6 Bad Habits You Might Have Inherited from Your Parents

Our parents have a big impact on our habits. For instance, children whose parents smoke are more than twice as likely to smoke according to research.

We don’t just pick up the habits we see. You may have inherited some of your bad habits through genetics. This has been demonstrated in studies on twins who have similar behavior despite being separated at birth.

In short, you can inherit bad habits from your parents through observation or genetics. These are some of the common habits people inherit from their parents.

1. DRINKING COFFEE EVERY DAY

If you can’t seem to cut back on coffee, your genes may be to blame. Some people metabolize caffeine faster, which means they have to drink more to feel happy and energetic.

An Italian study found that a gene called PDSS2 plays a role in caffeine metabolism. Those with greater expression of this gene tend to drink less coffee. An earlier study involving more than 120,000 people also found that our genes affect how much coffee we drink.

  

2. WORRYING ALL THE TIME.

You may have picked up the habit of worrying and being anxious all the time from your parents through both genetics and behavioral influence.

Before they learn a language, children are very good at reading emotions. If a child notices a parent is anxious all the time, they may learn to react to situations the same way.

3. SKIMPING ON YOUR WORKOUTS

Do you want to stay fit but can’t seem to exercise consistently? Your genes may be holding you back.

Some people have a gene that interferes with the release of dopamine, which means they may not derive a lot of pleasure from exercise.

According to research, this works both ways. Those who have the “workout genes” get more pleasure from exercise, which makes them more likely to exercise.

4. POOR EATING HABITS

Have you ever wondered why some people enjoy veggies while others can’t stand them? It turns out there’s a connection between bitterness and genes. Some people enjoy bitter foods, while others find them too intense.

Those sensitive to bitterness may choose sweet foods, which tend to be higher in calories.

It’s also worth mentioning that your parents’ eating habits may have affected you. If your parents were picky eaters, you’re likely to be a picky eater; if they overeat, you may overeat.

5. HITTING THE SNOOZE BUTTON

Don’t beat yourself up for not being a morning person. Research shows that some people are genetically predisposed to be early birds while others are night owls.

6. HOLDING YOURSELF BACK

When parents discouraged their kids from outshining their peers or speaking their minds during childhood, they tend not to put themselves out there when they’re adults. Other than learning this behavior, you may also inherit traits that support it, such as being an introvert.

You’re not doomed if you inherited any of these habits from your parents. You can form new healthy habits and live a healthy lifestyle.