way of knowing what they're consuming. 4. Restriction Due To Legality PayPal, the popular online payment system, has recently enacted restrictions on the sale of this product due to legal factors. Due to ongoing legal battles and uncertainty surrounding the legality of Kratom, PayPal has decided to limit transactions involving the sale of this product. While this may be disappointing for those who relied on PayPal for purchases, the company needs to adhere to laws and regulations. Can You Buy Kratom Products From Paypal Even After The Restriction? The enthusiasts were left in dismay when PayPal announced its restrictions on selling these products. However, despite this, Kratom products can still be purchased through PayPal. The only caveat is that some sellers may no longer accept PayPal, but some vendors still do. It is essential to note that this product falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and there are currently no quality control or dosage regulations. Therefore, consumers should be cautious when purchasing products online and ensure that the seller is reputable. What To Do If You Get Scammed By The Kratom Vendors On The Paypal Platform? There is always the risk of running into unscrupulous vendors who may scam you. Before you hit that 'buy' button, you must do your homework and ensure the vendor you are dealing with is legit. One of the best ways to do this is to check out their reviews and ratings on reputable sites. If, unfortunately, you still get scammed, don't worry; there are a few things that you can do. First, contact PayPal to report the fraud and try to initiate a refund. Keep all your communication with the vendor, including emails, screenshots, and receipts. Lastly, you can always consider reporting the incident to the relevant authorities in your area. Always be vigilant and cautious when buying from unknown vendors, especially natural products like Kratom online. What Are The Options To Pay For Kratom Online? Kratom, a natural product known for its energizing and calming effects, is becoming increasingly popular among people seeking alternative forms of holistic healing. As the demand for this product grows, one might wonder about the options available for purchasing it online. Fortunately, several payment methods exist, including credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Some online vendors offer cash on delivery and direct bank transfers as payment options. Remembering that payment options can vary from one vendor to another is essential, and buyers must research before making any purchases. Additionally, it's crucial to note that this product is still partially or wholly banned in some states, and online buyers should check their local laws before buying Kratom online. Wrapping Up As the use of this product continues to gain popularity, buyers are becoming more wary of their payment methods. One of the preferred payment methods for this product purchase is PayPal. With its user-friendly interface and customer protection policies, it's no wonder why enthusiasts use PayPal for their purchases. However, it's important to note that PayPal prohibits the sale of Kratom on their platform, and some sellers may not be completely transparent about the payment method used. As with any online purchase, it's crucial to research and ensure your payment method is secure and trustworthy. Despite its potential risks, it's evident that many Kratom buyers still choose to use PayPal for their convenience and security. Read Also :  13 Best Herbs That Boost Your Metabolism 10 Best Protein Shake Recipes For Weight Loss

