Bad habits can be hard to break, but they can also be good for you.
Yesterday we revealed how chew with the mouth open means the food tastes better.
Boffins of Oxford University found that it pushed food down the throat, facilitating the perception of aromatic flavors.
And the noisy biting also increased our pleasure.
We’ve put the spotlight on other social blunders to see if keeping our manners is bad for our health, or if the blunders are actually great.
We bring you the benefits of the bad behaviors your mom always told you to stop, from shower hesitation to slouching and cursing. . .
Biting nails – strengthens the immune system
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NAIL BITING may make some people cringe, but biters have the last laugh.
Some scientists believe that such gnawing can preserve health.
The theory is that introducing new bacteria into your body can help your immune response recognize them in the future – e.g. vaccination.
Chewing gum – sharpens memory
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A stick of chewing gum might make you want to avoid the dentist, but it’s worth it.
According to research, chewing is more effective than caffeine in helping concentration and memory.
This increases the level stress hormone cortisol, which keeps you on your feet longer and concentrates.
Not tidying up is a sign of intelligence
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IF you keep tripping over your kids’ shoes or standing on Legos, maybe your child is a genius.
Being dirty is a sign of intelligence, according to the University Minnesota.
Smarter people don’t spend time tidying up or organizing things. Chaotic clutter also boosts creativity.
Squatting is good for your joints
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The next time someone nags you about bad posture after a long day, tell them that.
After strenuous physical work, a slight forward bend can benefit the spine, says the University Hospital Northern Tees.
This position helps stop back stiffness by allowing fluid to lubricate the spinal discs, the study found.
Being late makes you happy
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Being late to parties may infuriate the hosts, but it puts the guests at ease.
People with a relaxed approach to timing are more likely to have lower stress levels, the study found Harvard Medical school.
They are also more likely to lead healthier and happier lifestyles.
Sleep – live longer
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SLEEPING past your alarm may not be great for your job, but it’s great for your health.
Sleep has been shown to reduce stress and improve your brain and memory, so you’ll stay fitter for longer, too.
Not having enough kip can also increase the risk car accidents and heart disease.
Playing with hair – stops boredom
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NEXT time you’re in the zone, flipping your hair might help.
A 2014 study found that playing with your locks can relieve boredom when your concentration is slipping.
Messing with pigtails can even be reduced restlessness and help you relax before bed.
Peeing in the shower – cleans the feet
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IT may sound disgusting, but there is a hidden plus to washing while washing.
Urine contains uric acid and ammonia, so draining urine when soaping can prevent a fungal infection of the feet.
But the bad news is if you cut yourself, you can get a bacterial infection.
Fidgety – makes you slim
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MOVING, rocking, and tapping can help you beat the bulge.
Restlessness can burn ten times more calories than to keep real estate, says research from of London Mayo Clinic.
A similar study conducted in the fifties found that overweight people moved less when performing the same activities as lean, sedentary people.
Gossip – reduces stress
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THEY say nobody likes gossip – but who cares if it makes you happier?
Chatting with friends about others can help you bond and make you laugh, which releases feel-good hormones.
It helps to reduce stress and anxiety – as long as they don’t gossip about you.
Cursing – relieves pain
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DROPPING an F-bomb when you hurt yourself can act as a pain reliever.
Keele University found that study participants could endure pain longer if they cursed. It increased pain tolerance by 33 percent.
Others were asked to shout nonsense words like “twizpipe” and “fuch”, which did little to help.
