We live in a world where we are constantly being told what is good for us and what isn’t. This can range from food, to the people we should date, to the cars we should drive. It can be hard to differentiate fact from fiction under the topic of what is truly good for us, physically and mentally, so here is my list of five things we think aren’t hurting us.

1. Diet soda (or Coke, pop, or whatever you want to call it).

If you have never Googled “aspartame,” do it now. Not only can this stuff literally kill you, it also just so happens to be the main ingredient in artificial sweeteners (which are typically used heavily in things that say “diet” or “sugar-free.”) Oh, and according to The Washington Post, drinking diet soda can also be linked to weight gain -- who wants that?

The alternative: not only do natural fruit juices provide several health benefits that diet sodas don't , they also taste yummy. Juicing at home is incredibly easy, too! And if you absolutely need that soda, drink the regular kind -- in moderation, of course.

2. Sticking around for the guy or girl who isn’t ready.

I like to think we have all been there (or maybe I just tell myself this to feel better about the time I spent on ghosts of boyfriends past). You know what I’m talking about. You spend every waking moment thinking of this person, you give them your time, your attention, your heart -- only to discover that they aren’t ready, or better yet, after months and months of waiting, they still aren’t ready to commit.

I’m telling you, if they aren’t ready after six months, it’s probably time to move right along and find someone worth your time and energy. These people who drag us along ultimately bring out the worst in us -- they give us anxiety, they cause you to overthink, and make you question yourself.

If they aren’t ready, aren’t committed, and aren’t willing to see the wonderful things you bring to the table, it’s time to let ‘em go. There are far better things for us in this world than the guy who only calls you at 2 a.m. to come hang out.

The alternative: surround yourself with positive people, and focus on you. Someone will come along eventually who is worth your while.

3. Tanning beds.

Yes, I know it’s nice to look tan. I know Vitamin D is great. But come on -- that glow is not worth cancer, other health risks, or let’s be honest, looking like a leather-face at age 45. Take a break from the tanning bed, and snag a spray tan package from the place you tan (shoutout to BodyWorks in Tuscaloosa -- their spray tans are the bomb.com).

Don’t chance your life later for a nice tan now. Victoria’s Secret has lotions for that. Oh, and wear sunscreen. Don’t be an idiot. The sun is more powerful than you. You will always lose that battle, so pack your sunscreen, enjoy the outdoors, and take care of you because you deserve it.

The alternative: like I said, spray tans are amazing. Additionally, Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is a great way to get a tan instantly (and it doesn’t make you orange!) It can be found at Walmart, Target, or any beauty supply store.

4. Not sleeping enough.

I don’t care if you thought it was a good idea to take an Adderall and 9:30 p.m. the night before your big exam. Chances are, all the information you try and retain that night before will be lost instantly, so better yet, study before hand and get some sleep the night before. You will wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on your exam. Don’t waste time trying to cram in college -- trust me, it fails nine times out of ten.

The alternative: Buy a planner and know when your exams are. Professors will often let you know about an exam a week or so ahead of time, and sometimes, they will even put the entire test schedule on the syllabus. So plan it out, and stay in a night or two if you have to. It beats being exhausted as you walk into your classroom for that exam.

5. Pointing out your flaws.

Sure, this seems petty. I doubt most people even really notice they do this. And yeah, once or twice here and there is totally normal. But to point out every single flaw you think you have (in front of others) is a cry for help.

Not only will these people feel awkward and pressured to compliment you, but they will also realize your own self-confidence probably needs addressing. There is no need to constantly say what’s wrong about you in front of others, or hell, even not in front of others. There’s only one you, so give yourself a break and love who you are. Loving yourself will make every other aspect of life a heck of a lot easier.

The alternative: set aside some “you” time. Every day, do something that is for you and only you. Whether that is yoga, cooking, or just lounging in bed for an hour or so listening to music.

This time away from others gives you a chance to give back to yourself, something everyone deserves. Also, make a list of things you love about yourself. After this, you will find it is much harder to find flaws when you begin to truly love who you are.