7 Steps to Changing a Bad Habit
Making resolutions for the new year is always a wonderful way to get a fresh start. Sometimes we put a little too much on our plate and find ourselves with another year gone and nothing to show for it. Here are some tips to help you kick those bad habits!
1. Don't be so hard on yourself! Habits are hard to change for a reason. If it took you months to develop the bad habit (like gaining weight) it's going to take you just a long to remove the habit. Cut yourself some slack and know that this is going to take time.
2. Identify why you have the habit. Every routine that you have in your life has an underlying reason. You brush your teeth in the morning so that you don't develop cavities, you check your email in the morning or create a checklist to help you feel organized throughout the day, there's also a reason as to why you've developed this habit. Figuring out why is one of the best ways to help you understand how to get rid of it.
3. Deal with the actual issue. Habits are typically reactions to things that we may not want to deal with initially. If you snack a lot at home after work, it could be because you didn't eat lunch. Playing video games or watching TV could be your way of avoiding a fight with your partner. Some of these reasons could bring up painful thoughts and feelings, but it's important to resolve them in order to accomplish removing the habit.
4. Write it down. Pen on paper is one of the most effective and therapeutic ways for people to deal with removing bad habits and it can even be more effective than a prescription. Come up with a mantra or saying to help it stick in your mind and keep the piece of paper on you so that you can pull it out and read it to yourself in the morning, during lunch and before going to bed.
5. Have a friend. Getting a workout buddy or someone who is trying to kick the same habit can help increase both of your success. It will allow you to talk out any frustrations together as well as give you comfort in the fact that you're not alone in this.
6. Give yourself enough time. Patience is the most important thing to practice when in the process. It has been said that it takes 28 days to change habits. According to new research that myth has been bunked. Current research has shown that it can take as long as three months to substitute a new behavior for a bad one. This resolution could be a potential full lifestyle change, so allow it to run it's course.
7. Allow for slips. Slip ups can actually very eye opening because they can help explain to you further why you've developed this certain behavior. Don't get disgruntled and remind yourself your only human.
