Gross Habits We Have That Are Actually Good

1. Nose-picking

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Now we know what you're thinking: that picking your nose is completely gross, and you're probably right.  But you can't deny that you don't do it in private!  In fact, this gross habit is actually good and whilst it is considered as socially unacceptable, gently and discreetly cleaning your nostrils with a tissue or a nasal rinse can really help to remove mucus and prevent congestion.

2. Farting

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Passing gas is normal and natural and if you didn't do it, you'd be in a spot of bother and probably quite a lot of pain!  The thing is, this natural bodily function, although, again, quite socially unacceptable, can help you to release built-up gases in your system, as well as provide relief from pain, bloating, and discomfort.

3. Burping

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And just like farting can provide you with some much-needed relief, burping is also a pretty gross habit that is actually good for you.  It can really relieve bloating or discomfort as it releases excess air from the stomach and out of your mouth.  So burp away!

4. Not washing your clothes

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Wearing dirty, but not absolutely filthy, clothes is absolutely fine too.  You might think it's gross but going a few days longer in between washing your clothes can help conserve energy, conserve water, and even reduce the wear and tear on your clothing!

5. Skipping daily showers

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As well as getting a bit more wear out of your clothes between washes, it is also considered absolutely fine and beneficial to even skip your daily shower too.  It not only helps to conserve energy and conserve water but it is also beneficial for your skin too as it helps it to maintain its natural moisture barrier!

6. Skipping daily hair-washing

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Believe it or not, washing your hair every day can really do some damage.  In fact, doing this can strip away your hair's natural oils that it needs to stay healthy, so skipping a day or two, or even longer, can really help you to maintain your hair's natural balance.

7. Sleeping with your mouth open

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You might have been told to not breathe with your mouth open by various cosleepers but the thing is, apart from causing a dry mouth, sleeping with it open can actually help to prevent snoring.  Not cause it as many people will tell you!  AND it will promote better sleep as you will have better airflow!

8. Checking your poop

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Now checking your poop is super important.  This is because your poop can give you an indication of your digestive health and even help you to identify any health issues you might have.  It is also integral for the early detection of colorectal and bowel cancers too.

9. Wearing shoes inside

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Depending on what your household is like, you might have been told all of your life to take your shoes off indoors so you don't walk in any dirt from outside.  And although, yes, you can bring in outside bacteria and dirt into your house but your feet will benefit from the support and protection from plugs and tiny pieces of Lego.  Ouch!

10. Not washing your face first thing

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Washing your face when you wake up might be one of the first things you feel like you just NEED to do in the morning to feel clean and fresh.  But some individuals prefer to skip their morning face washing in order to preserve some of the natural oils on their face.

11. "The five-second rule"

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Everybody knows that when you drop food, there's a five-second rule right?  Well to be honest, depending on what kind of surface you've dropped it on, you should still be cautious.  However, one study did find that there was minimal exposure to germs when the food was dropped on a non-porous surface.

12. Reusing your towels

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Are you one of those people that only use a towel once in between washes?  Well, a good habit to get into is reusing your towels multiple times before washing them because this can help conserve water and energy.  But be sure to allow them to dry enough between uses.

13. Not washing your jeans much

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Don't you just hate it when you wash your jeans and they're too tight all of a sudden?  Well, why not try not washing them as often as before?  You'll probably notice that washing them less often helps to preserve their color as well as their shape so they actually fit you more comfortably!

14. Eating insects

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Insects might be the last thing on your list to try, but did you know that many cultures in the world consume insects?  This is because they're a great and sustainable source of protein that can be really rich in essential nutrients.  So try them, they might just surprise you!

15. Double-dipping

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Don't you just hate it when people double-dip their food?  To be honest, you might not have even noticed but it does really gross some people out!  But the thing is, research does actually suggest that although this may introduce bacteria, the risk of transmission is actually relatively low.

16. The 'no-poo' method

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Skipping shampoo, also known as the 'no-poo' method has been adopted by many people across the world.  It essentially involved avoiding traditional shampoo to allow the scalp's natural oils to basically 'wash' the hair and keep it healthy.

17. Using saliva as a temporary moisturizer

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It sounds worse than it is, but have you ever liked a dry area of skin when you're out without your moisturizer?  Chances are that the answer to this is yes.  In emergency situations, saliva can be really useful in temporarily relieving dry skin or chapped lips.

