9 Daily Habits We’re Getting Wrong

1. Drinking Water After a Meal

It is commonly advised to avoid drinking water during meals as it can cause a feeling of fullness and dilute the digestive process. However, according to nutrition expert Ellie Krieger, as quoted in the Washington Post, drinking water during a meal can aid digestion, especially during the chewing and swallowing process. It helps to soften the food and ease its journey down the esophagus. Just remember to sip slowly.

On the other hand, drinking a large glass of water before a meal will make you feel full and reduce your appetite, unless you’re intentionally trying to eat less.

2. Drinking Cold Water

While many people enjoy a cold glass of water, especially during the summer, a study suggests that drinking cold water can exacerbate digestive issues, such as esophageal spasms. Although it won’t make you sick, cold water can cause your blood vessels to constrict.

3. Washing Your Face with Hot Water

It is common to wash your face in the shower with warm water. However, this is a mistake. Warm water causes your skin to produce more oil, which can lead to dryness. Instead, wash your face with lukewarm or even cold water before or after showering. It’s beneficial for your skin and can help reduce eye puffiness when you wake up.

4. Morning or Evening Showers

The age-old question of whether it’s better to shower in the morning or at night ultimately comes down to personal preference.

A morning shower can help you feel more alert. However, to maximize the benefits, opt for a cold or slightly warm shower. The ideal temperature is 19 degrees Celsius.

Evening showers, on the other hand, can help you relax before bed and ensure a clean environment. In this case, a warm shower at around 32 degrees Celsius is ideal. For those who struggle with insomnia, try showering 90 minutes before bedtime.

5. Drinking Coffee First Thing in the Morning

The time of day you drink coffee can impact your caffeine tolerance. The stress hormone cortisol is responsible for keeping you alert, and it has three peak production times during the day, one of which is when you first wake up. If you drink coffee during this peak time, your body will adapt to producing less cortisol. As a result, you may experience decreased focus and increased irritability. It’s best to wait until after 10 am to enjoy your cup of coffee.

6. Stirring Sugar in a Circular Motion

Most people stir their sugar in a circular motion, but the correct way is to stir it up and down in a straight line. This method reduces splashing and dissolves the sugar faster.

7. Peeling a Banana

Many people eat bananas from the stem down, but the correct way is to start from the bottom. Peeling a banana from the stem end doesn’t remove the strings inside.

Take a cue from monkeys, who always start peeling from the bottom. They know the best way to enjoy this fruit!

8. Using Non-Stick Pans at High Temperatures

Non-stick pans can be harmful to your health if used incorrectly. Heating them above 260 degrees Celsius can release toxic chemicals. This doesn’t mean you should stop using them altogether, but rather, choose alternative pans for certain tasks. When frying meat, opt for cast iron or stone pans (provided the coating is still intact).

9. Eating a Burger Horizontally

Most of us hold a large burger with both hands and take a big bite, only to have the toppings slide out and create a mess.

Japanese researchers from the fields of mechanics, engineering, and dentistry spent four months studying the best way to eat a burger. They found that holding the burger as shown in the image on the right and eating it in a circular motion is the ideal technique. Also, be careful not to squeeze the burger too tightly, or the toppings will spill out.

Bảo Nhiên (Translated from Brightside)