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There are countless blogs spanning across the internet detailing what is and is not a healthy habit, with some being factually proven, and others being based purely on speculation. These can vary from person to person, but understanding what can and typically is bad for your health is crucial in preserving your well-being. Here are some surprising habits that may go unnoticed from day to day which can shorten your lifespan.


Standing desks have become largely popular due to these relatively new findings claiming that sitting for too long is harmful to your overall health. Even sitting more than 3 hours per day could increase your chances of contracting illnesses or muscle complications. However, regular exercise and stretching has been shown to combat these negative side effects. Pay attention to how often and how long you are spending your days on the couch or in a chair. Standing every now and then just to stretch can prove extremely beneficial in the long run.

Spending too much time alone

Many people prefer to spend their days alone, but too much of this can have damaging psychological effects. Specifically, having trouble finding a significant other was shown to be a cause of a shorter lifespan, as well as neglecting friend groups. While solitude is certainly not a bad thing, knowing how much is too much is very important. A contributing factor is that people with weaker social connections were shown to smoke cigarettes more and partake in other unhealthy habits. When you step back to look at the bigger picture, finding companionship in another person seems like a sure way to boost and preserve your mental health.

Extended work commutes

Sitting in traffic and driving long distances to work is something very few people enjoy. Those people may be right in feeling that way though, as longer drives have been linked to increased levels of stress, and physical complications that come with sitting for so long. So, if you have the option, explore different modes of transportation from time to time to break up the monotony of your daily commute. Take a city bus, ride your bike, or even walk to work if distance is not an issue.

A continued job hunt

Spending long periods of time unemployed and searching for a job can do damage to both your wallet and health. According to a study conducted in 2011, an individual’s risk of premature death is increased as much as 63% when unemployed. So while that morning commute may be something worth avoiding, not having a career at all can be significantly worse.