18. Using saliva on small wounds

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If you're out without any clean water, and you get a minor wound, saliva can actually also be used as a very temporary cleaning agent.  You can use it to remove dirt from small cuts or abrasions but be sure to clean it more effectively when you get home!

19. Not washing your bras too often

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Bras can be expensive, and even if you wash them on a delicate load, washing them often will cause them to wear out.  So don't worry about skipping a few washing if they aren't visibly dirty or odorous.  Not washing them as often will extend their lifespan.

20. Not washing your hairbrush regularly

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You might have never even thought about washing your hairbrush but this isn't necessarily a bad thing.  This is because your hairbrush will probably have a build-up of oils and residue from hair products that might be useful when you're styling your hair.

21. Using your hand as a tissue in emergencies

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We've all done this!  If your nose runs and you're hot out of tissues and don't carry a handkerchief, what else are you going to do?  So using your hand might be the only option!  And not so gross if you can wash your hands!

22. Not washing your water bottle daily

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Another seemingly gross habit is not washing your reusable water bottle daily.  The thing is, if you're the only person using it, there's nothing wrong with skipping one or two washing now and then.  By doing this, you're conserving water and energy too.

23. Reusing disposable razors

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Who doesn't reuse disposable razors?  Truthfully, if you didn't, you'd be back at the store buying them all the time, and we're all about saving time and money, right?  So reusing them isn't such a bad thing as long as you make sure they're clean and dry after use.

24. Not using cotton swabs to clean your inner ear

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There was a time when people were advised to use cotton buds to clean the wax out of their inner ears.  But that time is no longer as nowadays, you're not advised to put anything in your ear just in case you cause damage.  Instead, you're advised to clean the outer ear with a soft cloth.

25. Not washing home-grown fruit and vegetables before eating them

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If you have the resources to grow your own fruit and vegetables, you might not choose to wash them before you eat them or cook them.  This might be to retain their natural flavors and beneficial microorganisms.  But if you buy them from the store, it is generally advised that you wash them.

26. Wearing dirty gardening gloves

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There's nothing wrong with not washing your gardening gloves regularly at all.  The thing is, wearing slightly dirty gardening gloves can help you to get a better grip and protect your hands whilst you're out in your garden.  Do keep hygiene in mind though, but don't worry if they're slightly dirty!

27. Eating food past its expiry date

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Caution should be exercised but we've probably all eaten food that has gone beyond its expiry date.  To be honest, there are many foods that are fine to eat past their expiry date if they haven't been opened and they have been stored properly.  Just look out for signs of spoilage.  It helps to prevent food waste!

28. Not washing reusable grocery bags often

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Not washing your reusable grocery bags on a regular basis is not such a bad thing either.  Honestly, how dirty can they get?!  As long as they're not visibly dirty and you use them for non-perishable items, not washing them can be beneficial as this can save you time, and conserve energy and water.

29. Eating your boogers

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Eating your own boogers is particularly gross to most people but there are actually some studies that suggest that consuming nasal mucus can have potential immune-boosting effects because it contains antibodies that fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.  Before you feast though, please know that more research is needed in this area...

30. Personal judgment

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These habits might at first appear gross, but there are many good things to say about them, including benefits such as conserving energy and water, dealing with nasal congestion, and even making your clothing last longer.  But it is important to exercise personal judgment here, as well as follow professional advice and hygiene.

31. Chewing gum

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The thing with chewing gum is it's not necessarily gross when you're doing it - especially if it's minty fresh and you're trying to smell nice after eating! - but it has a reputation for being gross when someone else is doing it really loudly. Not only that, it can be seen as rude if you're chewing gum in a professional setting, while talking to a customer or during an interview! Either way, there's definitely something 'gross' about chewing gum loudly and obviously, but in reality, chewing gum is good for you because it can help to relax you and help you to focus.

32. Cursing

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We're all guilty of letting a curse word or two (or three, or four...) slip from our mouths, especially in an angry situation. Even everyday we can just have a splurge of curse words coming from our mouths without realizing it. In general, someone who curses a lot is seen as having 'a bad habit', especially in front of people who don't like curse words and feel uncomfortable. While there are some settings you definitely shouldn't curse - like at your boss if you're mad - in general, swearing a lot can actually be good for you! It's actually been shown that it can help you to deal with pain, like when you stub your toe. For some reason, it's easier to deal with when you curse at it!

