What hurts us

[Source](https://unsplash.com/photos/people-holding-drinks-during-day-0yqa0rMCsYk)

Hi lovely family, It has truly been a while since I dropped an entry for any prompt on this space. It has not been an easy journey, but God has always been on my side. I am sincerely grateful to Him for yet another opportunity to share my perspective on this timely subject with other participants. I also appreciate the privilege of learning from the experiences and insights shared by others here.

This theme is indeed one that compels reflection. It is so relevant that one has no option but to read carefully and make meaningful contributions. As human beings, we often engage in various habits—some beneficial and others destructive. Certain habits add value to our lives and improve our well-being, while others gradually ruin our health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Interestingly, some habits not only affect us personally but also have significant impacts on people around us. I have often asked myself why people continue with particular habits even when they are fully aware of the dangers attached to them. Whether it is eating, drinking, smoking, or even the way we handle pressure in tense situations, many of these choices can have long-term consequences. Yet, despite knowing the risks, we sometimes cling to them and even normalize them as part of our lifestyle.

In this post, I would like to explore some of the choices we make that have negative impacts, yet we struggle to let go of them. One major example is excessive consumption of alcohol. We all know that too much alcohol damages the body system. It affects vital organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. Medical research and public health organizations like the World Health Organization have consistently warned about the dangers of harmful alcohol use. Despite these warnings, many people still indulge excessively.

The question remains: if we know the risks, why do we continue? I vividly remember how one of my uncles lost his life due to high intake of drugs and alcohol. His health deteriorated gradually. Over time, most of his organs were severely damaged and worn out. Watching his condition decline was painful for the entire family. Eventually, that unhealthy lifestyle led to his untimely death. This personal experience reinforced in me the reality that bad habits do not just end with the individual—they leave lasting scars on loved ones.

Another issue is the consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Regular intake of such substances can lead to serious health challenges such as diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, and even brain damage. Excessive sugar intake has been strongly linked to type 2 diabetes, while high salt consumption increases the risk of hypertension. Yet, processed snacks, sugary drinks, and fast foods remain highly attractive and easily accessible.

Eating too much processed food is another growing concern. Many processed foods contain preservatives, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats that may cause long-term harm. Of recent, my family has been making conscious efforts to reduce the intake of highly processed food items. It has not been an easy transition, but we are gradually choosing healthier alternatives. We understand that small, consistent changes can make a significant difference in the long run. Smoking is another dangerous habit that needs serious attention. It is widely known that smoking can cause lung cancer and other respiratory complications. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to highlight the devastating effects of tobacco use. Beyond lung cancer, smoking can also lead to heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory conditions. If not properly addressed, the consequences can be life-threatening. Furthermore, lack of regular exercise is a silent but harmful habit. When we do not engage in physical activity, we increase the risk of weight gain, obesity, and other related health issues.

In some cases, a sedentary lifestyle can even contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Regular exercise does not necessarily mean intense workouts; even simple activities like walking, stretching, or light jogging can greatly improve both physical and mental well-being. Lastly, effective stress management is crucial. Life naturally comes with pressures and challenges. However, how we respond to stress matters a lot.

Lastly Poor stress management can lead to emotional instability, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and even physical health problems. Learning healthy ways to handle stress—through prayer, relaxation, proper rest, and open communication—can significantly improve our overall well-being.

As I draw conclusion, many of the habits we maintain today may seem harmless in the short term, but they often carry long-term consequences. The key lies in self-awareness, discipline, and a willingness to make better choices. Change may not happen overnight, but with conscious effort and God’s help, we can gradually replace destructive habits with healthier ones that benefit both ourselves and those around us.

Thanks so much for reading through my entry for this edition.