The ‘Unhealthy’ Habits That Science Says Are Actually Good for You
Health advice often comes packaged in extremes, such as cutting carbs, waking up early, and never missing workouts. But some habits dismissed as lazy or unhealthy have measurable upsides. Researchers continue to find that behaviors viewed as flaws can, in certain situations, benefit both the body and the brain. At the end of the day, not every “bad” habit deserves its label.
Sleeping In on Weekends
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Sleep researchers found that weekend catch-up sleep can reduce heart disease risk in adults under 65. They reviewed data showing that an extra hour or two of rest may help balance out weekday shortfalls. While chronic sleep debt still causes problems, the body benefits from any opportunity to recover. That added rest enhances immune response and memory function.
Complaining to Someone You Trust
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Complaining has a reputation for negativity, but science tells a different story. Psychologists say verbalizing frustration can lower stress hormones and increase feelings of control. When people vent to someone supportive, they activate emotional regulation systems in the brain. Experts suggest that suppression can lead to anxiety and fatigue.
Skipping a Workout
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Missing a workout doesn’t always signal poor discipline. Rest days matter because muscles need time to repair and get stronger. When you push through physical or emotional fatigue, cortisol rises and recovery slows, which raises the risk of injury. Allowing your body to pause supports healthier progress over time and keeps your routine sustainable.
Fidgeting Throughout the Day
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Small movements like tapping your foot or shifting in your seat may look insignificant, yet they add up. Researchers refer to this as NEAT, which stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It covers all the energy your body uses outside of planned workouts. Fidgeting helps with weight control and steady blood sugar, and studies show that people who move around in small ways throughout the day can burn several hundred more calories than those who remain still.
Allowing Cravings Occasionally
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Nutrition plans that completely ban favorite foods often fail to achieve their goals. Studies have shown that restriction leads to rebound eating, especially after periods of stress. Controlled indulgence, on the other hand, keeps people on track. By allowing some flexibility, people report higher satisfaction with food and better control over portions.
Snacking Between Meals
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Snackers used to be criticized for lacking control, yet newer nutrition research tells a different story. Eating small, balanced snacks, especially those rich in protein or fiber, can keep blood sugar steady and prevent overeating later. A simple option like a boiled egg or a few almonds provides lasting energy and helps with concentration. What you choose and when you eat it matter far more than skipping snacks entirely.
Swearing During Pain
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Participants of a study who cursed while placing their hand in ice water kept it submerged longer than those who didn’t. The effect ties to the body’s stress response, which shifts attention and dulls discomfort. It’s not about being offensive, but about how the brain interprets strong language. Swearing taps into emotion and creates a physical reaction that alters how we feel pain.
Spending a Few Minutes in Sunlight
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Moderate sun exposure helps the body create vitamin D, which improves bone health, sleep cycles, and immune function. Even just 10 to 15 minutes outdoors daily can make a difference, particularly in winter or for people with limited dietary options. The sun’s role in regulating circadian rhythm also improves sleep quality.
Taking Unstructured Breaks
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Doing nothing on purpose isn’t wasteful, but productive in a different way. When people pause without a task, their brains move into a default mode network. That system handles big-picture thinking, future planning, and problem-solving. Studies indicate that workers who step away for a few minutes return with a sharper focus and better decision-making.
Letting The Mind Wander
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Mind-wandering is often viewed as a distraction, particularly in school or work settings. However, in reality, it provides the brain with an opportunity to process long-term goals, unresolved problems, and emotional residue. People who spend time daydreaming perform better on tasks that require insight or pattern recognition. They’re also more likely to imagine future events in detail.