‘Bad’ Habits That Are Actually Good

Sometimes it just feels good to be bad. Here are a few so called bad habits that may actually be beneficial to you.

Sleeping In

One thing I love to do on the weekend is sleeping in. Sometimes in summer it's so hard to get to sleep when the sun is out until 9:30 and I always feel a bit guilty about sleeping, but it turns out that grabbing a few extra zzzs isn't the worst thing we can do for ourselves. Dr. Nieca Goldberg says that sleep boosts your immune system, improves memory and assists with weight control. Lack of sleep can put you at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

Skipping Work

Everyone needs a break now and then, so feel free to take a day off and call it a mental health day. I did it in school the day after I read Where the Red Fern Grows. Whether you take a Friday or a Monday off and get out of cell phone reach, or you just take off a random Wednesday to sleep in, playing hooky is good for you. A day off can work wonders for your mental health and life. According to the journal Applied Research in the Quality of Life, you're more refreshed after the day off, but thinking about the day off can also boost your mood and productivity.

Happy Hour With Your Besties

I love hanging out with my best friend. Whether we just go for lunch and light shopping, or out for dinner and mayhem, it always makes me feel better and reminds me just how lucky I am to have someone like Amy and a recent survey says that that's not all in my head. Several studies show that time with your friends can improve your immune system, Dr. Alice Domar says to just be careful and spend time with those who are good for you and keep those that are "toxic" out of your life.

Bottoms Up

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but so will a glass of red wine. Notice I said a glass. Five ounces to be exact. According to the Mayo Clinic, red wine has antioxidants that can protect your heart, reduce bad cholesterol, promote good cholesterol and prevent blood clots. Doctors do say that it's not good to start drinking just for the supposed heart benefits because drinking too much can do more harm than good.

Get a Rubdown

Don't feel bad or guilty about getting a massage. As it turns out, Dr. Domar says that people who are touched regularly are healthier than those who don't get regular massages. I've had a few and I can say with a great amount of certainty that it's one of the single greatest things I've ever done for myself. If you can't always shell out the cash for the spa, it's OK. Bribe your honey to trade back rubs. It will work wonders. Trust me.

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