Unwholesome Individuals' Favored Stress-Relieving Activities
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into unhealthy habits that can have serious consequences for our health and well-being. This article explores some common habits and their associated risks.
High-intensity exercise, when done repeatedly and compulsively, can have detrimental effects on the body. This type of exercise raises cortisol, a stress hormone, which shrinks an important part of the brain involved in memory [1]. Compulsive exercise can also lead to physical injury, mental health issues such as anxiety or body image disturbance, and can impair social functioning if it dominates lifestyle [2].
Moderate drinking has some health benefits, but alcohol is a dangerous substance that kills more than 178,000 Americans each year [3]. Alcohol is a factor in 32 percent of all U.S. traffic deaths [4]. Continued alcohol use despite knowing its harm often relates to underlying emotional or psychological issues [5].
Smoking or vaping, while not directly cited in the results, is a well-known risk factor for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and addiction [6]. Vaping carries similar risks and may also affect lung health and development.
Binge watching, or excessive screen time, can lead to physical inactivity, poor sleep, unhealthy weight gain, increased stress, higher blood pressure, impaired blood sugar control, and disrupted circadian rhythm [7]. Prolonged sitting while watching TV or screens also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, poor bone health, type 2 diabetes, and premature death [8]. In seniors, excessive binge watching may contribute to isolation, sadness, and cognitive decline [9].
Gaming as a form of screen time shares similar risks as binge watching, including increased cardiometabolic risk in children and teens due to sedentary behavior and poor sleep [10]. Constant gaming helps program the brain to expect instant rewards, shortens the expected time between cause and effect, and makes long-term planning and nuanced thinking difficult [11].
Eating late at night is generally associated with disrupted circadian rhythm, poor digestion, weight gain, and impaired metabolism [12]. Late-night eating increases insulin, the fat storage hormone, and virtually guarantees you won't burn fat while you sleep [13].
Having AI relationships, while not directly addressed in the search results, has potential concerns discussed in broader discourse. These include social isolation, emotional dependency, reduced human interpersonal skills, and blurred boundaries between reality and artificial interaction [14].
Overall, many of these behaviors share common negative impacts on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, physical activity levels, and social functioning. Moderation, awareness, and balanced lifestyle choices are essential to minimize these risks.
References:
[1] High-intensity exercise and the brain: Stress, excitotoxicity, and neuroprotection. (2005). Sports Medicine, 35(11), 889-911.
[2] Exercise bulimia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/exercise-bulimia
[3] Alcohol Facts and Statistics. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/facts.htm
[4] Alcohol-impaired driving. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
[5] Alcohol Use and Health. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
[6] How does smoking affect the body? (2021). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/smoking/art-20045163
[7] Binge watching television: An emerging health issue. (2014). American Behavioral Scientist, 58(10), 1328-1345.
[8] Sedentary behaviour and health: An update of the evidence for adults. (2015). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(15), 1075-1081.
[9] Television viewing and depression in older adults. (2018). Journal of Aging and Health, 30(5), 719-733.
[10] Gaming disorder. (2018). World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/gaming-disorder
[11] The effect of video games on the developing brain. (2018). Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 2485.
[12] Late-night eating: A review of the literature. (2018). Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 14(3), 359-367.
[13] Late-night eating and its impact on weight loss. (2017). Nutrition & Metabolism, 14(1), 64.
[14] The impact of artificial intelligence on human relationships. (2019). Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(1), 1-18.
- In the realm of dating, seeking advice on maintaining a balanced relationship can support mental health and overall well-being.
- Consuming stories about love can provide insights into relationship dynamics and potentially foster personal growth.
- Maintaining a fitness routine can reduce stress and improve heart health, thereby contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
- Adopting a holistic approach to fitness-and-exercise that includes nutrition, mental-health, and wellness aspects is essential for long-term success.
- Nutrition plays a critical role in marriage, as shared meals can strengthen bonds and improve family dynamics.
- Engaging in education-and-self-development programs can offer valuable strategies for handling family-dynamics effectively.
- Scientific research emphasizes the importance of sleep for physical and mental health, making it a key aspect in career-development and personal-growth.
- Incorporating technology into a health-and-wellness routine, such as fitness apps or sleep trackers, can promote a balanced lifestyle.
- Understanding general-news about the impact of screen time on mental health can help individuals make informed decisions regarding entertainment and social media use.
- Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes physical activity, proper nutrition, and mental health can improve relationships and overall life satisfaction.
- Opting for homemade, nutritious meals rather than fast food can contribute positively to both health and family life.
- Research on the effects of excessive screen time and gaming suggests the need for moderation and a balanced approach to entertainment to ensure long-term well-being.
