5 Classic Bad Habits That Have Surprising Benefits

Cracking knuckles, biting nails, swearing...we've all got bad habits that we might feel a little bad about-but did you know these 'bad' habits actually have some surprising benefits? Join Hank Green for a fun new episode of SciShow!
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Sources:
(Knuckle Cracking)
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
onlinelibrary....
link.springer....
press.rsna.org...
www.loc.gov/rr...
www.auroraheal...
(Gum Chewing)
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
www.tandfonlin...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
www.ncbi.nlm.n...
(Swearing)
www.sciencedir...
www.emeraldins...
www.academia.e...
journals.lww.c...
www.wired.com/...
(Nail biting)
pediatrics.aap...
www.sciencedir...
www.researchga... www.elitedaily...
www.mayoclinic...
www.baos.org.u...
danieladental....
(Complaining)
journals.aom.o...
onlinelibrary....
psycnet.apa.or...
www.psychology...
digest.bps.org...
www.cambridge....
IMAGES
• Real-time MRI of joint...
en.wikipedia.o...
commons.wikime...

[@SciShow]

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[@KaylaPearlCPNinja]

SciShow when I was in high school, they banned chewing gum from the campus because students were being irresponsible with how they dispose their chewed pieces of gum. Personally I've discovered that whether I'm chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy, I'm able to focus more on my work.

[@ferhatkaynar9114]

Uneducated guess, human has been stationary while eating, chewing is our way of telling our brain we are vulnerable to predators.

[@novastar3990]

Great, now we’re gonna have people going around and swearing all the time...

[@Olematonnimi]

Why no mention of xylitol gum? It helps your teeth.

[@danielitabustos]

Scishow, los niños que se chupan el pulgar pueden generar malformaciones maxilomandibulares, ojo con eso. Como el chupete

[@nickgehr6916]

Mom: *YOU SHOULD STOP CURSING* Me: *muscle hank said its good for me*

[@unicornswag888]

Daddy Hank knows best.

[@nolanwestrich2602]

@@unicornswag888 IMPOSTER ALE.. I think? I don't remember.

[@marcy7540]

😂😂😂

[@Zoot101]

Who is Muscle Hank?

[@xneffenx]

Zoot101 GOD GROVEL IN FEAR AND PRAISE

[@DannyBeans]

I accidentally let out an F-bomb in an argument with my boss the other day. He seemed shocked at the time, but has been taking me more seriously ever since.

[@greenredblue]

Precision F-strikes do seem to help in prolonged-contact professional relationships.

[@rexfarcan]

@@greenredblue considering you don't get fired

[@mastod0n1]

@@rexfarcan I mean as long as you aren't cursing AT someone or using slurs then I don't see why it would be an issue

[@rexfarcan]

@@mastod0n1 he says in his comment that he's arguing with his boss

[@RobinTheBot]

Ime this works better for men than women. I have never seen anything but bad rep from it.

[@abbieq11]

How to wake up according to SciShow videos: 1. Drink coffee 2. Chew gum 3. Take a cold shower

[@GoldenOwl97]

And swear at the shower for being cold

[@vinxcxcxcxc6354]

@@GoldenOwl97 take a cold shower but start at the foot up for your body to acclimate to the cold specially if you are at an older age

[@lukemjm]

You have to have already woken up to do any of these.

[@PTNLemay]

Make sure it's 5 gum, and you're set.

[@greenredblue]

ɮօʊռċɛ օʄʄ Ewww... that’s not what blush is for! ;)

[@christelheadington1136]

Swearing in front of friends & co-workers OK, swearing AT them, not so much.

[@nunliski]

@@freedapeeple4049 You learned the hard way that you shouldn't abuse people? Did someone beat your ass?

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Been told that before... AND I simply replied, "Look, you get a choice. I can use my words or I can use my fists. SO head or gut?" They quickly decided that my swearing wasn't much of a problem anymore. ;o)

[@cpenner7086]

@@gnarthdarkanen7464 sounds like you have anger issues and should probably check that out

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@@cpenner7086 Spent most of my adult life figuring it out... The US Navy gave us Chaplains... but from there to therapists... and just really good friends... I've delved into martial arts/sports and learned to embrace my rage... accepting it makes it a part of me. rather than leaving it to take control... You don't have to worry. AND... for what it's worth... I can jump up and down and rant and rave, making a BIG BIG scene... and nobody's at risk. If I'm ever "dangerous", it's when I get quiet and cool... calculated. BUT that's just me knowing me... {laughs} I've reckoned with my rage and only hope (endlessly) to help others recognize where they may have trouble... but that there's a light at the end of the tunnel... and not necessarily the headlamp of the oncoming train. ;o)

[@randenrichards5461]

See to me it’s all about timing and use. If you are swearing every other word, personally I won’t take you seriously. If you are someone that never swears I probably won’t find you interesting. If you swear to punctuate a point and use them as colorful examples then I think you hit the perfect amount of use.

