Embrace your guilty pleasures – they might just be your secret weapon
Can’t keep still? Occasionally give the shower a miss? We all have ‘bad’ habits that can make us feel a little ashamed. But, in reality, some of them might actually boost our health. ‘Of course, habits such as smoking aren’t good for you, but others depend on where and when you perform them,’ says hypnotherapist and occupational psychologist Jivan Dempsey*. This is what determines their positive or negative impact. Intrigued? It’s time to wave goodbye to guilt and uncover the positives to these pesky habits...
Fidgeting
You were probably told off for not sitting still as a child, but foot tappers and thumb twiddlers are actually just getting a workout. Yes, fidgeting is, in fact, NEAT – that’s non-exercise activity thermogenesis. In basic terms, that’s any calorie-burning activity that’s not eating, sleeping or exercise. Experts reveal those who fidget burn up to 350 calories a day – ideal if you’re sofa-bound for most of it.
Chewing gum
Doing it before performing a cognitive task increases blood oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus – key brain structures involved in learning and memory. Chewing gum boosts thinking and alertness, plus it can also keep saliva flowing. This can stop cavities forming in our teeth and prevent bad breath, says Dr Raha Sepehrara, principal dentist at Dental Suite. Just choose sugar-free gum.
Skipping the shower
We’re not talking about days on end – this will cause a build up of dead skin cells, dirt and sweat, which can lead to acne and make skin problems, such as dermatitis, worse. Not to mention affect our social lives! However, skipping the shower once in a while could do wonders for our skin. Washing daily can strip it of essential oils that help it stay supple.
Being messy
It’s true what they say – chaos really does generate creativity, found a study published in Psychological Science. When assigned to a messy or tidy room, participants were asked to think up as many uses for ping-pong balls as possible. Although they came up with the same number of ideas, those in the messy room were 28% more creative. So don’t feel guilty if you decide to skip the clean up!
Swearing
Do you shout a four-letter expletive when you stub your toe? Swearing may be offensive, but it could he
