In fact, here are some habits that can backfire:

Habit #1: Doing chores when you get home from work. Like going on a cleaning spree as soon as we walk through the door. How can that be a bad thing? Because it keeps our stress hormone levels elevated. They’re high at work – during our commute – and then stay that way as we clean up at home. That can weaken our immune system and cause all sorts of health problems. That’s why psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo gives us permission to put our feet up and relax during the work-week…And save chores for the weekend.

The 2^nd healthy-sounding habit that can backfire: Having small meals throughout the day – rather than 3 normal-sized meals. A lot of people think that if they do that, they’ll keep their energy up, and be less likely to overeat because they’ll never be ravenous. And in theory, that’s true… The problem is, people who eat several small meals tend to eat more because their food intake is harder to keep track of.

Here’s a surprising habit that isn’t as healthy as it seems: Washing our pillowcases every week. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, we’re wasting our time if we can’t remember the last time we also washed our actual pillows, too. Because dust mite allergies affect more than 1-in-10 people…And studies show that the greatest number of dust mites are found in the bedroom, because they feed on our sweat and dead skin cells. So, at least once a month, we need to wash our pillows in hot water – not just our pillowcases.