READ MOREDetails
Nerves vs. Excitement

Nerves vs. Excitement: How To Manage Nerves And Perform At Your Best

Anyone who has ever been called to come and speak or perform in front of a public gathering knows the importance of holding nerves. From the time we are in school, some of us have dreaded raising our hands and speaking out the right answer even though we know what we are. We have looked at astonishment at so-called confident individuals and wondered what makes them do things that we cannot. Common terms like ‘performance anxiety, ‘stage fright’, ‘nervousness’, etc. are all common emotions and feelings that we harbor. The key is- how do we overcome the same? In this resource article, we are going to help a lot of people come to grips with their nerves. If you are someone who dreads talking in front of a crowd, we recommend that you stick around till the end of the article. Being ‘Nervous’ Versus Being ‘Excited’- How a Change in Terms Can Help: ‘I am too nervous; I can’t go out there and speak’! According to leading psychologists, a simple interchanging of the terms nervous and excited can go a long way in dispelling the fear. Rather than say or think that you are getting the nervous try and say to yourself that you are feeling excited. What you need to understand is that nervousness is associated with being a negative feeling. On the other hand, excitement is something that is deemed to be positive. This simple exercise wires your brain in a specific way, which then lets the body flow from the same feeling. For example, as soon as your brain starts comprehending that you are nervous, it sends a signal to your body, which then results in stomach pains and churnings. This is why you need to start feeling excited and look forward to the opportunity. There is a lot of energy that builds up in the body in such situations. The key is to effectively manage the same productively and positively. The ‘Fight’ and ‘Flight’ Instinct that Defines a Nervous State of Being: To understand these better leading scientists have spoken about the ‘Fight and Flight Syndrome’. They point out that whenever the brain is faced with a complex and problematic situation, it does one of two things- It either wants to escape and run away from the scenario. Or, It starts to swing madly to bring the situation under control. However, in some instances, and I am sure, you are going to relate to this, the brain goes into a hung position. Meaning, it neither fights nor flights. In this situation, the resultant action is a freeze! You get frozen and cannot do anything. According to experts, the fight or flight instinct needs to be properly managed by telling your brain some important things. What are those things? In very simple words, not every such scenario is going to be a life and death one. Meaning it is not at all serious and does not amount to anything. Once your brain can understand this, it starts processing emotions and feelings differently. Following this, it then sends these signals to the rest of your body. List of 5 Important Ways to Help Overcome Nervousness- In this section, we compile the top recommendations from the leading mental health experts to combat nervousness- 1. Undertake Adequate Preparation- According to scientists, 50% of all nervousness results from inadequate preparedness. This means that the more you are prepared, the lower will be your levels of nervousness. Reflect on your school days. Remember when did not know the answers to the question the teacher was asking, how you would try to avoid making eye contact? However, if you were prepared, you would not do the same. Practice makes perfect when it comes to combating nervousness. 2. Focus on ‘You’ providing Value to the Audiences- Whenever we are nervous, we keep thinking about ourselves. However, the key in this regard is to shift focus to the audiences that are sitting right in front of you. Start thinking of all the value, information, education, and enjoyment that you are going to give to the audiences. This will put you in comfortable headspace. Let me in you on a little secret. Audiences want everything should be about them. So, you can simply shift the spotlight on them. 3. Take Help from your Friends and Family Members- Leading comedians and artists have pointed out how having their near and dear ones in the audience helps them overcome stage fright. This is a simple, yet effective solution to combating nervousness on stage. Many also point out how they keep looking for their near ones in the audience and use them to make eye contact with different sections of the audience. This boosts their confidence and makes their brain understand the support there is on offer. 4. Breathe, Relax and Take it Easy- Remember, this is not a life-and-death situation. No one is perfect and even the best ones make mistakes. Once you can tune your brain accordingly, you will be able to get a hold of your nerves. Try breathing and being patient at all times. You can do mistakes, it is alright. Realize that you’ve done the work. The more relaxed you are, the better will you be able to convey. There will always be errors, and you should not worry about making them. 5. Engage with Positive Relaxation Techniques- In the last few years, relaxation strategies like Yoga, Massages, Aromatherapy, etc. have become very popular. They help channel positive energy within the body and calms down the senses. Regular meditation is great for your body mentally, as well as physically. By making such healthy practices a part of your daily life, you will be able to control your emotions in a much better way. Try meditating for 15 minutes every morning and see the difference. The Final Word: At the end of the day, you need to realize that we are all humans. We have a range of emotions, feelings, and characteristics that make us special in our way. No two individuals are the same and we must acknowledge the same. By paying attention to all the pointers in the article, you too can expect to combat nervousness and be better prepared for the next time you face the audience. Read Also: 5 Protein Enriched Food To Improve Mental Health 6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

