Date: 2 May, 2024

Top 5 alternatives to bad habits that will improve your health

If we are truly honest with ourselves, we have to admit that all of us have a couple of bad habits that we should give up on.

Those bad habits are usually so incorporated into our everyday lives that we even don’t see them as threats to our health.

For every bad habit, there is a healthier alternative. So, if you decide to work on your lifestyle and introduce some positive changes, here is the way to switch some of the most common bad habits with better alternatives.

1. Healthy food over junk food

Street food is very tempting because it’s so sweet and savory. Little do we think about how often we eat it when we are on our way to work or having an afternoon walk.

Pizzas, kebabs, burgers – they may be delicious but they will cause you many health issues if you eat them too many times in a week, including diabetes and weight problems.

Switching to a healthier alternative doesn’t mean you will eat less delicious food – many healthy snacks are actually quite tasty.

For example, almonds and cashews are a great alternative to crisps while banana oatmeal will give you healthier sugar than plain chocolate.

While you are watching a film, don’t eat crisps but nibble on fresh fruit or even vegetables.

2. Insufficient sleep

You may be losing sleep for many reasons – work obligations, house chores, and kids, or you just enjoy watching TV late at night when there’s no one to bother you.

Whatever it is, you won’t be able to keep up the tempo for much longer. Our bodies need at least 7 hours of sleep every day to refresh and heal.

A constant lack of sleep leads to many issues, such as affected immune system, hormone disbalance, binging, bad mood, etc.

You have to break that vicious cycle – natural remedies like chamomile or lavender can help you fall asleep more easily.

Also, avoid using a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop at least two hours before you go to sleep.

You can even try taking melatonin. Doing relaxing activities such as reading a book, having tea, or simply chatting is a smart thing to do.

3. Alternative for cigarettes

Smoking cigarettes is really bad for your health and that’s the truth. If you have been thinking about quitting this ugly habit, then you need to inform yourself of what the alternatives are.

Yes, it will be hard because the temporary relief that a cigarette gives is very tempting and hard to give up.

Healthier versions give you a similar feeling that you have when smoking cigarettes, only they are much healthier for you.

E-cigarettes and vaping are those alternatives, for example. Vaping will allow you to get the amount of nicotine you need so that you don’t experience withdrawal symptoms but you won’t inhale dangerous toxins.

Also, the vapor produced in the process comes in various pleasant odors, so it’s not even bad for the environment.

Also, Hoopers Vapour offers another popular alternative – nicotine salts with great flavors that can be used with small vapor devices.

The truth is that the alternatives to smoking cigarettes can be equally satisfying without damaging your health as cigarettes do.

4. Cycle, don’t drive

If you can’t find the time to exercise or you simply don’t enjoy doing exercises, then opting for a bike is the best possible alternative for you.

Physical activity is important for all of us, and choosing cycling instead of driving is the least you can do for your physical health.

You will be surprised how that changes your life – just think about how many hours you wasted stuck in the traffic inside your car. 

Cycling is good for your mental health as well and you will spend more time in the fresh air.

Try it for a week or two – you will realize you spend less time traveling to work and you also feel more energized.

5. Switch to decaffeinated coffee

Yes, many of us enjoy a strong cup of coffee in the morning – it wakes us up and it has a unique smell and taste and it seems we can’t function without it.

However, too much caffeine can increase your heart rate, stain your teeth, and even raise your blood pressure.

You can even get addicted to it, to the point when even 4 cups of coffee a day won’t suffice.

A healthier alternative is decaffeinated coffee – you get to enjoy the same taste and smell but without the negative effects.

I time, your body will adapt and learn how to get through the day without the caffeine. In the meantime, you can wake yourself up with green or black tea.

Bottom line

Every bad habit can be substituted with something healthier that satisfy the same need in us.

Now is the time to take a closer look at your lifestyle and identify your bad habits and decide to try and get rid of them by switching to a healthier option.

Emma

A mother and lover of all things practical. My blog covers about motherhood by exploring all areas of life. Our tips and tricks help the large community to do more in less time so they can spend time enjoying happy, healthy families.

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