Ever wonder why sometimes you just feel “off” and can’t quite figure out why? You might be blaming stress, work, or even age, but chances are it’s not as complicated as you think. There are a few common habits we pick up as adults that, without us realizing, slowly sabotage our health. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them and figure out why we’re feeling so out of whack.

1. Minimizing Physical Activity

Modern life makes it easier than ever to stay glued to a screen. A lot of us spend the day sitting at desks, attending back-to-back online meetings, or getting lost in spreadsheets and emails. Then we move from the desk to the sofa, from work screens to TV screens, and before you know it, the day’s gone by without much movement. This lack of physical activity not only leads to stiff muscles and poor posture but also impacts your energy, mood, and overall well-being. We need to remember that getting outside, going for a walk, or doing something active doesn’t just make our bodies feel better—it clears the mind, boosts energy, and improves mood. But instead, we end up stuck in our daily routine, and our body pays the price.

2. Trading Sleep for Scrolling

This one is huge. So many of us sacrifice precious sleep for the black hole of social media, YouTube, or whatever rabbit hole grabs our attention that night. Before you know it, that “quick check” has turned into a two-hour scrolling session, cutting into your sleep. And then we wonder why we wake up exhausted, feeling like we got hit by a truck, and can’t focus during the day. Losing sleep means less recovery for your body and mind, leaving you more stressed, less energetic, and craving all the wrong foods. So the next time you think “just 10 more minutes,” think about whether that’s really worth the groggy morning that will follow.

3. The Western Diet Dilemma

We live in a world where food has never been more available—or more processed. The convenience of grab-and-go meals, snacks, and treats is tempting, but it’s also doing us no favors. These highly processed foods are packed with calories but low on nutrients, which means we eat more, stay hungry and keep reaching for whatever is closest. The result? Overeating, weight gain, and feeling like a sluggish version of ourselves. The kicker is that these foods are designed to taste good and make us crave more, so breaking the cycle can be hard. But knowing the impact they have on your health is the first step to making a change.

4. Living Like It’s Still the 90s

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re over 30—probably in your 40s or 50s—and you grew up in an era when a night out meant a day of recovery. Remember those times spent drinking cider and Mad Dog 20/20 in a field with your mates? Well, our bodies don’t bounce back the way they used to, and yet we try to party like we’re still in our 20s. Late nights, a few too many drinks, and thinking we can handle it all like we used to only to be left wrecked for the next few days. Unfortunately, we don’t recover like we did back then, and all that late-night boozing can seriously affect your sleep and overall health. It’s time to recognize that it takes longer to bounce back, and our bodies aren’t built for that level of abuse anymore.

5. Neglecting Hydration

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most common issues we face. We often forget to drink enough water, relying instead on cups of coffee or tea throughout the day, especially when sitting at our desks. But staying hydrated is critical for focus, energy, and overall health. Dehydration—yes, even slight dehydration—can leave you feeling sluggish, cranky, and less able to perform at your best. Think of yourself like a houseplant that moves—if you don’t water it, it starts to wilt. So grab a glass of water (or two), and make it a habit to drink consistently throughout the day.

These are just five ways we tend to sabotage our health without even realising it. We get caught up in work, life, and bad habits, and then we’re surprised when we feel like absolute shite. But recognising these habits is the first step toward breaking the cycle.

Come back next week as we dive into 5 ways to repair these habits and reclaim your health!