Extremely Bad Habits to Watch Out for

- March 19, 2014

As we go to work, school, read a book, or even just sit on a chair, there are habits that we do daily that can lead to chronic illness. We have provided a number of daily habits that are done unconsciously and the after effect of these habits.

Habits that Lead to Chronic Illness

1. Straining Your Neck = Myofascial pain syndrome

Ever feel like there is a huge boulder sitting on your neck and shoulders? If you feel fine tilting your head back, but feel pain when you tilt it frontwards, then it could mean that you have "myofascial pain syndrome."

Cause: Sticking your neck out when you are on your phone or computer which stresses the muscle and tendons surrounding the neck, causing the neck to become stiff and altering the bone. o_O

Treatment/Prevention: While maintaining a straight back, stretch your neck by taking your hands and pulling your head in the opposite direction.

2. Half-shut Eyes = Worse Eyesight

Many may agree that glasses make a person look a bit nerdy and unattractive. But not wearing glasses when you need one may cause your eyesight to become worse!

Cause: Half-shutting eyes to focus on objects will strain your eyes, making your eyesight worse. Plus, it will form wrinkles around your eyes no matter how old you are

Treatment/Prevention: Wear glasses, contacts or get lasik/lasek

3. Sleeping at Your Desk = Bone & Muscle Problems

There are many people that feel tired while they're at their desk and decide to take a nap. However this can cause various problems for the body such as joint problems, slow blood circulation, spinal problems, and chronic pain.

Cause: Not sitting properly strains the joints, which stretches the muscle and tendons.

Treatment/Prevention: If you must absolutely take a nap at your desk, tilt your chair to 130 degrees backwards and place a towel behind your neck. This will ease the pressure on your spine.

4. Crossing Your legs = Indigestion & Scoliosis

When we're sitting for long hours at our desk studying or working or just talking to someone, it feels comfortable crossing our legs and switching one over the other. But be warned - crossing your legs has consequences not just for your posture but for the organs inside your body as well.

Cause: Crossing your legs alters your pelvis, which bends your spine, resulting in disc problems. When the left leg is over the right one, it stimulates indigestion because the opening to the stomach is widened. If the right leg is over the left one, the opening to the stomach is pressured which may cause anorexia.

Treatment/Prevention: Don't cross your legs and sit properly!