10 bad habits that are actually good for you

EVERYONE has a few bad habits that they are ashamed of but some of them can actually be good for us.
Here are 10 of the 'so-called' bad habits that can, in moderation, have a positive impact on your health, you might be surprised.

So stop feeling guilty, feel free to pick your nose, play video games and skip a shower every now and then... we're not judging!

1. Fidgeting

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While it may annoy other people, fidgeting can actually burn up to 350kcals a day.

Fidgeting speeds up an individual's metabolism by stimulating neurochemicals, which increases the ability to convert body fat into energy.

So, keep on foot tapping, doodling or spinning on your chair because you’re actively burning calories.

2. Playing video games

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Although video games can be anti-social, addictive and often seen as a complete waste of time, there are some benefits.

Studies show that children with cancer who play video games after chemotherapy actually take less pain-killing medication.

And those with burns and back pain are given video games to play to distract them because they can be so engrossing.

It is also reported that video games actually help with hand-eye coordination and reaction times, so feel free to play a game or two.

3. Skipping a shower

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This is definitely one for moderation - skipping showers every day for a month isn’t advised.

But research has found that missing an occasional shower can be good for you, as washing too frequently can strip your skin of good bacteria.

Your natural oils keep your skin supple and hydrated and can prevent disease, so don’t be afraid skip a shower every now and then.

 4. Daydreaming

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Daydreaming is often seen as a waste of time and is associated with laziness and procrastination.

 However, scientific research has found that ‘the executive network’ in our brain is highly active while we’re daydreaming.

A study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the areas of our brain used while we daydream are the same as complex problem solving, so daydream away.

 5. Biting your nails

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Biting your nails has been viewed as a dirty habit because everyone knows your hands are covered in germs.

But, doctors have found that biting your nails can actually build up immunities, which is actually a good thing.

So, biting your nails can actually be beneficial to your health.

6. Picking your nose and eating it

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Another habit which parents over the years have insisted is a dirty, picking your nose.

However, in 2008 Dr Friedrich Bischinger, a lung specialist claimed that picking your nose and eating it is good for you.

Eating your own snot can actually held build your immune system up and the intestines work just like medicine, so keep on pickin’ people.

7. Swearing

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Potty mouths are never appreciated, and it's generally agreed that swearing is a bad habit.

However, Dr Richard Stephens at Keele University study found that swearing can be an effective form of pain relief.

He conducted an experience in which individuals who swore while putting their hand in an ice bucket lasted 50 per cent longer than those who didn’t.

Next time you stub your toe or step on a plug don’t be afraid to let it all out.

8. Chewing gum

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School has always taught us that smacking our mouths together while chewing gum is a bad habit.

But Dr Kin-ya Kubo found that chewing gum before a task can increase blood oxygen levels in brain structures involved in learning and memory.

They also found chewing boosts thinking and alertness and reaction times up to 10 per cent than non-chewers.

9. Drinking coffee

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Coffee is the saviour of many people’s mornings but it’s also regarded as extremely unhealthy.

However, studies have found that coffee is actually full of antioxidants and studies have proven that coffee offers many health benefits.

Chemicals found in coffee have been known aid to Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Type 2 diabetes, and liver cancer.

And helps improve memory, so don’t let those judgemental colleagues put you off your morning cuppa.

10. Napping

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Everyone loves to have a nap but often nappers are tarnished with the lazy brush.

However, catching up with sleep is actually extremely important, if you haven’t got seven hours sleep, then a nap is the perfect way to catch up.

Sleep deprivation can affect your memory, mental alertness and mood while long term lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues.

So ignore the criticism, have a nap when you need one.