Humans are creatures of habit. So it’s easy for you to slip into cycles of behaviour. These cycles can include overindulgence in food, alcohol and smoking (basically all of those activities that aren’t healthy). When you do these regularly (daily), then they become part of your everyday routine, even second nature. If you’re worried that your habits are harmful to your health, then there is no time like the present to learn how to control your bad habits. Let’s look at how you can get started right away.
How To Control Your Bad Habits #1 Become More Mindful
Mindfulness is one of the most helpful tools in the arsenal of any individual aiming for self-improvement. Effectively, it’s about being in the moment and identifying when you need to take a step back to process what’s happening in your mind. This strategy includes identifying triggers that lead to carrying out certain behaviours.
We all have psychological triggers; it’s not just an experience for those with PTSD or other disorders. Learning mindfulness through meditation can help you become more aware of the triggers that lead to habit indulgence. Often this awareness can be the first step to you addressing your habits.
HOT TIP – Mindfulness takes time to master. So be patient and practise often to perfect your technique.
Changing Controlling Habits In Your Life #2 Avoiding And Adapting To Your Triggers
Once you discover your psychological triggers, it becomes a question of how you manage them. In many cases, such as dependencies on substances potentially bad for your health, the tactic of avoidance might be the most effective step. For instance, if you know that being in specific environments or around certain people leads to drinking, then you might want to avoid these situations. However, your long-term goal should be learning to manage your triggers so that you can resist temptation.
HOT TIP – Try learning how to avoid and adapting to your trigger yourself. However, if this becomes too challenging, then seek out professional help.
How To Control Bad Habits #3 Be Aware Of When You Need Help
When it comes to the toughest of dependencies, such as drug, alcohol, gambling, or sex addictions, it’s essential to realise the seriousness of the hold they may have on you. In many cases, your chances of success can double or even triple with the proper support. With the help of drug rehab centers, for instance, you ensure you’re in an environment that removes the risk of relapse. You also get the attention and therapy you need to pinpoint issues that lead to your usage. Plus, you can master techniques to manage your habit in the long run.
HOT TIP – Asking for help lets you learn how to control bad habits faster and with minimal stress or frustration. Plus, by reaching out to others, you don’t feel alone or overwhelmed when you have bad days.
Changing Controlling Habits In Your Life #4 Get Your Loved Ones On Board
Help goes beyond working with professionals. Sure they have the training to give you the best start to getting on the road to recovery. But, you should also talk openly and honestly about your problem with your family and loved ones so they can get on board with the intervention.
Plus, your loved ones might unknowingly carry out actions that act as a trigger for your bad habits. Therefore, by letting them know about your bad habits, they can alter any actions. Together you can discuss your health and ways to work towards breaking these.
HOT TIP – A excellent social support structure can be a potent tool in fighting your worst habits. So, reach out, share your thoughts and feelings openly, and get your loved ones on board.
How To Control Bad Habits: Key Takeaways
Habits don’t necessarily need to be destructive. However, if you start to lose control over them, it doesn’t matter what type of habit you’ve formed; gradually, they will become a liability.
To recap, how to control bad habits includes:
- Become more mindful.
- Avoiding and adapting to triggers.
- Being aware of when you need help.
- Getting your loved ones on board.
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