Modern Daily Habits That Are Harmful to Our Health

As our society has evolved into the modern age that we live in, we’ve developed some rather unhealthy daily habits. Everyone is pretty well aware of the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, but I’m talking about the small routines throughout our day. These small daily habits can be quite harmful to our long-term health without us even realizing it. 

From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, we’re engaging in routines that keep our bodies stressed, our minds overwhelmed, and our health at risk. Many of these lead to chronic inflammation and an increased risk of disease, including cancer. Today I’m sharing some of the most common habits and what you can do differently to live healthier and take better care of your body and mind. 

Screen-Related Daily Habits Damaging Your Health

Screens have become a huge part of our daily lives. They’re everywhere! And the way we’re using them is definitely taking a toll on our health. 

Here are some of the heaviest hitters and some alternative suggestions to help you live healthier:

Starting Your Day on Your Phone

Many of us wake up and immediately check our phones. Whether it’s our email, the news, or social media, we're bombarded with information and stressors before we've even made it out of bed. 

When you do this, your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode right away. You're starting your day already stressed and activated.

Instead, try to create some space between waking up and checking your phone. Set a rule for yourself, such as no phone for the first 30 minutes or so of your day. You can use that time to meditate, have your morning beverage peacefully, or simply be present. Your nervous system will be much better off! 

Being on Your Phone During Walks

If you're walking while scrolling, you're not quite getting the health benefits of being on the walk in the first place. That time is meant for movement, being present, and connecting with your surroundings (or with whoever you're walking with, if you're not alone). 

The stress of being digitally connected, even during this supposed downtime, is keeping your mind in a state of stimulation rather than allowing it to decompress. So instead, keep your

phone at home, or at the very least, in your pocket! 

Ending Your Day with Screens

Whether it's your favorite show on Netflix or social media scrolling, screen time before bed is really quite bad for your sleep. Studies have shown that blue light can actually reduce sleep quality by up to 60%! You might feel like you're relaxing, but your body and mind aren't actually preparing for a restful night’s sleep. 

As a solution to this, set a cutoff time, such as an hour or so before bed, when your screens are fully off. Just like with your morning routine, use this time to wind down in a way that supports good-quality sleep. You could read a book, journal, or simply enjoy being quiet.

[Related post: Your Self-Care Plan: 5 Overlooked Self-Care Practices for Cancer Patients]

Work-Related Daily Habits That Harm Your Wellbeing

Since many of us spend the majority of our waking hours working, there are some work-related daily habits that we could stand to adjust to improve our health.

Sitting All Day

Studies show that sitting for 6+ hours a day is really bad for our long-term health. And interestingly, even if you work out for an hour in the morning or evening, it doesn't necessarily negate the damage of all-day sitting. Your body actually needs consistent movement throughout the day.

So instead, try setting an alarm for every hour and get up and move for even just 5 minutes. You could take a quick walk around the office or neighborhood, or do some stretches at your desk. And if possible, investing in a standing desk or walking pad can be really beneficial. 

These small, consistent movements throughout the day make a huge impact on your health!

Working Through Lunch and Hurried Eating

It’s quite common to get caught up in your busy day and to opt to just have your lunch at your desk while working. But when you rush through meals like this, your body can't digest food properly. This leads to chronic inflammation, which has been connected to many diseases, including an increased risk of cancer.

So make a point to eat away from your desk. Even 20 minutes of mindful eating can make a big difference. It gives you a chance to slow down, chew your food properly, and let your body actually process what you’re consuming. Plus, it gives your mind a chance to relax away from work as well! 

Ignoring Small Tasks and Letting Clutter Build Up

Whether it’s mail piling up, a cluttered desk, or an overwhelming email inbox, these things might seem insignificant, but they’re constantly triggering your stress response. Every time you see that pile of mail or look at your messy desk, your brain registers it as another thing to do or another decision to make, so it’s never fully at rest. 

Instead, try to tackle these things as they come in. If you can, go through your mail each day. Create a system for keeping your email inbox organized. And address the clutter whenever you can, because it’s really just a decision you're putting off, and that procrastination keeps your mind in a constant state of low-level anxiety.

Cancer Counselor

These modern daily habits we engage in might feel small in the moment, but they definitely accumulate. They affect our stress levels, our sleep quality, our digestion, and ultimately, our overall health. And when it comes to cancer prevention and recovery, these habits are even more important! 

If you're struggling to break these patterns, or if you're dealing with the stress and overwhelm that often come with a cancer diagnosis, I'm here to help. Whether you're looking to improve your wellness habits, manage stress during treatment, or simply feel more in control of your health journey, I'd love to support you. Reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if counseling would be a good fit for your situation.

Contact Cathy