This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
Published on July 17, 2019, research has shown that some habits once considered 'bad' can actually have a positive impact on our lives.
From daydreaming to gossiping, and even swearing, these habits may seem counterintuitive, but they can have surprising benefits for our mental and physical health.
1. Daydreaming ¶
Daydreaming can occupy up to a third of our waking lives, but it's often seen as a waste of time. However, research has found that the 'executive network' in our brain is highly active when we're daydreaming, and this can actually boost our brain power.
According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, the areas of our brain used while we daydream are the same ones that help with complex problem solving.
2. Gossiping ¶
Talking about other people is a global fascination, and in an era where mental illness and stress-related diseases are on the rise, it turns out that sharing other people's news has a whole range of mood-boosting benefits.
Researchers at Brown University found that most people's mood improved for up to four hours after spending just 20 minutes gossiping with a friend, with 96 per cent of people able to reduce tension and anxiety this way.
3. Drinking coffee ¶
While coffee has been linked to various health problems, research has also found that it can have several benefits, including fighting Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, liver cancer, and even improving memory.
Women who drink two or three cups of coffee a day are 15 per cent less likely to be depressed, according to some studies.
4. Swearing ¶
Shouting expletives in the middle of the street or in a stormy meeting isn't recommended, but studies suggest that in certain situations, swearing may actually be good for you.
According to a study by the University of East Anglia, swearing at work could help employees cope with stress and maintain solidarity, while researchers at Keele University's School of Psychology found that swearing can provide effective short-term relief from pain.
5. Being messy ¶
People who are messy may sound like they're making up lame excuses for their bad habit by pointing out how disorder helps them to be creative. But it turns out they're right.
In a study published in Psychological Science magazine, scientists found that a messy environment can actually be great for creative thinking, with participants in a tidy room being more likely to donate money or choose a healthier food option.
6. Animal videos ¶
What could be a bigger waste of time than trawling the Internet for cute animal videos? Apparently, as counter-productive as it seems, this common habit can actually help your brain focus and complete tasks accurately.
Researchers at Hiroshima University found that viewing images of cute baby animals triggered care-giving instincts, making people more cautious on subsequent tasks.
7. Skipping a shower ¶
For obvious reasons, repeatedly missing showers won't win you any friends or help you influence people. However, research suggests that you could be doing your health (and the environment) a favour by skipping a shower here and there.
Daily washing not only strips your skin of the natural oils that keep it hydrated and supple, it could also strip it of good bacteria that help prevent disease.
