We often look at things that can be sinfully good as being vices when they go too far and sometimes we even refer to them as addictions. For instance, I know people who say they are addicted to ice cream, sex, or social media. Some vices such as eating too much ice cream really have no redeeming value other than making you feel good, even in limited quantities. Others such as drinking wine or eating dark chocolate can have redeeming health value when done in moderation, challenging traditional health advice. Let’s take a look at a few examples where you can achieve both pleasure as well as health benefits from doing something frequently.
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Key Points
- Good vices can provide a sense of relaxation and stress relief for men in a healthy way.
- Indulging in a moderate vice can serve as a form of self-care and provide a break from the demands of everyday life.
- Enjoying a vice in moderation can help men unwind and recharge, improving their overall well-being.
- Engaging in a vice can be a way for men to connect with others and build social bonds.
- When balanced with responsible behavior, good vices can enhance a man's quality of life and contribute to his happiness and fulfillment.
Article Index
We all want to be healthy and make sure that we live long and happy lives. Working out, eating well, and making sure that you eat plenty of veggies isn’t what it is all about, though. There is some room for ‘guilty’ pleasures of so-called vices that we just can’t get enough of. However, in order for them to not hinder your health, they need to be something that is only consumed in moderation. There are some options that can help to keep you healthy and reduce your risks for certain things, like allergies or heart disease, so establishing some healthy vices can be good for you.
What Is A Good Example Of A Vice?
Several commonly used vices are greed, anger and lust, jealousy, gluttony, pride, and sloth (laziness). A
One vice that is often overlooked but can be just as destructive is envy. Envy is a feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. It can lead to bitterness, comparison, and a constant feeling of inadequacy. Envy can drive individuals to make poor decisions in an attempt to level the playing field or undermine those they are envious of.
It can also damage relationships and create a toxic environment of competition and hostility. It is important to recognize and address feelings of envy to cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment in one’s own life.
As a blogger, the concept of envy and the associated feeling of FOMO is a big challenge that folks like myself face on a daily basis. This however is a great example of a vice that can be good or bad depending on your ability to control it. For instance, I can feel jealousy and it can lead to envy when I see another blogger working with a brand that I love.
if I allow that feeling to cause me to react in anger or allow it to distort my focus then that's bad. However, if I harness that feeling and use it to drive me forward and be more creative, innovative, and productive, then it can be a good vice.
Vices Sound Bad, So What's A Good So Called Vice?
Good vices are those that provide a healthy balance in our lives. Research suggests these vices can still be “fun” but can also be dangerous to your mental and physical health or disruptive to your social life and family if abused. However, they also provide some value and can serve as a way to relax, unwind, and enjoy life in moderation.
These good vices can be a means of self-care and self-expression, allowing us to indulge in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. Good vices can also help us to connect with others, whether it be through shared hobbies or experiences. Ultimately, having good vices can contribute to our overall well-being and happiness, enhancing our quality of life.
So establishing some healthy vices that can actually benefit you can be a good thing, rather than reaching for something that will impact your health in a negative way. So with all of that in mind, here are some vices that can actually do you some good.
Red Wine: A Guilty Pleasure
Wine - as well as many other low-proof alcoholic beverages, can have health benefits due to alcohol’s ability to help you relax, and this often leads to reduced blood pressure. However, the star here is Red Wine. Red wine is considered the healthier option compared to white wine due to chemicals found in the skin of the grapes referred to as resveratrol, a polyphenol that is commonly found in grape skins. Resveratrol is said to have significant health benefits including lowering cholesterol, lowering blood sugar, and other circulatory benefits, such as helping to lower blood pressure. While grapes used for both red and white wine have this chemical in their skins, red wines transfer more of it to the wine because red wines spend more time in contact with the skin to give them more color and tannins. Generally speaking, red wine grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon have higher levels of polyphenols (including resveratrol). Still, many grapes, including the more delicate Pinot Noir, can have high levels of resveratrol as well.
While you might want to use this as an excuse to enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner, it is likely that you can see a similar benefit from simply eating table grapes or drinking non-alcoholic grape juice.
Dark Chocolate
There has been a study that found that people who have a couple of squares of dark chocolate on a regular basis can actually reduce their risk of heart disease by nearly 40% as well as reducing risk of stroke by nearly 30%. Additionally, consuming dark chocolate can contribute to a longer life due to its numerous health benefits, such as improving heart health and reducing inflammation. So if you want something sweet that won’t be as bad for you, then dark chocolate is the best option. If you want to choose the dark chocolate that is going to be the best for your health, then choose 100% cocoa. Remember, though, it is going to be the most effective for you if it is consumed within moderation.
Tanning
Some research shows that when you get plenty of vitamin D, it can be such a good thing to help reduce risks of osteoporosis and boost your immune system. While this is commonly seen as a female ailment, men can suffer from osteoporosis too. The sun can be harmful when exposed to it in extreme conditions and when you don’t protect yourself. But if you expose yourself in the right way, the sun’s rays, for ten minutes each day can make a difference. Still wear sunscreen, though, as it will make sure that you’re protected but won’t impact how much vitamin D you can create.
Eating Fatty Foods Like Mixed Nuts and Salmon
If you want to be healthy then you can naturally assume that anything that is called a ‘fat’ is going to be something that is best to avoid. However, you don't need to constantly worry about all fats. Healthy fats, and there are many, can be good things in your diet. They can help you to feel full, provide you with some vital amino acids, and help to reduce your risk of inflammation.
The fats to look out for and to have in your diet are fats that are in nuts, olives, avocados, and oily fish like mackerel. When good fats are consumed in moderation they can also help your body absorb nutrients. It might be counter intuitive but for instance, a salad that is just lettuce might not be able to have your body absorb the nutrients compared to one with a bit of dressing on it. Of course, like everything on this list … it’s all about moderation. Putting too much blue cheese dressing, tons of cheese, croutons, and other garnish will start to diminish any health value. We suggest simply adding some pecans, avocado slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing instead!
Health Advice For Men Seeking To Develop More Good Vices
One important piece of health advice for men trying to develop better habits is to prioritize regular exercise. Being lazy is a big vice that can lead to many other problems in your life and while you shouldn't have to constantly worry about staying in shape - being driven to perform and improve your mind, body and spirit should be the goal of every man.
Physical activity not only helps build strength and improve overall health but also significantly enhances mental focus and reduces stress.
Incorporating a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises into a weekly routine can help men achieve a well-rounded fitness level. Additionally, focusing on a balanced diet rich in nutrients, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels are crucial components of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By making these positive changes, men can improve their physical and mental well-being, leading to a stronger and more focused life.