[@thebigsad9463]

Oh boy, I hope *Eating 200g of chocolate a day* is on this list

[@19DannyBoy65]

I read this as 200 kg

[@gfr9109]

@@safir2241 thatsthejoke.jpg

[@jakobryan2353]

Safir litterally nobody cares, it sucks but you’re not the person to decide what’s funny or not. it’s a joke get the stick out if you’re ass.

[@JT-wf7ou]

I mean if it's dark chocolate it actually might be. Darker chocolates do have more antioxidants and can help with heart health and cholesterol. Not entirely sure in what amounts though.

[@coffeewind4409]

@@safir2241 Do you need help with the stick that's firmly nested in your GI tract

[@TheGreatCalsby]

I'm here to kick ass, bite nails, crack knuckles and complain a lot... And I'm all out of gum.

[@thephoenician9597]

and nails

[@Galvantez]

That made my goddamn day!

[@sophiegrey9576]

I'm here to kick gum and chew ass. And I'm all out of ass.

[@texmex8220]

*gives u stick of gum(

[@mongomoonbladder8023]

Stop whining and get on with it ! 😁

[@rachell1794]

"Studies show that swearing can help you tolerate pain, like keeping your hand in cold water longer" Anyone else remember this Mythbusters' episode?

[@Darticus42]

Rachel Losacco when he mentioned that they have better vocabulary I immediately thought of Kari's story about having a book of swear words as a teen

[@aislin2989]

Babies! Baby hippos.

[@nejdalej]

Having said that I swear like a sailor and still I have such a small pain tolerance x

[@deseuryderia]

@Lesbian Amazon Sister yeah it's like, less than 10 people, right?

[@kuntamdc]

I do not. Sh!k, I should find it and watch it.

[@DevonWlodyga]

I'd rather cuss than complain, but a well-placed "WTF" really bridges the two.

[@Liusila]

Devon Wlodyga Well put!

[@ladyraven3418]

It really is an art.

[@thetayz72]

The military definitely has swearing and complaining covered. Nothing like a good group bitching session to boost morale.

[@greenredblue]

Now crawl through the mud and chew your nails! S’good for ya. Get all them little micronutrients.

[@Raythe]

Common enemy promotes co-operation

[@instanoodles]

After leaving the military I had to tone down the swearing. I mean I swear like every second word when I am not paying attention but I dont use as colourful of words as I did when I was in the Navy, have gotten some really bad looks for what I thought was a normal joke....

[@ginginami]

@@instanoodles apparently expressing mild annoyance by saying you want to "punch em in the face" is not acceptable in the civilian world. Especially if you left for the army not swearing at all.

[@DonaldJDuck-ql3jj]

That's so true and nobody talks about it

[@MattJasa]

10:05 If complaining was an art-form my mom would be Picasso

[@clarencesiason8349]

Mine is Pollock

[@oybekoyhonim]

So she never complains?

[@alejandracastaneda-schell7222]

I'm Vangoah then 😅

[@rookieman329]

My dad would be Beethoven

[@sween187]

Chewing is a rhythm, your brain loves rhythm it helps it focus on a task, therefore you can block everything out and focus in the task better.

[@benfillman4049]

@Thelegend27 imagine being unable to discern a typological mistake from a grammatical one but still trying to take the intellectual high-ground over a random KZbin commenter

[@jeffdroog]

Sources?

[@mastod0n1]

I manage a restaurant and I've definitely found that the best strategy for employees complaining is to let them vent and affirm that I hear them and agree. Generally it's something minor that doesn't require follow up, but other times it brings something to my attention that I was unaware of and I can find a good time to address the issue.

[@abbieq11]

Seriously, complaining is good for you? Ugh, I hate this

[@alexanderalexandrov5160]

There may be more to that in order to work. Unfortunately some people's complaining has no effect on them.

[@andrewbinam9220]

Oh Boi, I found the ironically funny one. I too am a man of culture

[@nguyencaotri3879]

Dude I know right? Wanna be friends?

[@crypterion_moon]

I see what you did there, ha

[@shallandavarpainterofsouls9509]

yeah, this is terrible, complaining is bad for you.

[@stephanieflorence8109]

Glad to hear that swearing quietly in the other room when my kids drive me bat-**** crazy can help me be a better parent by reducing stress.

