Breaking Bad Habits: A Practical Guide To Positive Change

Why is it so difficult to overcome bad habits when we know we may harm ourselves or others? For example, we know about the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol excessively, and overeating.

Our families, friends, and others are impacted by secondhand smoke and the effects of alcoholism.

We want to give up our bad habits, but the short-term pleasure makes quitting or changing habits challenging.

This article will explore the psychology that causes us to form habits and how to make positive changes to break bad habits.

About Habits

Our repetitive actions become habitual and are a normal part of the human state.

Habits can be beneficial, such as taking a shower or exercising. On the other hand, regular use of illegal drugs, for example, can become a bad habit.

Habits can also form when pleasurable things prompt the brain’s “reward” center, leading to unhealthy routines like gambling or overeating.

Eventually, the habit becomes an automatic behavior without consciously thinking about it, and it can be difficult to stop.

Developing new habits is challenging since the brain retains automatic behavior.

Still, you can eliminate bad habits with patience and commitment by trying the following practical strategies for positive change.

Identify Your Bad Habits and Triggers:

List the habits you want to change to improve your well-being. Don’t try to change all your habits at once.

Instead, choose the highest priority habit that you want to change and focus on it. This will increase your chances of success.

Think about what triggers the habit and explore options for avoiding it. For example, assume that you are stressed after work each day and find that drinking alcohol helps you to relax.

However, you’ve gotten into the habit of drinking excessively and are concerned about your health.

In that case, you can learn techniques such as meditation to help you relax. Ensure that you take short breaks during the workday to practice meditation. This will help you to cope with stress better.

After work, when you feel the urge for a drink, substitute it with exercise, such as a brisk walk to help you unwind.

Your goal is to reduce or remove the trigger and substitute the bad habit with a good one.

Accept Discomfort:

Changing habits is complex and can make you anxious and agitated. Recognize that these are normal feelings; they are temporary and will diminish with time.

If you feel discomfort, do something that relaxes you; it’s a distraction and will help you to feel better. Consider going for a walk, reading, playing a game, or taking a short nap.

Adopt a Positive Mindset:

We all have an inner voice and unconsciously have negative thoughts at times that are discouraging or detrimental to our well-being.

You may think, “I can’t do this,” or “I’ll never kick this habit.” Be aware of these thoughts and replace them with positive self-talk such as “I can do this” or “I will do this.”

Be Kind to Yourself:

You’re human; it’s essential to forgive yourself if you backslide while trying to break a habit. Give yourself credit for your efforts thus far.

Rather than give up or put yourself down with negative self-talk, you can pick up where you left off and get back on track.

Remember to be aware of scenarios that trigger the habit and either avoid or substitute the behavior with something positive.

Conclusion

When we repetitively practice behaviors, good or bad, those behaviors become habits. The habits that are bad for us are challenging to overcome.

However, we can learn how to identify the triggers that make us indulge in our detrimental routines and then avoid the trigger or substitute it with positive behaviors such as exercise or enjoying a stroll in the park.

Along the way, if we backslide, we must remain positive and persistent and keep trying.

In the long run, by trying the preceding tips, you are taking a practical approach to making positive changes in your life.

References
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/01/breaking-bad-habits
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/breaking-bad-habits
https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/mind/2021/the-science-habits

Related Reading: How To Change Bad Habits for your personal and professional development.



Workplace Solutions for Women - Self help kindle quick read to get you started!

If you’re reading this quick read self help article, you’re likely a woman who is just starting out in her career field and wants to make the most of the opportunities she’s given, or maybe you’re already working within your career and you want to move up.

There’s no question that women have a different path than men when it comes to business in many cases. We’re looked at differently, often treated differently and sometimes, we’re even paid differently.

For this reason, it’s so important that women do everything they can to maximize the opportunities they have in the workforce.

In this book, we’re going to dive deep into how being organized, managing your time effectively and even managing your stress leads to more opportunities to excel in your chosen career field.

We’re also going to look at some tips and tricks that you can use, and I’m even going to give you some assignments along the way. All of this used together can help propel you in your career and give you level footing with your male counterparts.

Learn more here or buy now:
Getting Organized with Less Stress and More Time!: Workplace Solutions for Women In Charge


Business Leadership - Becoming Management Material & Building Better Teams: Workplace Solutions For Women in Charge


Win With Essential Communication Skills & Business Etiquette: Workplace Solutions For Women In Charge

Successfully Apply The Law Of Attraction In Business: Workplace Solutions For Women In Charge

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

ShareFacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsApp

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.