Unexpected Factors You Didn't Know Were Affecting Your Health - Crossroads Health

Factors that could be affecting your health

To live your best life and stay physically and mentally healthy, a good diet, exercise, and seven hours of sleep should be a part of the equation. If you’re hitting all three, that’s great. However, many unexpected factors can affect your health negatively, and you likely deal with several of them daily. To be as healthy as possible, you must combine your exercise and diet with avoidance of dangerous substances and habits.

This guide will tell you about a few unexpected factors that can impact your well-being and how to avoid their adverse effects.

The Places You Go And The Air You Breathe

Walking, hiking, and biking outdoors are activities that are great for your health. However, you must be cautious of hidden dangers, including poor air quality. The air in many parts of the world has deteriorated over time due to increased pollution via fossil fuels and the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides.

As a result, you could experience several different ailments depending on the air quality where you live. Possible health effects include coughing, irritated sinuses, and stinging eyes. The effects can be even worse if you already have allergies, asthma, and breathing problems. So, what can you do? If you know you live in a polluted area, you can spend time indoors and use an air purifier to keep your dwelling fresh and clean. If you still have concerns, you may consider wearing a mask outdoors.

Caution When Commuting

You may not realize it but going to work can also pose health issues, especially if you have a long commute every day. Some experts compare constant sitting to smoking because of the negative effects it can have on your body. Sit too long and without the proper support and you can hurt your back. Plus, if you have a two-hour round-trip commute, you reduce your opportunities to move around and exercise.

While the commute affects your body, it also impacts your mental health. Many commuters can feel depressed and anxious as they go through the monotony every day. Plus, dealing with other drivers and hazards on the road can cause stress. Find ways to cope with anxiety during your drive. In addition to asking your management about the potential of working from home, you can combat stress by incorporating hobbies into the commute, like listening to audio books. Another idea is to start a carpool so there’s someone to talk to and pass the time.

Loneliness And Social Media

To be healthy in body and mind, it’s vital that you get out and talk to people. You may like the idea of spending time alone, but loneliness has been connected to mental and physical ailments, such as addiction, depression, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and more. Try to have a couple of people in your life that you know you can reach out to when you desire a connection.

One issue with being at home and disconnecting from people in the real world is that you may try to live your life through social media. While there are some benefits to spending time on Instagram and Facebook, like the chance to find jobs and reach out to old friends, there are dangerous issues to consider.

Among them is the fact that social media can affect your body image. Many people you believe have a perfect appearance often use filters and creative editing to enhance their looks. People who don’t realize that reality may feel like they’re falling short in comparison and feel bad about their appearance, and it could lead to depression and sadness. Another issue with social media is that many people are more bold than in real life, and they can say mean things about your appearance in the comments. People who let these issues get to them can feel extreme body dissatisfaction, and it can lead to eating disorders or thoughts of self-harm.

There are ways that you can resist the harmful effects of social media. One of them is to set limits to your social media scrolling time. Another is to realize that what you see on screen is not always the reality and that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others. If you can’t shake the negative feelings, consider speaking to a mental health professional, such as a good therapist.

Bad Relationships

Negative relationships can also affect your health. If you’re dating, are married to, or are friends with someone who mistreats you or makes you upset all the time, it can cause incredible stress. When left unchecked, the stress can cause physical issues, including headaches, chest pain, upset stomach, and more. Plus, many people who are anxious and feel like there is no way out may turn to drugs or alcohol, and it can be a hard battle to win.

An unhealthy relationship can show itself in many ways. Your partner may be physically abusive or incredibly critical, which can be hard to take. Other more subtle behaviors can cause stress over time, including a partner who shames or humiliates you, plays mind games, or constantly threatens to hurt themselves if you leave.

If you feel you’re in a bad relationship, you must get out. Doing so may require that you speak to a trusted friend who can help you get free. You owe it to yourself to find someone who treats you right. In addition to having a positive relationship, you’ll feel better overall.

Conclusion

Many unexpected factors can affect your mental and physical wellness. Remaining aware of the threats and taking the proper steps can lead to a healthier life. Continue to exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and do all the little things, and you’ll notice big results.

Guest post by Charlie Fletcher