[@scarletbard6511]

Hope your stress isn't too bad nowadays.

[@safir2241]

Man I love the new thumbnail & style of these videos. My dad said Hank is talking slower & more clearly. The tiny acting scenes are great as well. Good job Scishow!

[@christophelesmacgillicutty9677]

Well, there you habit

[@MikkaPower]

This is for you: *gives gun*

[@Hugo-lm7ed]

MikkaPower oh thanks for the *gum* 2:39

[@olinatorrr]

the doors to the left

[@katherineirving7189]

Love your humor! And play on words.

[@kordorkongri3068]

This comment is underrated xD

[@EvelynnEleonore]

I have arthritis and whenever people tell me I need to stop cracking my knuckles to not make it worse I just roll my eyes so hard

[@EvelynnEleonore]

@saladnuts the arthritis is also in my feet so i can't really do that either ;;

[@actuallymario7676]

Ankles be the worst lmao least for me

[@steve1978ger]

Do they then tell you to not roll your eyes ;) Seriously I hate people who tell others how to move or posture All the best with your arthritis though

[@KnightMirkoYo]

That made me wonder. Is rolling one's eyes a bad habit too?

[@cgaccount3669]

If you have a medical condition then perhaps it could make it worse?? I don't know, but you never know. A healthy bad habit might only be healthy if you are healthy.

[@kyliemarie1069]

I needed to hear that knuckle cracking thing. I have lymes disease, and it’s really messed up my joints. My grandma and mom have always told me cracking my knuckles is awful. The doctor said it’s fine but my grandma still believes it’s, but this reassured me it’s okay. Thank you 😊

[@uhohhotdog]

0:43 Knuckle Cracking 2:30 Gum Chewing 4:41 Swearing 7:23 Nail Biting 9:15 Complaining

[@carboncrafter793]

Thank you so much

[@metzli_moon]

Thanks so much

[@codyofathens3397]

You out here doing the Lord's work.

[@youngblood7308]

Uhohhotdog Gaming These are mostly bad habits

[@fusionart4377]

Young Blood Di... Did you not read the title of the video?..

[@Psycro]

i like seeing the subtitles as the episode was written and then hearing the words hank chose to use in the moment, idk why.

[@thebigsad9463]

I always knew knuckle cracking isn't bad for you! *Take that mom*

[@marcy7540]

😂😂😂

[@mirjanbouma]

You have a very well chosen username.

[@Danfunnyman1234]

It's a wonderful white powdery wonderland

[@kiraPh1234k]

I bet your mom's prouder of the username than the knuckle cracking.

[@LadyAneh]

It may not be bad for you, but holy crap-wads is it annoying. (No offense)

[@gabrielapollard9684]

Over the summer, I was a deep water lifeguard, and I can definitely say that we all cursed a lot when guests weren’t around 😂. It helped us get our frustrations out to talk about how people were acting and everything. I feel it made us more productive in our jobs.

[@Sciencerely]

"Habits that aren't all bad" - my personal standards

[@ashwednesday4759]

Many people don't really complain about things much, but I noticed that it can be relieving to hear others complain since it is possible that it is something that you also tend to complain about. Kind of like how a common enemy can bring people together.

[@xFirebird925x]

When you can swear comfortably with someone, y'all are buddies.

[@ginnyjollykidd]

Let 'em swear back and let them have catharsis, too!

[@ginnyjollykidd]

When I was in 6th grade and one of the most heinous of school - kid behaviors happened and I told Dad, I said I was so mad I wanted to cuss. Well he let me and I yelled and cussed every cuss word I could think of till I ran out of energy, and I felt better. And then Dad fixed the situation without any confrontation: merely using calm, quiet ingenuity to change a shaming situation into a cool and funny thing. I💜 my dad.

[@cheea5]

@@ginnyjollykidd That's great!

[@shallandavarpainterofsouls9509]

unless your me 'cause the i would *murder you if you cussed around me. *not actually murder though, more like stare you down and chant "shame, shame shame" over and over again.

[@matthewharris-levesque5809]

Maybe this is why my friendship with buddy who got religion is falling apart. Swearing no longer acceptable. OMG! Religion wants to create distance... Reduce interpersonal bonds... It's a conspiracy! Also the Earth is not the center of the universe. It's the moon. Sillies.

[@daemontargaryon9534]

great video thx for another one :) near the end you mention complaining and how you might not want to rethink it again but actually you're MORE correct when you say therapists often recommend you don't bottle the emotions up. I've been going to therapy a lot lately. and the one thing I've learned. is that therapists love for you to let out all the bullcrap that builds up because reliving it is part of how the brain processes your encounters in a healthy way.

