Everyone has their little quirks. The funny thing is that everyone claims to be different since we all have our little odd behaviors but if we all do them then that actually makes us one in the same right? Maybe you dance while you eat or routinely brush your hair six times a day. Maybe you have a nervous laugh or leg shake. Or maybe you make it your mission to consume as many junk food calories possible when your job has you in a tight spot? Nervous habits are common and we usually don’t think to much of them except to accept that it’s part of who we are. While these nervous habits are part of what makes you “you”, some of them may actually be affecting your health in a negative way.

According to The Huffington Post, habits like “sleeping through alarms” or “guzzling energy drinks” are really not the best things to do for your body. As far as energy drinks go, “in just an eight-year time-span, about 20 deaths were linked to these products, in addition to many more hospitalizations” and getting those few extra minutes of sleep (that feel like a life-time) could mean that “trouble waking up is often a sign that you’re not getting enough quality sleep, which can lead to a slew of health problems, from weight gain to high blood pressure”.

As reported by The Huffington Post:

Nail Biting

Well, it’s not the most sanitary habit. Unless you compulsively wash your hands, the germs that sneak onto your nails every time you type on a keyboard, open a door, or pet a dog will likely land in your mouth. If you tend to gnaw at your cuticles, too, you may develop a nail infection, according to the National Institutes of Health. And as is the case with many habits, nail biting could be a sign of emotional problems like stress or anxiety.

Chewing Ice

“Pica” is a condition that causes people to crave and chew non-foods, like paper and ice. It’s sometimes triggered by nutritional issues, such as iron-deficiency anemia, according to the National Institutes of Health. Chewing ice could also signal emotional troubles like stress or even obsessive-compulsive disorder.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/unhealthy-habits-vices_n_2481890.html

Huff Post also reported that some ways to rid yourself of nail biting and ice chewing are to purchase a nail polish-like substance equipped with a horrible taste to help you put those fingers down and ordering drinks with no ice or visiting your doctor to see if you have a nutrition deficiency.

Quirks are a part of what makes us human but even though some of them may be a bit unsanitary, I still think it’s totally acceptable to have a few quirks and kinks under your belt.

Dr. O

Picture source: http://www.moresohealth.com/nail-biting-dangerous-to-human-health/