'Bad Habits' Can Be Good For You!

If you've raised teenagers, you're probably familiar with creative logic: Watching The Simpsons while doing homework improves concentration. Dirty clothes on the floor instead of in the hamper are more accessible at laundry time.

Whatever the behavior – computer game compulsion, rock 'n' roll addiction, even personal hygiene peculiarities – teens can turn questionable habits into high art. Not that they have cornered the market on bad habits, but they're often inventive with justifications.

Maybe the kids are onto something. If loosening logic and indulging in a few so-called bad habits makes life easier, or at least less stressful, is there any harm? Just remember that the key to indulging in bad habits is moderation. So temper guilty pleasures with discipline so that they don't eat up more time, money or calories than you can afford.

As for my guilt-free guilty pleasure? Lounging on the couch in a fluffy bathrobe, drinking a glass of wine or a cup of hot tea and watching back-to-back episodes of Dancing With the Stars.

Do not disturb. Mambo in progress.