[@daemontargaryon9534]

telling people not to complain is just unhealthy advice. i still love u tho mr greeeeeeeene bean

[@WhimsicalBlades]

"Doctors recommend you not chew your nails at all as an adult"... Slowly removes finger from mouth.

[@jessielefey]

The biggest problem with complaining *is* the catharsis, from all the science I have dug up. Like, in a double-edged sword way. It's really helpful for helping you cope with things that can't be changed, but really counterproductive for helping you change them, because the act of complaining about it seems enough for our brains to think we did something about it. (This is why you get inconsistent results on "is it helpful to tell people your goals?" Well, it depends on *how* you do it, and how they support you.) Sharing grievances does promote bonding to an extent, but like almost everything has a usage curve. Opening yourself up to showing you have an imperfect life is a gift and causes the same kind of bonding that any perceived debt causes (see also: science on doing people favours), but has the same issue of overdebt causing emotional burnout. Socializing is hard. //laugh//

[@azurestar3417]

The editing in this video is amazing

[@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195]

My first job felt very informal, so when I switched companies for the first time, I was kind concerned about how formal we should be. Then I heard my boss swearing during lunch break. Made me feel more relaxed The boss dude is very smart and very educated. Went to engineering school, then switched do programming, then to business. As an awkward person, I felt such ease to hear him swear! I don't really swear much, but, you know, I'd like to have an option when i'm frigging excited :D

[@jeffdroog]

Awesome story man.Write a book,and put that straight to the #1 best sellers.Might wanna throw in a vampire or something though.Make it good.

[@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195]

@@jeffdroogWell this is awkward, but I no longer like that boss dude 😅 Still feels good that if I swear it won't be the end of the world

[@michaelmeyers4843]

Swearing can be good for you? Deadpool wants to know your location.

[@ladyraven3418]

Captain America just shakes his damn head...

[@Yahriel]

I don't usually notice (or care) what people are wearing, but Hank... that shirt. It's so unique. I love it!

[@Tolop07]

I always thought my parents told me that cracking my knuckles damaged my joints because they found it annoying lol.

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

I’ve been chronically ill since I was 11, and was too ill to physically attend school at age 14. My Dad never quite understood why I would go over something that was bothering me about my health, sometimes going in a circle. But... I couldn’t control my health. I couldn’t control my treatment (my parents and doctors decided on it and I just had to go along). And when things went badly, I blamed myself a lot of the time. If I could think about the situation and come up with a strategy to manage my pain and anxiety, then I felt I had done my due diligence in trying to do what I could to control the situation. Sometimes it was just the illusion of control, but it still helped. It let me feel I’d done what I could. If I skipped that and I had a bad day or a lot of pain, I could blame myself for not strategizing and making newbie mistakes because of it. And I always have better brainstorming sessions when actually talking to someone. So while it looked like a comiseration party, it was one of the only ways I could control my anxiety and stress in a really bad situation I couldn’t escape from, with very little I could do to influence the outcome. Thank goodness now I’m at and age that, though my father still doesn’t get it, he respects that for whatever reason, it works for me, and he doesn’t try to tell me how unhelpful it is for me to do it anymore. Thank goodness for small mercies.

[@MrmeladaWasTaken]

Hank passes you the MetacarpoPhalangeal Joint, do you accept or nah?

[@bangasou12]

only if its muscle hank

[@Emilyandlizzytv]

You deny and pass him the temporomandibular joint. Pass or nah?

[@azraelle6232]

I'll take a a crack at it.

[@ginnyjollykidd]

Then I can complete my full ten complement! (oh sorry, 20. My toes, too.) BINGO!

[@freedapeeple4049]

I'm Canadian. I'm pretty sure I saw that strain for sale at the local pot shop...

[@Rustyrc83]

My best friend of 20 years and I don't get to see each other very often because we now live several hours apart. We have become so close because we air our greatest, darkest, most selfish grievances with each other. It's the most cathartic relationship I have because no matter what happens, I know I have someone to tell my honest opinion about the situation and my feelings will be validated, it truly helps to feel better and move forward after a stressful situation.

[@yamiraguero5541]

I love that you are everywhere in this video.

[@looneystooge]

As for why chewing has this effect...We don't know. Love your honesty Hank!

[@annelipietersen2287]

I've known that complaining is helpful for forever🤣 my cousin and I do this all the time. We send long ass voice notes to each other when we need to rant. Even if the other doesn't respond, it's just nice to get it off your chest.