33. Always fidgeting

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Fidgeting is something that you can't control if that's just who you are, and a lot of people with conditions like anxiety can fidget a lot in social situations. While not seen as a bad habit when you're doing it if it's not bothering anybody, there's no doubt that sitting next to someone who's constantly shifting, tapping their foot or anything else can get a little bit annoying after a bit! And not to mention if you can't go through a work day without 20 fidget spinners, it's seen as a bad habit. Actually, fidgeting can be good for you - this is because you're releasing built up energy, moving your body and also burning calories if you're fidgeting enough to move in a big way!

34. Daydreaming an unhealthy amount!

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Spending the majority of the day daydreaming can be seen as a bad habit - people might say you need to get your head out of the clouds and focus on the task at hand, or might get annoyed if you're not listening to them in order to pick up where you left off on your latest made-up chapter in your head! But daydreaming is actually a good thing when it comes to brain power. Rather than being something that's unproductive, it can actually help you to open your mind and think, and may even help you to better solve problems.

35. Being messy

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This one is such a controversial topic because a lot of hard workers and people with high intelligence can have messy rooms or messy desks, while generally a messy home and being a messy person is seen as lazy and gross! It's not as black and white as that, though - after all, there's a difference between untidy and unhygienic if you haven't cleaned for months! That's not to see that being tidy has benefits, such as having a healthy routine and a clear head. But being messy has been shown to boost creative thinking in particular!

36. Playing video games all the time

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If there's one hobby or habit that most people think is 'unhealthy' or lazy (or gross if you've been gaming for two days straight without a shower) it's playing video games. While video gaming can of course be a healthy and creative hobby when you're getting enough breaks and going about it the wrong way, it can obviously be a hugely unhealthy one. What's surprising is that video gaming can actually be a good thing in terms of pain relief! Because video games are such a distracting and immersive experience, studies have shown that people going through medical conditions or treatments can have a distraction from the pain.

37. Enjoying a long lie in

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For some reason, it's always been the case that people who go to bed late and sleep until late in the day are seen as 'lazy' and gross, while people who go to bed early and get up super early are seen as the productive ones! We all have different peaks of energy so there's no right or wrong, but while a lie in is seen as the bad option, studies have shown that people who get up super early and do things like exercise very early can actually be more at risk of health complications like high blood pressure. Those who get up more naturally a few hours later can actually have a better, healthy routine.

38. Having a gossip with friends

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If there's one thing often seen as a gross thing to do, it's gossiping - but really, it's all about what you're saying, and who you're saying it to. While gossiping about someone in a horrible way to everyone you know - and strangers on the street - is a bad thing, light-hearted gossip between just friends can actually be a good thing. This is because a good gossip sesh can help to strengthen friendship bonds, as well as relieve stress if you have something you need to get off your chest. Gossiping can make you feel good if you share a secret with someone you're close to!

39. Peeing while in the shower

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Whether you admit you do it or not, there's no doubt 'peeing in the shower' is an accepted phenomenon - but it's one the majority of people would call 'gross'! Apparently at least 75% of the world have peed in the shower at least once. For a lot of people, it just makes sense rather than getting back out, getting water all over the floor and going to the actual toilet. But if you've been doing it daily and feeling pretty bad about it, we have some good news for you! Apparently the acid and ammonia in pee can help to prevent fungal infection in toes!

40. Biting your nails

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There's no doubt that biting your nails is a bad and gross habit... at the end of the day, your hands are one of the dirtiest things on you when you're touching things all day, and you're putting that bacteria in your mouth. Not to mention biting your nails so far down is damaging to your poor fingers! But, on the plus side, there have been suggestions that because you're consuming bacteria on your nails when you bite them, it helps your immune system to strengthen because it responds to that and helps to fight infections.

41. Sleeping with pets

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Most people in the world who have pets are split into three categories: pets that sleep in another room and not allowed in the bedroom; pets who sleep in the bedroom in their own bed on the floor, and the people who have their pets mushed on their face in their bed every night. Most people would say having your pets in your bed is gross because of the hair and other dirt that might come from having them under the covers with you. While this is true, having your best friend sleep in bed with you for a cuddle can help to relieve anxiety, help you to sleep better and strengthen your bond with them.

