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.
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
View from THE BACK
Isabel Webster says what you're thinking
Time to get ON BOARD!
A no-fly cruise from the UK offers a hassle-free holiday to remember
Matt Tebbutt's FESTIVE FAVOURITES
The Saturday Kitchen star serves up easy, seasonal winners
I'm the child OF AN AFFAIR
Jennifer Barton still feels like a dirty secret at 42
One final PARTY
Caitriona Adams' fun-loving little boy was brave until the end
How to be alone NOT LONELY
Connecting to others has never been more important for your health
15 ways to BOOST YOUR ENERGY over Christmas
Survive the last of the festivities and jingle your energy bells with help from our experts
TSUNAMI 20 years on
What is it like to be caught up in a devastating natural disaster? We speak to a survivor
TRUMP VS HARRY
Prince Harry faces a troublesome Christmas as he waits to see what President-elect Trump may do about his visa situation.
'Furious' Meghan's NEW ATTACK
Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe on the claims that things are worse than ever between the sisters-in-law