Bad habits often get a bad rap. We’re taught to avoid, break, and replace them with better ones. But the truth is, not all bad habits are as harmful as they seem.

Some so-called “bad” habits are actually good for you.

Sometimes, what we label as flaws or weaknesses can actually have surprising benefits. In specific contexts, these traits can positively impact our mental or physical health.

From procrastination to daydreaming, some behaviors are just misunderstood (and even helpful in the proper doses).

“A habit is at the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).” — Stephen R. Covey, an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker

7 bad habits that are good for you

If you promised to give up some toxic habits but succumbed hours later, don’t worry. This article will show you that sometimes bad habits are not as harmful as you think.

Let’s dive in and discover which bad habits can help your health.

1. Fidgeting

Research has found that active fidgeting can burn up to 350 calories daily. It can also increase metabolism by up to 40%.

Fidgeting can help you lose weight, improve your blood flow, and relieve stress.

Fidgeting is annoying for those around you. Yet, it’s a healthy response to being stuck in one spot for too long. Fidgeting is not a bad thing, especially for adults.

2. Swearing

F&ck ’m. Swearing in certain situations can help you cope with situations you feel you have no control over.

Swearing can also help build emotional resilience, intimacy with others, and trust. It can also help you tolerate pain during a physically painful event.

Research has found that people can endure pain longer if they can swear. This is especially true when holding their hands in ice water.

3. Gossiping

Most people love to gossip. Gossiping is good for you because it helps you forge social bonds. 

Laughing with your colleagues or close friends releases good hormones that relieve stress.

Gossiping started with our ancestors when they tried to figure out which neighboring group would try to eat them.

When you listen to gossip, you learn about the key players and what people like or don’t like about others.

4. Daydreaming

Daydreaming improves problem-solving.

To some people, daydreaming is a sign of laziness or procrastination.

Nonetheless, research has found that unplugging and letting your mind wander can help you boost your problem-solving abilities.

Daydreaming can help you unconsciously sort through problems in your life. It allows you to concentrate better in the long run.

People often go to their social media feeds instead of sitting and thinking.

Letting your mind wander can help you relax, boost your creativity, and set you up for a good night’s sleep. Dream on.

5. Sleeping in on the weekends

Don’t feel guilty about sleeping in on the weekends. Research has found that sleep can help you live longer, boost your memory, and reduce stress. 

Researchers have discovered that having training sessions in the morning can compromise your immune system.

The early bird gets the worm sometimes.

Research has found it’s better to wake up when your body feels ready. Align sleep with your body’s natural circadian rhythm rather than your alarm clock.

Having a regular bedtime routine is crucial. On weekends, you should set the alarm clock aside for one day.

6. Drinking coffee

Drinking too much coffee can be harmful. But drinking smaller quantities can be good for you. It can also help you get out of bed every morning. 

Research has discovered that caffeine can speed up your metabolism, and coffee will promote a healthy weight.

Caffeine can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Research has found a link between coffee drinking and living a longer life. Two to three cups of coffee a day is the sweet spot.

7. Losing your cool

Losing your cool occasionally is good for you because bottling your emotions is terrible for your health. 

Research has found that occasional temper outbursts can help your health. It is an uncontrolled explosion of emotions.

Venting can help you reduce your stress. 

Research has found that men who bottled up their anger doubled their risk of having a heart attack.

Nobody wants to be with a person who complains and loses their cool.

Still, occasionally opening your emotional pressure valve is good for you. It helps you process your emotions.

Bringing it all together

Seven bad habits are good for you. They are fidgeting, swearing, gossiping, daydreaming, sleeping in on the weekends, drinking coffee, and losing their cool.

We all have bad habits, but some help our mental and physical well-being.

“Habits are safer than rules; you don’t have to watch them. And you don’t have to keep them, either. They keep you.” — Frank Crane, an author

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