[@minkuspower]

"stop feeling bad...kind of" Hank, you're amazing

[@nerdexproject]

I love the humor you guys mix into the videos! :3

[@stddgv11]

I definitely noticed that chewing gum stopped me from feeling sleepy at work. Something I've suffered with my whole life. I noticed that eating had the same effect. I assumed it made me more alert in my bodies attempt to keep me from falling asleep while eating which could result in death by choking. Which has happened to lots of inebriated people that passed out while eating. I prefer chewing gum over eating because after eating I get even more sleepy which doesn't seem to happen after just chewing gum.

[@snowball_from_earth]

The effect of swaring lessening pain is actually greater if you swear in your native language.

[@mirjanbouma]

@@faramund9865 obviously Dutch. 😂

[@Sanquinity]

@@mirjanbouma Dutch swearing is awesome for stuff like that. :p

[@haminacan]

@@Sanquinity you are right! Dutch has a thing called chain swearing in which all the words get chained together to form one word. Godvernondemiljaardeteringzooi. It's apparently a pretty rare linguïstic thing.

[@Sanquinity]

@@haminacan I always just saw that as us speaking really quickly making it sound like one word. :P We tend to do that a lot, especially in more rural areas with their dialects.

[@haminacan]

@@Sanquinity The more you know

[@amnesick3534]

I love you, Hank! This video made me feel better about my life some.

[@amandaengelman5168]

Also, it puts me at ease when people curse around me, as long as it's not angrily yelling curse words or cursing AT me. When I'm talking to someone I'm not sure about in a more formal environment and they curse, I'm all like "Oh, sweet. This person is cool."

[@ToastyBoy17]

I was curious, and found out that grunting/yelling has the same effect as cursing

[@Kimpes]

by what source?

[@PeterVJaspersFayer]

Keeee-YA!

[@gratefuldead4605]

I no longer swear often because I find that the curse words have more meaning behind them then when I use them constantly.

[@christelheadington1136]

Agreed

[@robodragonn9506]

I like to mix it up. Sometimes "heck" is perfect and sometimes you need a good f bomb. It all depends on the circumstance

[@peterjf7723]

I seldom swear but when a valve on a piece of equipment at work failed and caused around 50 litres of slightly corrosive chemicals to be deposited on the floor, I produced quite a burst of profanity.

[@mimsydreams]

That's true. People get scared like "OMG you made them curse!"

[@peterjf7723]

@Agnaye Ochani My outburst caused some amusement for my colleagues in the lab.

[@dijasom]

You nailed, the annoyance, and the secondary emotions of that guy chewing in the cubical over so perfectly, it had me laughing hysterically. :3

[@tesseraph]

Feeling TOTALLY EXONERATED about knuckle-cracking. NO CONTUSION!

[@acninee]

Yep

[@Azazreal]

I honestly love the fact that every once in a while you guys have to just say ''it works but science is confused''. This is why science rocks, it doesnt always know the reason something happens, but dammit it trys. xD

[@nickidennis8958]

My husband just went out to get pizza. It's not a bad habit. I'm just really excited about it.

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

You have my congratulations! 😅

[@nafrost2787]

Can you do an episode on specific heat? It's basic stuff, but it's the key to so much stuff, from temperature and weather patterns, to cooling systems.

[@ZivaLuthor]

"potty mouths have larger vocabularies" You know Eminem used to read the dictionary all the time

[@Kevin-jz9bg]

Yea amass that f***ing lexicon

[@conlon4332]

Do you ever just see that Hank's doing a video and watch it even though you might not have otherwise?

[@6alecapristrudel]

Protip: Don't chew gum if you have lots of tooth fillings or you may suddenly find yourself with less of them.

[@rin_okami]

Ya know, I always hear this, but I've never had it happen. On the other hand, gummy candy? Yeah, Haribo owes me some dental bills lol

[@saintchuck9857]

If you have that problem, find a real dentist.

[@lukemjm]

Happened to me.

[@KickBull]

Lol that's what happens when you trust the homeless guy in the shady corner of the street for a good tooth filling

[@acninee]

Chew away. If your fillings fall out in your gum then the filling was loose to start with and needs to be replaced/repaired. If you keep that filling in longer, you just allow bacteria and the acids they expire to leak under the filling and damage the tooth, which undermines the filling even more.

[@blakejones3176]

Bless people like your who list their sources

[@johnhmaloney]

The myth that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis, goes back a lot longer than 1990. I was told that when I was a kid in the late '70s-early '80s.

