Each of us has bad habits that we can't seem to stop doing. While we might feel guilty about this, some of these habits may actually benefit our mental or physical health. Despite being negative behaviors that can harm our social image in some instances, some of them can help us change our mood and reduce stress, and they might even boost our immunity and protect us from certain health conditions.
1. **Chewing with an Open Mouth - Better Taste**: Experts at Oxford University found that chewing with an open mouth pushes food to the back of the throat, making it easier to smell the flavor. Loud chewing also enhances our sense of hearing.
2. **Nail Biting - Strengthens the Immune System**: Some scientists believe that nail biting might keep us healthy. This theory suggests that introducing new bacteria into the body can help the immune response recognize it in the future, similar to vaccination.
3. **Chewing Gum - Sharpens Memory**: Research has shown that chewing gum is more effective than caffeine at helping with concentration and enhancing memory. It increases cortisol levels, allowing us to stay awake and focused for longer.
4. **Disorder - A Sign of Intelligence**: If you constantly trip over your child's shoes or toys, it might be a sign that the child is a genius. According to the University of Minnesota, clutter is a sign of intelligence because smarter people do not waste time organizing things. Clutter also boosts creativity.
5. **Slouching - Good for Joints**: After strenuous physical work, leaning forward a bit can benefit your spine, as North Tees University Hospital states. The study found that this position helps stop back stiffness by allowing fluids to lubricate the spinal discs.
6. **Being Late - Makes You Happier**: A study from Harvard Medical School indicates that those who take a relaxed approach to time management, leading them to be less punctual, are likely to have lower stress levels. They are also more likely to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.
7. **Sleeping In - Longer Life**: While delaying wake-up time after the alarm might not benefit your work life, it is excellent for your health. Researchers found that sleep reduces stress and enhances your brain and memory, helping you stay fit longer. Lack of adequate sleep can increase the risk of car accidents and heart diseases.
8. **Playing with Hair - Stops Boredom**: Playing with your hair can help alleviate boredom, as a study conducted in 2014 found that this act can relieve boredom when focus wanes. Playing with your hair can also reduce anxiety and help you relax before bedtime.
9. **Urinating in the Shower - Cleans Your Feet**: This might be disgusting, but there's a hidden positive side to urinating while showering. Urine contains uric acid and ammonia, which can prevent fungal infections in the feet. However, care should be taken if you have a wound, as this could lead to a bacterial infection.
10. **Fidgeting - Keeps You Slim**: Fidgeting and tapping surfaces can help you overcome annoying bloat. Research from the Mayo Clinic in London indicates that fidgeting can burn calories up to ten times more than staying still.
11. **Gossiping - Reduces Stress**: Gossiping can help foster connections and make you laugh, leading to the release of hormones that make you feel happy. This helps reduce stress and anxiety.
12. **Swearing - Alleviates Pain**: Swearing when you're hurt can act as a pain reliever. Researchers from Keele University found that participants in their study were able to endure pain for longer if they were allowed to swear. Swearing increased pain tolerance by 33%, compared to participants who were asked to say nonsensical words, which did not help them cope with pain.
