8 Terrible Health Habits to Leave in 2015 (and What to Replace them With in 2016)

4. Skipping Sleep

Sleep deprivation isn’t only a prime ticket to getting unattractive eye bags and dark circles, it’s also the fastest train to getting sick. As you miss out on those crucial ZzzZZzs, you also weaken your immune system. Your hormone levels also increase, which affects your appetite, food choices, mood and blood circulation.

Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep, and try to get it at prime time–between 10PM to 3AM. Increase your chances of actually getting that amount by avoiding the sleep thieves: caffeine and light.

3. Doing the Same Workout

Via wellwisdom.com

You’re most likely to get bored and stop exercising if you limit yourself to doing the same workout. Don’t let that happen by mixing things up. With so many exercise options available, you really have no excuse for keeping a monotonous “active” lifestyle. Take boxing and Muay Thai classes, tone your muscles at the gym, go running and the possibilities are pretty much endless.

2. Irresponsible Sun Worshipping

Via boysguidebooks.blogspot.com

Getting your healthy dose of morning sun and R&R at the beach can do wonders not only for your appearance, but your disposition as well. Take note that it must be a healthy dose, though, which means choosing when to and how you expose yourself to the sun’s rays very carefully.

Sun bathing past the early morning sun is a no-no, especially when you do so unprotected. Get your Vitamin D as early as possible, preferably before 11AM. Wear sunscreen that’s at least SPF15 everyday, even if you’re staying indoors or when it’s gloomy. Make sure to reapply every two hours as well.

1. Smoking, DUH

Via quitsmokingcommunity.org

The detrimental health effects of smoking are plastered everywhere–the Internet, your mother’s stares, mandatory check-ups, your conscience and now, this article for good measure. If you’re a smoker, you do know that you’re more prone to heart attacks, lung cancer and emphysema, right? You’re also drilling a huge, gaping hole in your wallet and savings account by buying those packs as if they were water.

Start 2016 with the determination to quit smoking, and follow it up with actual measures to sustain that strike (for life). As you adjust to your new nicotine-free self, here are some habits to replace putting that stick in your mouth: Distract yourself with exercising, listening to music, taking a shower and even simply wearing a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it against your skin every time a craving surfaces.

How about you?! What other terrible health habits are you determined to stay away from this 2016? Share your plans below!

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