Most people don't spend much time thinking about their bathroom routine.

Yet some of the most common toilet habits can make bowel movements harder, increase straining, and contribute to ongoing digestive discomfort.

If you've ever wondered why you're spending too long on the toilet, struggling with constipation, or feeling like you've never quite finished, your daily habits could be part of the problem.

Here are 10 common bathroom mistakes worth fixing.

1. Sitting on the Toilet Too Long

  • Scrolling on your phone while sitting on the toilet has become surprisingly common.

  • The problem is that extended sitting may increase pressure around the rectal veins, which can aggravate haemorrhoid symptoms in some people.

  • Fix: If nothing happens after a few minutes, get up and try again later.

2. Ignoring the Urge to Go

  • Holding in a bowel movement occasionally isn't a problem.

  • Doing it regularly can be.

  • When stool stays in the colon longer, more water may be absorbed from it, making it harder to pass later.

  • Fix: Respond to your body's signals whenever practical.

3. Straining Too Hard

  • A bowel movement shouldn't feel like a workout.

  • Frequent straining can increase pressure on the rectum and pelvic floor and may contribute to haemorrhoids and anal fissures.

  • Fix: Focus on hydration, fibre intake, and proper toilet posture rather than pushing harder.

4. Using Poor Toilet Posture

  • This is one of the most overlooked common toilet habits.

  • Research suggests a squat-like position may help some people empty their bowels more comfortably by improving the anorectal angle.

  • A fold away stool can help elevate the feet and create a more natural position while remaining easy to store.

5. Not Drinking Enough Water

  • Hydration plays an important role in healthy bowel function.

  • Without enough fluids, stools can become harder and more difficult to pass.

  • Fix: Drink water consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until you're thirsty.

6. Eating Too Little Fibre

Many Australians consume less fibre than recommended.

Fibre helps add bulk to stool and supports regular bowel movements.

Good sources include:

  • Whole grains

  • Oats

  • Lentils

  • Beans

  • Fruits

  • Vegetables

Remember, fibre works best when paired with adequate fluid intake.

7. Taking Your Phone Into the Bathroom

  • A quick social media check can easily become a 15-minute toilet session.

  • Longer sitting times often happen simply because people lose track of time.

  • Fix: Leave your phone outside the bathroom and focus on the task at hand.

8. Rushing the Process

  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, some people try to force a bowel movement as quickly as possible.

  • Stress and tension can make the process less comfortable.

  • Fix: Relax, breathe normally, and give your body time to work naturally.

9. Using an Uncomfortable Setup

  • Comfort matters.

  • While toilet posture is the priority in the bathroom, overall sitting comfort can affect how your body feels throughout the day. Many people who sit for long periods use a memory foam seat cushion for chair to improve comfort and reduce pressure.

  • Inside the bathroom, proper positioning remains the bigger priority.

10. Assuming Constipation Is Normal

  • Occasional constipation is common.

  • Frequent constipation isn't something you should simply accept.

Common contributors include:

  • Low fibre intake

  • Poor hydration

  • Physical inactivity

  • Ignoring the urge to go

  • Certain medications

A collapsable stool may help some people adopt a more comfortable squat-like posture during bowel movements, but it should be part of a broader bowel health routine.

Quick Bathroom Habit Check

Ask yourself:

✅ Am I drinking enough water?

✅ Do I eat enough fibre?

✅ Do I avoid excessive straining?

✅ Do I spend less time scrolling on the toilet?

✅ Is my toilet posture helping me relax?

Small habits often create the biggest improvements.

When Should You See a GP?

Speak with your GP if you experience:

  • Blood in your stool

  • Persistent constipation

  • Ongoing abdominal pain

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Significant changes in bowel habits

Also Read:- How to Build a Bathroom Setup That Actually Supports Digestion

 

Final Thoughts

Many digestive complaints are linked to everyday habits rather than serious health conditions. Small changes such as improving toilet posture, drinking more water, eating enough fibre, and spending less time on the toilet can make a meaningful difference over time.

When it comes to bowel health, consistency usually beats dramatic fixes.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this Squatty Potty Australia blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made, either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product.

FAQs

Q:- What toilet habits can cause constipation?

Ans:- Low fibre intake, poor hydration, ignoring the urge to go, and physical inactivity are common contributors.

 

Q:- Am I sitting on the toilet for too long?

Ans:- If you're regularly spending more than 5 to 10 minutes on the toilet, particularly while scrolling on your phone, you may be sitting longer than necessary.

 

Q:- Why is straining during bowel movements bad?

Ans:- Frequent straining can increase pressure on the rectum and may contribute to haemorrhoids and anal fissures.

 

Q:- What are the most common bathroom mistakes people make?

Ans:- The most common mistakes include sitting too long, straining, ignoring bowel urges, consuming too little fibre, and poor toilet posture.