42. Not washing your hands as much

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It's really important to wash your hands as much as possible to prevent bacteria spreading, and there are certain times when this is non-negotiable of course - the more the better! - such as when illness or bacteria is rife, handling food, touching railings and handles in public places etc. But some people can wash their hands a little too much even when they don't need to, and while it might seem gross to not wash your hands all the time, skipping on a wash if you really don't need to is a good thing because it can help irritating your skin, drying out your skin and will help to save water, too!

43. Skipping out on doing the dishes

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This all depends on how high your kitchen is piled with dirty dishes, of course, but if we're talking skipping a day, this can actually be a good thing. Not doing the dishes straight away and letting them 'fester' can be seen as super gross - especially by housemates who might not like that! - but you don't have too many dishes, like the odd plate, pan or cup, it's a good thing to just leave it until the next day for more things to wash up, because this can preserve hot water, time, energy and even small things like the cleaning clothes and sponges you're using!

44. Spitting

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Spitting is seen as gross, there's no doubt it - and let's not even talk about that big honker Jack and Rose go for in the Titanic - but the 'gross' factor comes in for when and where you choose to do it. If you're just walking around in a public place, spitting for no reason in front of other people, then yes it's gross! But if you're taking part in high intensity exercise, spitting during a workout can actually be a good thing. This is because it will help you to breathe during a strenuous workout if you get rid of that build up of saliva!

45. Sweating

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Sweating, even though it's a natural thing, is generally seen as gross - but mostly because of the potential smell that comes with it! Anyone will say that being in an enclosed space with someone sweaty and smelly is gross. But there are times when sweating is a good thing - namely, exercising! If you're not sweating during a workout, it can mean you're not working hard enough or your workout isn't as effective. The more you sweat, the better, because it means you're really pushing yourself, burning off those calories and getting your heart pumping.

46. Not flushing the toilet

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Okay, so it goes without saying that you should absolutely flush the toilet when you've done anything more than a pee! It would 100% be gross not to do that, whether you live alone or not (and especially in a public bathroom). But there are cases that not flushing when you've only had a pee can actually be a good thing, because it preserves water with less flushes! "If it's yellow, let it mellow" and all that... Most people might think that's gross, but really, if you're drinking so much water all day - like you should be - you don't want to be flushing the toilet 50 times!

47. Not shaving your pubic hair

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This is mostly considered 'gross' for women more than men - because of society's expectations and the idea that any hair is gross, when of course that's not true - but also for a lot of people, they can just generally feel cleaner down there if they completely shave, especially during that time of the month. In reality, pubic hair is there for a reason - and it can actually do you more good to not shave it. Pubic hair can prevent friction during movement and help to protect against certain diseases. If you're shaving, you're also running the risk of cuts, irritation and ingrown hairs!

48. Chewing for too long

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A lot of people will say that one of their biggest pet peeves is being next to someone who is chewing really, really loudly and for a long, long time - it never seems to end. Even if they have their mouth closed, it can be a huge gross red flag for a lot of people if they're a loud eater. But chewing for a long time can actually be a good thing, because it means you're eating your food mindfully and taking your time to break it down, which can be better for your digestion and avoid bloating or eating your food too fast like when you're stress eating!

49. Living with animals

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Obviously we have the popular choice of dogs and cats, but some people - like farmers or people who have livestock - may actually have other animals in their homes, like ponies, donkies or llamas! Some people might think having animals wandering around the house can be unhygenic or gross, especially livestock, but there are lots of benefits for this. With regular dogs and cats you get the benefits of unconditional love and everything that comes with it, but in general, living with any sort of animal could also help strengthen you against allergies and asthma, some studies have shown.

50. Smearing hot sauce over your food

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If you're someone who happens to like things spicy all of the time, you might get disappointed looks from family and friends when you put hot sauce all over whatever it is you've order, or what your mom has been lovingly cooking in the kitchen! But there have been health benefits shown with eating hot sauce regularly throughout the week. What others might call gross, you can now say helps to improve gut health, reduce inflammation and help with metabolic status. To reap the benefits, spicy food or sauces at least three times a week is the best way to go!