All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies
in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something
wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.
1) Crossing our legs
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may
believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this
way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don"t want varicose
veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health,
uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of
the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together
on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing
position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs
together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider
crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically
elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health
than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.
2) Not changing our toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of
the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that
we"d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since
not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with
our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often.
Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don"t massage your gums
well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you
must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through
the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that
you"re damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use
a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.
3) Eating out often
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause
little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how
light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid
fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favourite Indian
food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of
dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked
when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half
into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their
fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards.
Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light
and healthy food.
4) Skipping breakfast
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning
it"s been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs
food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will
then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended
quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some
more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few
changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.
5) High heels
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This
however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them,
but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when
going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be
doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when
you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear
your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about
them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes
with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing.
If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as
much as you do your heels.
6) Sleeping on a soft bed
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make
sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft
and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have
an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one -
simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the
mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy,
throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank
you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on
a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into
are not the best idea.
7) Pillows
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on
your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not
too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one.
Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little
thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support
8) Not exercising
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This
is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply
because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by
not working out. A number of people only start working out once
they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to
strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the
change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top
shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will
make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase
this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you
haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.
in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something
wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.
1) Crossing our legs
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may
believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this
way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don"t want varicose
veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health,
uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of
the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together
on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing
position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs
together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider
crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically
elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health
than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.
2) Not changing our toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of
the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that
we"d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since
not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with
our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often.
Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don"t massage your gums
well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you
must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through
the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that
you"re damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use
a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.
3) Eating out often
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause
little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how
light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid
fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favourite Indian
food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of
dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked
when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half
into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their
fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards.
Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you"re getting served light
and healthy food.
4) Skipping breakfast
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning
it"s been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs
food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will
then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended
quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some
more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few
changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.
5) High heels
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This
however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them,
but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when
going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be
doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when
you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear
your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about
them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes
with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing.
If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as
much as you do your heels.
6) Sleeping on a soft bed
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make
sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft
and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have
an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one -
simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the
mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy,
throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank
you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on
a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into
are not the best idea.
7) Pillows
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on
your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not
too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one.
Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little
thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support
8) Not exercising
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This
is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply
because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by
not working out. A number of people only start working out once
they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to
strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the
change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top
shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will
make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase
this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you
haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.
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