6 bad habits that can be good for you
Even if we don’t admit to it, we’re all guilty of indulging in bad habits every now and again, whether it’s eating too much, drinking excessively or even procrastinating. However, research has shown that a few so-called bad habits might not be as detrimental as you’re led to believe.
1. Daydreaming
Don’t let others make you feel lazy for daydreaming, scientific research has found that the executive network in our brain is highly active while we’re starring off into the distance.
The areas of our brain used while daydreaming are the same used during complex problem solving. Albert Einstein was an avid day dreamer and even coined the idea of theory of relativity whilst dreaming.
2. Drinking Coffee
There’s a lot of research out there to say that our morning saviour is bad for us, however, studies have found that a cup of coffee is packed with antioxidants, offering several health benefits.
The chemicals found in the caffeinated drink have been known to help with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, liver cancer and even Type 2 diabetes. Caffeine is also said to help with asthma, headaches and erectile dysfunction.
Keen coffee-drinker and film director, David Lynch said: “even a bad coffee is better than no coffee at all.”
3. Biting your nails
This filthy habit won’t have you scoring brownie points with your manager, but chewing away at those dirty germ-ridden nails can help to strengthen your immune system.
Former PM of Britain, Gordon Brown was a known sufferer of oncychophobia which can prove to be a great way to relieve stress.
4. Swearing
You’ve probably got at least one potty mouth in the office, but don’t judge their vulgar use of language before you’ve got all the facts. Research by Keele University found that swearing can be an effective form of pain relief.
The experiment found that individuals who swore while putting their hand in a bucket full of ice lasted twice as long as those who didn’t.
Who knows – Perhaps it’s the secret to Gordon Ramsay’s success.
5. Napping
Most people enjoy a good nap here and there and why shouldn’t they? Sleep deprivation can affect your memory, mental alertness, mood and can even lead to serious health issues.
Bill Clinton has been caught napping on several occasions and even owns up to it.
“On the days when I’m a little short of sleep, I try to work it out so that I can sneak off and just lie down for 15 minutes, a half an hour, and it really makes all the difference in the world,” he said.
6. Fidgeting
While your colleagues might frown upon you constantly clicking your pen, tapping or spinning on your desk chair, it’s proven that fidgeting can actually burn up to 350kcals per day.
It speeds up your metabolism, enhancing your ability to convert body fat into energy.
