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Four Healthy Habits That May Not Be So Healthy

8 May 2023
Black woman, runner and drinking water for outdoor exercise, training workout or marathon running recovery. African woman, healthy athlete and hydrate

By: Jamie Kaun

Incorporating habits into our lives, like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and exercising, is good for our health, right? Well, yes and no. While these things are good for you, they can also be bad for your health.

How can something that’s supposed to be healthy also not be healthy? Below you’ll find four habits that you may want to reconsider. 

  • Too Much Exercise – Moving our bodies is good for so many reasons – gaining or losing weight, strengthening our bones and heart, our emotional wellbeing and so much more. While exercise is beneficial to our health, it can also be detrimental if done to the extreme. 

    How do you know if you’re exercising too much? According to Everyday Health, signs that you’re exercising too much include extended muscle soreness, increased injuries, irritability, decreased immune response, increase in resting heart rate, and prioritizing exercise above everything else. Eating well, getting enough sleep and allowing time for rest and recovery can help ensure you’re reaching your goals without overdoing it. 

  • Getting Extra Sleep – In general, it is recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep a night for optimal health. If you are sleeping more than that, it can actually have negative effects on your health including diabetes, depression, headaches, and heart disease. 

  • Focusing on Food – While eating nutritious food is important for our bodies, overly focusing on healthy eating is not. Orthorexiais a condition where someone is unusually obsessed with the foods they eat as well as what others eat. The condition is not driven by poor body image, but simply an obsessive need to be healthy.  

  • Drinking Too Much Water – The majority of your body weight (50-70%) is made up of water, which is essential for your body to function. Water gets rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements. It helps keep your body temperature normal. In addition, it lubricates and cushions your joints and protects tissues. Water is absolutely necessary for survival.

    Drinking as much water as you can must be good for your body, right? The opposite is actually true – if you drink too much water, your kidneys can’t get rid of the excess water and your body’s sodium content can become diluted, which is life-threatening. The amount of water you should aim for each day is about 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women. These recommendations include fluids from water, beverages and food. 

 

If you would like to ensure you are practicing healthy living, a Dayton YMCA wellness coach can offer guidance, support and accountability. They will work with you to set and achieve your personal wellness goals to achieve optimal health. For more information on how they can help you and rates, visit https://www.daytonymca.org/wellness-coaching