[@GeometryDashJake]

Yes, but the study was from the 90s

[@johnhmaloney]

@@GeometryDashJake Hank said "That factoid was based on a study from 1990" and I was pointing out that it goes back a lot longer.

[@GBfanatic15]

my best friend and I got on the phone after my grandfather died and I talked about him a bit and then she went on a venting about something else and it actually made me feel better, helped me get it off my mind and I know she needed to talk about it and I felt glad I could be there for her

[@Sparrow420]

About the gum - I heard something else, that if you chew gum on an empty stomach you can damage it because the process of chewing makes the body release stomach acids and because you're basically chewing "in neutral" and it can give you an ulcer.

[@jeffdroog]

Sources?

[@Sparrow420]

@@jeffdroog None, as I said I've only "heard" about it, I don't remember when it was a long time ago. It does make sense to me though, repeatedly chewing tells the brain to get ready to digest some stuff..

[@hynjus001]

Complaining is probably a proxy for processing which is very good. Get a journal, rant about your angers on it and then explore why you feel that way

[@sebastianelytron8450]

How about the habit of having to watch every single SciShow video and feeling like crap if you miss one?🤔

[@christelheadington1136]

It's not as bad as watching SciShow Psych & deciding you have every mental disorder that comes up.

[@漢字の準備]

And not as bad as watching every single SciShow video without supporting them on Patreon because of a lack of finances. 😭 I would totally donate generously if I were able to.

[@Master_Therion]

@@漢字の準備 I support them on Patreon, but you shouldn't feel bad if you can't. IIRC Hank has said he doesn't want people to support if they can't afford it. Just by watching (liking and commenting) you are helping SciShow financially. It gets the YT algorithm to recommend the video, which means more views and more ad revenue. Plus, the best thing about you watching this channel is that YOU learn something. And the world needs more smart people! ^_^

[@christelheadington1136]

@@漢字の準備 -U R not alone, with that.

[@漢字の準備]

@@Master_Therion Thanks, you're right. I make sure to leave a like on every video I watch that I like, even if I don't drop a comment. SciSchow is no exception. And, y'know what? It's not about the amount that's donated. It's more the thought, because if every one who watched donated $1, I'm sure _that_ would make a difference. It's like when Wikipedia asks for donations as well, and those requests are totally warranted since everybody uses Wikipedia and it's a croud-sourced community and Wiki doesn't run any ads, either. Makes me think of the banners that run across the top that asks for a meager $1 from each viewer. Perhaps I will donate. 😀 You've changed my perspective! Besides, I love to help out.

[@VampireSpork]

Hell yeah! This video is a proof that i am not crazy! :D When i first got my driving license, i've created small habit of start chewing gum every time before and while i am driving. I made it up like this, as i was so stressed driving on the road, with all these mad drivers around :D, so i needed something to sooth me silently and make me concentrate without distracting me from the road situation. I did not even know this is real thing nor people around me. All of my friends still think i am crazy due to this "strange driving habit" that i 've developed. Well, it helpled me a lot! So, thank you science for being there for me! :)

[@jeffdroog]

Best story in the world.Dont ever stop writing random comments about your life into the endless void of the internet.Its seriously the most interesting life I've heard of so far.

[@roguedogx]

For number 5 I recommend a simple suggestion to increase the benefits. Make your complaints funny. If you can complain in such a manner that allows the listeners to laugh at it, they probably won't mind listening to it. At least in my experience. This takes some practice, but if you can pull it off, it's better for everyone

[@Nekotaku_TV]

Never heard of chewing gum being a bad habit, unless you do it annoyingly and look dumb. Love the part about swearing. Being Swedish, it's very common for me to swear and it's not as taboo here as in some countries (America ehum). I knew about some of the facts, and always try to fight the misconception that it's "bad" and shows lack of vocabulary. Swearing are just words that serve a purpose, adding something other words can't. It all makes sense, and it fits me since I can be quite passionate and is extremely honest. I also never use those "sexist" words. Knowing these things I'm not afraid to do it. Never felt bad about it. They don't have magical powers that some seem to think they have... But, everything in moderation of course. Love this video.

[@ABurntMuffin]

"the action itself was super soothing" Mate, mate. Our ancestors were ground foraging and tree dwelling apes. The act of being still and eating makes the organism vulnerable. Are you really not surprised that the animals that survived were more alert in this vulnerable state?

[@jeffdroog]

Sources?