READ MOREDetails
Yoga

10 Health Problems Eased by Yoga

Yoga originated over 4,000 years ago as a spiritual practice. Over time, however, health and wellness experts have found that there are many physical benefits as well. Now, yoga is as much of physical practice as it is a spiritual one. While yoga is not a substitute for traditional healthcare, as a compliment, it can help ease symptoms associated with a variety of health problems. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), people are increasingly using yoga to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, and to improve their overall health. So what are the health problems that yoga can help with? Put together by a Portland yoga studio, let’s take a look at 10 health conditions that researchers show yoga can ease. 10 Health Problems Eased by Yoga 1. Chronic Stress: Practicing yoga may be helpful in relieving chronic stress. A regular yoga practice can reduce your stress response and provide options for self-soothing and better management of stress. 2. Anxiety: A study in the Journal of Preventative Medicine shows that yoga can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. When used alongside other treatment methods, it is helpful in reducing anxiety and helping patients manage their symptoms. 3. Heart Health: Practicing yoga has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of heart disease. When practiced as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, yoga can be used to improve heart health and reduce the risk of dangerous diseases. 4. Brain Health: Practicing yoga could be beneficial in improving brain health. Researchers report that people who practiced yoga for 14 years had thicker brain tissue in the areas responsible for memory and attention than their peers. 5. Chronic Back Pain: People who suffer from chronic back pain may find some relief through a regular yoga practice. Research shows that yoga can reduce back pain and improve mental health in people with chronic pain. Researchers note that yoga and other stretching exercises are both beneficial in this way. 6. Improve Balance: Yoga is a great way to improve balance. This is important, especially for older adults. Some studies suggest that a regular yoga practice can reduce the risk of falls in older adults. This is a promising option for older adults to get low-impact and meaningful exercise. 7. Thyroid Function: Research in Medical News Today suggests that stress can lead to improper thyroid function. Fortunately, practicing yoga can reduce stress, which in turn, helps improve thyroid function. Research is ongoing, but studies suggest yoga could potentially help ease medical conditions like hypo-and hyperthyroidism. 8. Diabetes: Research in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research shows that a regular yoga practice can reduce blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. For people with Type 2 diabetes, not only could they lower their glucose levels naturally, but they also may be slowing down progression of the disease. 9. Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart don’t contract as they should. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. It also increases the risk of heart failure. Research shows, however, that practicing yoga at least twice weekly can improve symptoms. When added as part of a regular treatment plan, yoga can help improve heart function and manage stress. 10. Boost Immune System: Health conditions related to chronic stress account for 60 to 80 percent of all visits to primary care doctors. Several studies now show that practicing yoga can reduce stress, and as a result, also reduce the symptoms caused by it. Chronic stress and illness weaken the immune system, but a regular yoga practice could be the key to naturally averting some of these illnesses. As you can see, there are many benefits to practicing yoga. The next time you talk to your doctor, ask him or her about the possible benefits of adding yoga to your treatment plan. Is Yoga Enough Exercise?  Yoga can be enough of an exercise, especially if you're looking to improve flexibility, balance, and strength.   In fact, if you do it right, it helps build core muscles and tones the body while promoting relaxation.   But if you have intense cardio or muscle-building goals, it might not be enough. In that case, coupling yoga with other cardio or muscle building exercises is the best way to go.  Is 10 Minutes of Yoga Good?  First, you must understand that building a yoga routine takes time. Therefore, you should begin with a ten-minute routine.  So, yes, even if you only have 10 minutes, yoga can help you feel better, more flexible, and less stressed. It’s perfect for a midday break or to start your day on the right foot. Regular work in small doses adds up to big improvement.  Yoga After Delivery?  Yes, you can.... but....not right away!  On the safe side we recommend waiting at least a few weeks after delivery to start yoga but it depends on the recovery. Post delivery yoga should focus on breathing & stretching lightly. Do not try to move your body too much! Yes, you won't be too flexible at that time (even if you do yoga beforehand). It is normal!  Note: Please consult your doctor if your body is ready for physical activity & then only get back to regular yoga.  What Yoga is Appropriate When Pregnant?  Prenatal yoga is a type of yoga class that is specifically designed for pregnant women. Prenatal yoga classes are usually gentle and focus on breathing and relaxation techniques.  If you’re pregnant, use our prenatal directory to find a prenatal yoga, then drop into a class.  Finally: Can Yoga Help with Anxiety?  Yes, yoga is great for anxiety!  Yoga uses conscious breathing and movement to induce relaxation and calm the mind.   Over time, this practice lowers stress hormones—making it an effective natural treatment for anxiety disorders. But both yoga and other forms of treatment are needed for optimal mental health benefits.  However, over time, you must build consistency. You cannot do yoga occasionally for a month and expect a change. If you want to see some difference, whether physical or mental, you will have to keep going.  Read Also: How To Live Stress-Free Effects of Anxiety on Heart Disease 5 Ways To Get Healthier In The New Year Some Famous People Who Have Battled with Depression 10 Tips on How to Ditch the Stress and Start Living a Peaceful Life    

READ MOREDetails