Daily routine

The 10 worst health habits! (And how to kick them for good)

Credit: Steve Johnson

The accelerated pace of life can make us overlook our health a little by carrying out some habits that may seem harmless but are actually not good for our health. If you want to improve your routines, keep reading! Today, we identify 10 bad health habits you might not even realize you're doing!

Credit: Pille R. Priske

Maybe you're one of those who change the kitchen sponge when it looks like it's been through a boxing match. We don't judge; we've all done it! However, experts recommend changing the sponge regularly because food debris can grow harmful bacteria.

How often should you change it? Every 2 weeks! You can also sanitize your sponge by microwaving it for 2 minutes or soaking it in bleach.

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If you have long hair or live with someone who does, this tip can save the day (or rather, the night). Did you know that sleeping with your hair tied up too tightly can actually damage its health?

If you sleep that way regularly, the tension could contribute to hair breakage, thinning, or hair loss. In addition, that habit can also lead to scalp problems or even headaches. It's generally recommended to tie your hair softly with soft scrunchies or silk ties to minimize friction and tension.

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It's not that we have anything against desks, but many people simply don't take the time to pause from work and eat as health professionals recommend.

Eating while working or using the computer can distract you from how you eat, leading to inadequate chewing and poor digestion as a consequence.

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Sometimes, we may stop taking the antibiotics prescribed by our doctor once we start feeling better. While this could be due to simple forgetfulness, it can lead to serious health consequences. Most importantly, if you don't complete the treatment as indicated by your doctor, your body may develop resistance to the antibiotics, making future infections harder to treat.

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We know that, in today's world, it's hard to stay away from screens, whether it's a cell phone, computer, or TV. However, health experts have warned that nighttime screen time can be a bad habit for your health for several reasons.

First, the blue light emitted by many screens interrupts your sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. As a consequence, you may end up sleeping later and not getting enough rest. On the other hand, it can affect your eyesight, drying out your eyes or irritating them.

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Today's jobs often cause many people to spend 8 hours (or more) sitting at their desks. But it turns out that this habit isn't good at all: sitting still for long periods can slow down your metabolism, worsen your posture and back pain, or weaken your muscles.

While we know work is important, so is your health! It's recommended to take breaks, stand up, stretch, walk (even if it's indoors or in the garden), and add at least 20 minutes of physical activity each day.

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Not changing your pillowcase regularly can lead to health problems, and while this may seem obvious, the list of consequences is actually longer than you might think.

A pillowcase that has been in use for more than a week has collected germs and bacteria from your hair and skin. This habit can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritations, or even, in the worst case, respiratory issues. In fact, some experts recommend washing your whole pillow every 3 to 6 months as well.

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Leaving wet clothes on for too long is not only incredibly uncomfortable but also bad for your health. So now you know, if you get caught in the rain or sweat too much in that gym class, it's best to change into dry clothes as soon as possible.

Wet clothes can create a moist environment that can irritate your skin or lead to fungal infections. Bacteria and fungi love moisture! And if it's cold outside, staying in wet clothes can make you more vulnerable to catching a cold.

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Although many antibacterial products are highly effective, using them too frequently or excessively can actually have the opposite effect of what's intended.

The skin on your body has beneficial bacteria that protect it against harmful germs. Over-disinfecting your environment or skin can disrupt the balance of your natural protection, weakening your immunity.

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In many Asian countries, taking off your shoes before entering a house isn't just a sign of respect; it's also an important practice for maintaining better health.

By keeping your shoes on indoors, you can bring viruses and bacteria from the streets into your home, spreading them across the floor, carpets, surfaces, and even the air.

Timeless leaders

Discover 10 of the most outstanding military minds in history!

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Few aspects of human history are as consistent as warfare. While armed conflicts are undoubtedly regrettable, it’s impossible to deny that they have played a central role in our culture since the dawn of civilization. In that sense, many exceptional military minds and strategists have left their mark on history—to the point that we still discuss their remarkable accomplishments centuries later. With that in mind, we have selected 10 of the most outstanding military minds humankind has ever produced, in an effort to pay homage to their strategic genius. Enjoy!

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Few military generals are as iconic as Napoleon Bonaparte. Can’t you instantly picture his emblematic military attire the moment you hear his name? Napoleon's accomplishments are as remarkable as his legacy—he rose to prominence during the French Revolution, led numerous military campaigns across Europe, and eventually ruled the French Empire as Emperor until 1815.

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Just like Napoleon, a distinct image of the Roman leader Julius Caesar immediately comes to mind when his name is mentioned—a stoic, unwavering figure, his calculating mind crowned with iconic bay leaves. As a member of the political alliance known as the First Triumvirate, Caesar led Roman armies to victory in the Gallic Wars before clashing with his rival Pompey in a civil war, from which he emerged as the undisputed ruler of Rome until his assassination in 44 BC.

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Many historic leaders have borne the title "the Great," from the aforementioned Pompey to the Prussian monarch Frederick II. However, many historians argue that this distinction belongs above all to Alexander III of Macedon—better known as Alexander the Great. He ascended the throne of Macedon at just 20 years old, and by 30, he had built one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to India.

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Genghis Khan is arguably one of the most divisive figures in history. To some historians, he was a ruthless tyrant, while to modern Mongolians, he is revered as the founder of their nation. One thing that cannot be denied, however, is his military genius—he united the Mongol tribes into a single, unstoppable force that conquered vast regions of China and Central Asia.

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Who can deny the military genius of the man who considered warfare an art form? Sun Tzu, a general and strategist during the Eastern Zhou period, is best known for writing the timeless military classic The Art of War. But don’t let the title mislead you—Sun Tzu’s insightful and groundbreaking teachings have transcended the battlefield, influencing fields such as business and sports.

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Let’s jump ahead a few hundred years to the 20th century and pay a well-deserved homage to the first American featured in this article. General George S. Patton is forever remembered for commanding the United States Army during World War II, including the Allied invasion of Germany and subsequent campaigns in France and Germany. Patton is not only celebrated for his military prowess but also for his colorful and resolute personality, which reassured millions of Americans during one of history’s darkest chapters.

Credit: The Cleveland Museum of Art

Following the iconic thriller The Silence of the Lambs, the name Hannibal has taken on a somewhat eerie connotation. Which is a shame, considering it was also borne by a legendary Carthaginian general renowned for his military prowess. Hannibal famously led Carthage’s forces against the Roman Republic, including a daring crossing of the Alps with North African war elephants.

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If you ever visit London’s iconic Trafalgar Square, you’ll likely come across a towering column topped by a statue of a stern-looking Royal Navy officer. This monument, known as Nelson’s Column, is a fitting tribute to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. During this 1805 battle, the British Navy faced a formidable Spanish fleet. However, Nelson’s brilliant strategies secured victory—though he tragically lost his life from injuries sustained in combat.

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Like George Patton, Charles de Gaulle is regarded as one of France’s greatest heroes. As a military officer, he led the Free French forces during World War II, playing a key role in restoring democracy to France. After the war, he chaired the provisional government of the French Republic until 1946. In 1958, he was elected President of France, a position he held until 1969.

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Much like Alexander the Great, many consider William I, the first Norman king of England, the ruler most deserving of the title William the Conqueror. As Duke of Normandy, William achieved what few had: invading England and claiming the throne after the death of Edward the Confessor. While he remains a divisive figure, his numerous statues in France and beyond stand as lasting tributes to his legacy.