5 Bathroom Habits We Need to Break Immediately

Peeing and using a toilet might seem like a very simple thing to do. It’s something so natural that we don’t even give it a second thought. But there are mistakes that we can make that might affect our health. For example, the habit of peeing “just in case” before you leave your house can actually have negative consequences.

We at Bright Side are always amazed at how the simplest habits can turn into something way more complex. So here’s what you need to know about your toilet routine!

1. You pee “just in case.”

Before leaving home, you might think it’s a good idea to go to the bathroom, even though you might not really need to. It’s fine if you’re going out for a long time and it might be difficult to find a restroom. It also makes sense if you’re going out for a long run. However, if you do it unnecessarily each time, you’ll start feeling the urge to pee more often, even when your bladder isn’t full.

2. You push to pee.

Sometimes when you want to pee more quickly or to fully empty your bladder you might strain. However, that’s not a healthy thing to do, because, over time, it’ll make your pelvic floor muscles weaker. This can make it difficult to hold in pee or poop and to support your organs.

3. You sit on the toilet incorrectly.

Don’t hover over the toilet seat, even in public bathrooms. If only your toes reach the ground, you should put something underneath your feet, like a step stool or a yoga block. If your feet aren’t flat on the ground, this can create tension and make it more difficult to pee or poop. Ideally, your knees should also be higher than your hips and you should lean forward to bring your shoulders and knees closer together.

4. You limit your water to pee less often.

How much water you drink might not be the reason you pee so often, and drinking less water can actually make bladder issues worse. The real reasons can range from drinking coffee, to anxiety and other health problems. If you want to go to the bathroom less frequently, you can also change the way you drink. Instead of chugging, try sipping.

5. You pee in the shower.

Peeing in the shower might feel like a convenient and even environmentally-friendly thing to do. However, it might make your brain associate running water with the urge to pee. And every time you hear water, this connection might make you want to pee.

Have you ever made any of these mistakes? Do you think there’s anything else we should know about bathroom habits?