If you are like a lot of people, you have probably done things that aren’t good for your health. Many people don’t realize how certain bad habits can affect their health. They might not think that having the occasional cigarette or eating junk food for dinner can negatively affect their bodies. However, you must take care of yourself properly if you want to live a long life. You have to be willing to break your bad habits in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. Here are five bad habits that take the worst toll on your health.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Smoking can put you at risk of developing chronic diseases like lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease and pancreatic cancer. If you smoke cigarettes, you can also stain your teeth and develop more wrinkles on your face. Cigarettes are filled with thousands of chemicals that are harmful for your body. If you are a regular smoker, ask your doctor how you can quit your habit.

Tanning

A nice tan can look attractive and help you feel better about yourself. Tanning in the sun, however, is very bad for your skin. When you expose your skin to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, you are putting yourself at risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer can be deadly if it’s not caught early enough. Tanning can also cause premature wrinkles and dry skin. Your skin won’t look beautiful and young if you have been tanning it for a long time. Instead of basking in the sun, apply a sunless tanning product to your skin.

Drinking Too Much Coffee

If you have to wake up early for work every day, you probably drink coffee to give you energy. The occasional cup of coffee is okay, but constantly drinking it can take a toll on your health. Frequently drinking coffee can raise your blood pressure, increase your heart rate and cause acid reflux. Instead of drinking coffee every morning, try drinking tea or orange juice.

Not Exercising Enough

Exercise is something you should not put off, even if you have a busy schedule. Avoiding exercise not only can cause you to gain weight; it can also lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Not Flossing

Brushing your teeth is not enough; you will need to floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you don’t floss properly, you put yourself at risk of developing gum disease, which can impact the health of your heart.

These are just a few bad habits that can severely take a toll on your health. Try to break these bad habits, so you can lead a healthier lifestyle. To find out about more risk factors that may be affecting your health, visit your doctor to develop a specific plan to help improve your health.