Habits that make you more prone to illness

Flexible schedule

One of the biggest causes of stress isn't finances or marriage, but a lack of routine. Even simply eating lunch an hour later than usual can cause a surge in cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and disrupt the body's ideal state.

Try to eat, sleep, and exercise at the same time every day, 365 days a year.

Choose out-of-season fruits and vegetables, and transport them over long distances.

During transportation from production to consumption, agricultural products lose many of their disease-fighting compounds. Buy fresh, locally sourced, or seasonal vegetables. Otherwise, opt for frozen varieties that have been minimally processed to preserve nutrients.

Just exercise

Even with vigorous exercise, spending the rest of the day sitting can negatively impact cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Find small ways to move throughout the day, including clever ways to stay fit without having to go outside.

High heels

You know high heels aren't comfortable, but pain from wearing them can also be a sign of inflammation related to chronic disease. While doctors don't say that wearing high heels causes heart attacks, they believe that wearing comfortable shoes can protect you from the long-term damage of inflammation.

Bite nails

Nail biting isn't just a bad habit; it can wreak havoc on your health. In a small Turkish study, 76% of nail biters tested positive for diarrhea-causing and vomiting-inducing bacteria like Escherichia coli, compared to only 26.5% of non-nail biters.

A boring lunch at the desk.

Offices are breeding grounds for bacteria – and unfortunately, computer keyboards are one of the most germ-laden places. In fact, a 2013 study found that in just one day, more than 50% of surfaces and employees could be contaminated with viruses.

Eating lunch outside (or at least outside your desk) can significantly reduce the bacteria you're exposed to daily.

Smoking

If the risk of cancer isn't enough to make you quit smoking, here's another reason: Smoking can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to the flu, colds, or pneumonia.

Do not wash bed sheets and pillowcases.

Bad news: Dust mites love your warm, dark bed just as much as you do. According to the Daily Mail, while harmless themselves, their feces and dead skin cells can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. To avoid these unwelcome guests, you should change your bed linens regularly.

Lack of sleep

While we should all get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, only half of Americans achieve that goal. However, reduced sleep time can have more negative effects than just decreased energy levels. Not getting enough sleep makes you more susceptible to illness because cells can't fully recharge while you sleep. Another benefit is that you might even lose weight while you sleep.