From biting your nails to chewing gum and leaving a mess – how these 12 so called bad habits are actually GOOD for you
BAD habits might die hard, but they could be good for you too.
Yesterday we revealed how chewing with your mouth open means food tastes better.
Oxford University boffins found it pushes food to the back of the throat, making flavourful aromas easier to smell.
And gnawing noisily also boosted our enjoyment.
We have put other social slip-ups under the spotlight to see if minding our manners is hard on our health or if gaffes are actually glorious.
From widdling in the shower to slouching and swearing, we bring you the benefits from the bad behaviours your mum always said you should stop...
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Biting nails – boosts immune system
GNAWING your nails might make some people shudder, but biters have the last laugh.
Some scientists believe such nibbling can keep you healthy.
The theory is introducing new bacteria to your body could help your immune response recognise it in the future – like a vaccination.
Chewing gum – sharpens memory
A STICK of gum might get you a ticking off from the dentist but it could be worth it.
Chewing is more effective than caffeine at helping with focus and memory, according to research.
It raises levels of stress hormone cortisol, which keeps you on your toes and concentrating for longer.
Not tidying up – sign of intelligence
IF you are constantly tripping over your kids’ shoes or standing on Lego, your child might be a genius.
Being messy is a sign of intelligence, according to the University of Minnesota.
Smarter people don’t waste time tidying or organising things. The chaotic clutter also boosts creativity.
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Slouching – good for joints
THE next time someone ticks you off for bad posture after a long day, tell them this.
After hard physical work, leaning forward for a bit can benefit your spine, says University Hospital of North Tees.
The position helps stop back stiffness by allowing fluid to grease up spinal discs, its study discovered.
Being late – makes you happy
TURNING up late to parties might infuriate hosts but it keeps guests easy-going.
Those with a relaxed approach to timekeeping are likely to have lower stress levels, says a study by Harvard Medical School.
They are also more likely to lead a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Sleeping in – live longer
SNOOZING past the alarm might not be great for your work life but it’s brilliant for your health.
Sleeping has been found to reduce stress and boost your brain and memory, so you stay fitter for longer, too.
Not getting enough kip can also increase your risk of car accidents and heart disease.
Playing with hair – stops boredom
NEXT time you find yourself zoning out, twiddling your hair could help.
A 2014 study found that playing with your locks can alleviate boredom when your concentration is waning.
Messing with your tresses can even reduce anxiety and help you to wind down before going to bed.
Peeing in shower – cleans your feet
IT might be revolting but there is a hidden upside to weeing while you wash.
Urine contains uric acid and ammonia, so having a leak as you lather can prevent fungal infection in your feet.
But bad news if you have a cut – you could get a bacterial infection.
Fidgeting – keeps you slim
WRIGGLING, wiggling and tapping can all help you beat the bulge.
Fidgeting can burn ten times more calories than keeping still, says research from London’s Mayo Clinic.
A similar study in the Fifties showed overweight people moved less doing the same activities as thin fidgeters.
Gossiping – reduces stress
THEY say no one likes a gossip – but who cares when it makes you happier?
Nattering away with friends about others can help bonding and make you laugh, which releases feel-good hormones.
This helps reduce stress and anxiety – as long as you aren’t being gossiped about.
Swearing – relieves pain
DROPPING the F-bomb when you hurt yourself can work as a painkiller.
Keele University found participants in a study could withstand pain longer if they let rip cursing. It boosted pain tolerance by 33 per cent.
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Others were asked to shout nonsense words like “twizpipe” and “fouch” – which didn’t help much.
