You know those things that we’ve heard are good for us to practice in our day-to-day lives, but we still don’t do them? Turns out, some of them are very crucial to living a peaceful life. It could be from regulating your emotions to eating healthy, or anything in between. I was really curious as to what it is people avoid, and just then, this Redditor asked the same: “What is something people avoid or think is not healthy for you but actually is very healthy?” And let me tell you—they are really so simple, and we all need to check these out (and perhaps start practicing). Here’s what 22 people had to say:
1.
“Feeling your feelings. The only way out is through. Let them in.”
2.
“Being bored. Letting your kids play (safely) by themselves and not with you all the time. Taking sick days, no matter how important your job is.”
3.
“Being alone for a while. People call it isolation, but sometimes it’s healing.”
4.
“Falling sleep whenever your body needs it.”
5.
“Masturbation. I mean, don’t do it 10 times a day, but the nofap movement is bullshit.”
6.
“Eating fats. Folks avoid fat like the plague, but it is literally one of the 3 macronutrients. Healthy fats are good for you when eaten in the appropriate amounts.”
7.
“Potatoes! They are actually one of the most nutrient-full and complete foods out there, with low calorie density and filling. It’s how you cook them that takes away from their healthiness.”
8.
“Crying. It’s literally your brain’s way of hitting ‘refresh.'”
9.
“Having difficult conversations and developing emotional intelligence. Psychologists estimate as much as 30% of the population is avoidant… meaning they avoid vulnerability, self-reflection, talking about feelings, taking accountability, etc. Blaming their family or partners for not being able to give them the feeling of connection and happiness that they want but don’t work on internally… devaluing others’ efforts and always fining flaws or things that “just don’t mesh” well… It’s fucking awful. But look at our leaders. It makes total sense.”
10.
“Sun exposure in moderation. Everyone’s scared of it now, but vitamin D is essential.”
11.
“Feeling anxious. It’s normal, and trying to avoid it or suppress it can lead to some pretty unhealthy behavior. Instead, people might try just letting themselves feel it. It won’t kill you.”
13.
“Small friend circles. Everyone is obsessed with having as many friends as possible, but a few (or even just one or two) good, quality friendships are worth way more than a thousand acquaintances.”
14.
“Being selfish. Sometimes you need to be selfish to do what’s best for yourself.”
15.
“Arguments, especially as a couple. Don’t let stuff fester.”
16.
“Eggs. They’re packed with protein and other nutrients. Also, MSG is not bad for you. Not saying it’s something you should actively go and eat more of, but it’s absolutely nothing that needs to be avoided.”
17.
“Hot take, but let loose even if you have to ‘be up early’ or whatever the next day. it’s good to enjoy moments without letting other commitments or future plans distract from them.”
19.
“Cutting toxic family members out of your life.”
20.
“Girl! Do NOT let people yell at you. PERIOD. I learned from a more experienced nurse when I was still a new grad: If they start yelling, throwing things, or abusing you in any way, announce to the room or on the phone, ‘if you cannot interact with me with respect and stop _____ (insert abusive behavior, i.e., yelling), I’m going to leave/hang up (if on the phone).’ And then do it.”
21.
“Giving up. Yes! Sometimes it is THE best thing for you to do. Walk away. Being too deep into something that isn’t good for you and staying in it is not as healthy as people think. The sunk cost fallacy will kill you. Give up!”
22.
“Taking things with a grain of salt. Not defaulting to black and white views. Questioning your own self-knowledge.”
I think these are all pretty self-explanatory as to why it is healthy, both scientifically and logically. And you know what? I will make more efforts to allow myself to be bored and be by myself for some time. I would suggest you try out the above as well. It might just help.
The comments have been edited for clarity.