[@cookeymonster83]

And our earlier ancestors swam and ate at the same time but swimming and eating now is really stressful. What with all the drowning

[@Zeldur]

Oh man, popping your back if it's been tight all day feels great

[@burningSHADOW42]

Griping is a very important part of culture in parts of Austria, especially in Vienna. We mostly call it "sudern"

[@cookeymonster83]

As a Brit its also a huge part of our culture

[@firebirdheats]

I've had arthritis my whole life and you would not believe the amount of divine relief that popping my joints gives

[@fboyg91]

If swearing means people have a wide vocabulary then the US Military has some of the widest vocabularies in the world.

[@alexkirrmann8534]

Well they are the 1%. Lol.

[@backwoodsjunkie08]

Just like working in a machine shop

[@Ravenkiko]

my fiancee entered the military (infantry) as soon as he could and his swearing got turned up to 11. maybe it does foster camaraderie

[@fboyg91]

Ravenkiko it does, to an extent. There’s a lot of things that build camaraderie in the military, particularly in combat jobs, but there’s also a plethora of things that needs to be cussed at. I cussed at my machine gun, I cussed because of my machine gun, I cussed the rocks I tripped on, I cussed going on patrol, I cussed stupid officers, I cussed the weather...come to think of it, there wasn’t much I didn’t cuss at. But it’s mostly shared misery and being forced to rely on each other that builds brotherhood. Cursing all day like you just stubbed your toe just comes with the territory.

[@yellowcactustvz4929]

@@fboyg91 Thanks *Fart Raptor* for that deep view

[@gabrielapollard9684]

Something that I have done all my life is chewing my tongue when I’m nervous or focused. I remember when my mom noticed when I was around 8 years old, and I noticed that I still do it during times I need to concentrate.

[@thekingoffailure9967]

I have a particular spot on my inner lip I like to bite with my fang teeth when I'm focused or anxious

[@snmason]

But why is the pattern horizontal only on one panel of Hank’s shirt? 😱

[@codyofathens3397]

Why? Why did you point this out? Did I hurt you in some way? Have I offended you or your house? Why have you made me see this? I cannot unsee it!

[@snmason]

Cody Mintz-Thibault I’m deeply sorry.

[@codyofathens3397]

@@snmason I'll never forgive you for this! Lol

[@rowan4684]

@karen madeiras speaking as someone who DOES have anxiety, i would appreciate it if you wouldn't treat it as a joke :) thank you

[@ilovetotri23]

This video is priceless!!!!! Thanks for the post!!!!!

[@Master_Therion]

People tell me to stop smoking, that it's a bad habit. But it's my favorite way to cook meat :(

[@richardbidinger2577]

I want to start smoking.

[@MysteryHardRocker]

Try vaping your meat

[@joshuanorman2]

I buy all my salmon vaped

[@Roope00]

Beating your meat before smoking makes it all better.

[@tremolo6940]

I'm super confident that "swearing to endure pain" is directly linked to, if not the same exact phenomenon as, grunting/yelling to get those last few reps in at the gym

[@qanta95]

I think that being alert while chewing is probably some remnant instinct from one of our early ancestors as a defense mechanism because of how vulnerable one can be while eating.

[@jamesgarrett7844]

Could be, i’m interested to see if there’s any support for this idea.

[@user-ko4zp1wm2i]

I dont think so. We can just spit it out in a second or just gulb it down. Even if we dont our Body can defend himself in the same way like we wouldnt eat something. Dogs Etc have to be more alert because of there lack of Defense while they are eating. They have to put there Face down, its loud and they cant defend thereself while they have something in there Mouth

[@scottg3192]

@@user-ko4zp1wm2i you do know we weren't always bipedal humans right?

[@JKR9488]

I'd definitely agree with the complaints one. Me and my best mate fell out a few years ago about something pointless, and we both have each other the time to rant at each other about what annoyed us about one another. Needless to say we worked through it and we're like brothers now

[@5610winston]

"In certain extreme and trying circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even unto prayer." - Samuel Langhorne Clemens

[@amai_zing]

Wow, thank you so much! I’ve always been so down in myself for so many of these, it’s good to know that there might be an underlying reason why I do them habitually (other than they’re just bad habits)!!! If only my finger nail biting still has some benefit.... =/

[@downsidebrian]

How many people cracked their knuckles when the words came on screen?

[@jmz1736]

And neck

[@downsidebrian]

And toes.

[@megatrix500]

@@downsidebrian And chest.

[@caramelapple5562]

I am physically unable to crack my knuckles, lol (but I can crack my neck, weirdly enough)

[@jamesburke9651]

You are a good friend Hank. Cheers mate.

