10 Home Habits That Are Bad for Your Health

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We all have our routines at home that feel like the most natural thing in the world — grabbing a quick snack or lounging on the couch after work, for instance. But some of these habits, though harmless seeming, could be quietly eating away at our health over time.

From how we clean (or don’t) to how much time we spend staring at a screen, these little choices can accumulate in ways we don’t imagine. Now, I’m not saying any of us are perfect, but knowing of these habits can help us make better decisions without flipping our lives on their head.

Leaving Dirty Dishes Overnight

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You may have done this before — after a long day, dishes in the sink, and you tell yourself, “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.” That pile of dirty dishes can unfortunately be quite the breeding ground for bacteria, especially in warm environments. Besides also attracting pests such as ants or cockroaches, the food bits left in the sink will cause unpleasant odors that you’ll regret in the morning.

Snacking Mindlessly

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If you’ve ever had a day where you grabbed a bag of chips or cookies and ate without thinking about it, you know what I mean. First off, snacking in moderation isn’t bad, and it becomes bad when all your calories aside from breakfast are coming in by snacking and somehow you’re unaware of how many calories you’re accumulating.

Overusing the Same Sponge

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If you don’t replace that trusty kitchen sponge often enough, it can become a breeding ground for an alarming amount of bacteria. Sponges are left wet and germs love it. You should ideally replace or disinfect your sponge every week. It’s worth the extra effort to keep things clean and fresh in the kitchen.

Neglecting Mattress Care

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Over time your mattress can collect dust mites, sweat and dead skin cells, all of which can affect your sleep quality and general health. It’s easy to forget, but flipping and rotating your mattress every few months will mean it will wear more evenly and last longer. Don’t forget that you should also wash your sheets regularly! A well cared for mattress and fresh linens can make a big difference in how well you sleep.

Sitting for Long Periods

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Whether you’re a home worker or someone who loves a Netflix binge, sitting for hours on end can be bad for the body. According to Mayo Clinic, sitting for long periods of time is thought to be linked to back pain, poor circulation and even an increased risk of heart disease. If you have a sit down job for long stretches, get up and walk around every hour. A short walk, some stretches, anything like that, can do wonders for your posture and your mood.

Skipping Ventilation

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You’d think opening your windows would be a no brainer, but it’s not. If your home is too air tight, those pollutants can build up and cause allergies, headaches or respiratory issues. Airing out your space for just a few minutes a day is a great daily habit that will improve your indoor air quality.

Sleeping Near Your Phone

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Chances are, if you’re like most people, your phone is close enough to reach when you go to bed. Having it close might feel comforting, but sleeping with a screen so close to you (especially a blue light emitting screen) can really disrupt your sleep patterns and make it harder for you to fall into a deep, restful sleep, as this Sutter Health article attests. And, not to mention, you are tempted to scroll through social media late at night and you end up staying up longer than you intended.

Ignoring the Clutter

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Life can get busy and clutter can build up easily. A cluttered home, however, can cause feelings of stress and anxiety, even if you don’t realize it. Based on this study by WebMD, it’s been proven that disorganized spaces are harder to focus on and relax in. A few minutes each day tidying can make your environment more peaceful and calming.

Using Too Many Harsh Cleaning Products

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It’s important to keep your home clean, but overdoing it with harsh chemical cleaners can actually do more harm than good. Harmful fumes from many common cleaning products can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Use vinegar and baking soda for everyday cleaning instead. They’re effective, far safer for you and your family, and eco-friendly.

Forgetting to Change Air Filters

Forgetting to Change Air Filters
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It’s easy to forget about air filters, but a clogged one can affect your health – and the efficiency of your heating or cooling system. A dirty filter will decrease air quality and can worsen allergies or respiratory conditions. Also, the air that does get pushed through has to work harder to get there, increasing your energy bills.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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