We all have bad habits. And a big part of what makes them feel so good is that we feel like we’re breaking the rules.
But what if you could get the high that comes from doing something naughty without actually suffering any of the consequences?
That is to say, what if your worst habits were actually kind of good for you? If, rather than killing you slowly, or turning you into a social pariah, they’re instead making you smarter, more attractive, and (practically) immortal.
You’d probably quit trying to break a habit like that, wouldn’t you?
Keep this article handy next time your parents or your friends start to judge you for doing something “wrong.”
Here are 15 “bad” habits that are secretly good for you.
1. Making a Mess
There’s some truth to the cliche that messy people are more creative – maybe it helps them think outside the box and “break the rules”… or maybe they just have way more time on their hands when they’re not busy with trivial tasks like hanging up clothes, vacuuming, or taking out the trash.
2. Gossiping
Guess what? Talking smack (or just sharing intel if you’re nice like that) has some very real survival benefits. And, unlike most vestiges of the caveman era, it gives you a leg up in today’s world, too. Being aware of people’s character flaws can prevent you from becoming a victim of them.
Makes sense, right? It also doesn’t hurt that sharing secrets facilitates bonding. Laughter – and schadenfreude – are the best medicine.
3. Drinking Coffee
You’ve got to hand it to the one socially-acceptable addictive substance out there.
Yes, coffee has enough caffeine in it to compete with cocaine, but as long as you can handle it, go ahead and pour yourself 2 to 3 cups a day. Caffeine makes you more alert (duh) but it also helps to regulate your mood and release good feels from your brain (think dopamine and serotonin).