[@starrmayhem]

when i hear any words including swear words, i will translate it into their meaning & state of emotion etc; as long as those words aren't ill-defined, i'll never matter what words they use

[@RaindropsBleeding]

Mildly interesting observation: I had to adjust my volume when the video started and it caused me to notice that the distance the volume indicator moves when I press the volume up/down button is exactly equal to one unit on the grid background for the opening

[@Doorisessa]

1:39 --so there is an actual /reason/ that my hands and fingers feel more flexible if I crack my knuckles before practicing the piano!

[@eva-mariahanchar4174]

I learned this cool informative tidbit by experience: Gum chewing and nail bitting can also degrade the enamel off your teeth in addition to chronical behaviours. I use to bite my nails in my childhood as a stress mechanism as well as chew gum a lot. Now as an adult I have been told the gum chewing increases salivary gland production increasing the acidity of the mouth, coupled with he physical erosion of my teeth from nail bitting and my affinity for food high in acidity(pickles, lime, coffee) my teeth are showing premature signs of degradation. So lesson: everything in moderation?

[@Tastical]

People who bite nails: Strong Me, who bit my toenails as a kid: Interesting...

[@rookieman329]

Me who cracks toe joints instead of knuckles: Interesting

[@markholm7050]

The common debate about knuckle cracking causing some some of joint injury, arthritis or otherwise, long predates 1990. I know I heard it as a child, and I already had some gray hair by 1990!

[@valshaped]

"Are less likely to develop allergies" TELL THAT TO MY ALLERGIES

[@jeffdroog]

Less...Less likely...Not impossible...Less likely...I figure if I just repeat it enough you will understand lol

[@cookeymonster83]

Hear hear

[@InvictusByz]

Hypothesis (guess would be more accurate, tbh) with absolutely 0 evidence, but perhaps the connection between chewing and alertness was to help us defend our food. I've seen some insane reaction times specifically from people protecting their food.

[@SimoraCheeks1]

That makes sense. Chewing is loud in your own head. Since your hearing is affected, being more alert while chewing seems like a reasonable evolutionary response. Otherwise you might lose your food... or become something else's.

[@steve25782]

Mark Twain: There are times, difficult times, trying times, when there's a peace given to profanity that is denied even to prayer. :-)

[@markchip1]

Ignoring the brain activity and sugar related damage to teeth, I had thought that the biggest danger from chewing gum was from its autonomic stimulation of gastric activity, whereby excessive chewing could overstimulate the production of gastric secretions (essentially digestive acids) leading to an increased risk of gastric or duodenal ulcers! I happen to have mild gastritis and gum chewing gave me stomach pains so I stopped - and the pains stopped occurring (except under direct stress!).

[@jolenesnow1032]

I chewed gum compulsively all through college until I had TMJ issues and my dentist told me to stop

[@mariapp4825]

:(

[@jeffdroog]

...cool story?

[@greenredblue]

“If the words that escape your lips when you stub your toe would make your mom clutch at her pearls, then I’ve got good news for you. *Your mom can afford pearls!* But also...”

[@pay1370]

And here i am, finally free of my nailbiting with just about every allergy imaginable

[@AJ213Probably]

What did you do to cure yourself from nail biting?

[@pay1370]

@@AJ213Probably started painting my nails, whenever i bit them i would get pieces of nailpolish stuck between my teeth. Hated that enough to make me stop and didnt make all the food i touched taste horrible like those nail biting pens.

[@R-MD]

The joint bubble thing reminds me of the mechanism pistol shrimp use to stun their prey. Funny how tiny traits can become so exaggerated.

[@Gbelk]

I'm glad nail-biting is a "when you're young" thing... I bit my nails when i was young, but I couldn't imagine doing it now.

[@Wandrng_drifter]

Hank: KNUCKLE CRACKING my knuckles: Ah shiz here we go again

[@Dichtsau]

i have something to add to number 3, swearing: there is complete consensus why swearing lessens pain. go ask just any martial artist why he is doing the noises when striking. you will be surprised, i promise! =)

[@Kiku91]

I heard the fact of the nail-biting before. Growing up I had a stupidly strong immunity (I could count how many times I got sick enough to stay home from school). And I was a voracious nail biter. My parents tried everything, because for some reason, I would chew the quick off after the nail and my fingers would start bleeding. Acrylic nails was the only thing that could stop me short term, but as I became an adult, the one thing that stopped it was trimming my nails down to the nubs. It's been very effective, and now I can let my nails grow for a month without chewing, unless I get a hangnail and the unevenness agitates me.

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

I knew all that thumb sucking would be good for me in the long run. 👍🏼

[@VariantAEC]

And nail biting! Though I probably still messed up my jaw by falling on my head too much... TBIs not even once (if you can avoid it).