We are almost halfway done with the year. It is a good time to remind you of the New Year resolutions you set earlier at the beginning of the year. How’s that coming along, by the way? Are you on or off track? Well, here is a gentle reminder that you can start again.
Many people can’t follow through with their new year goals because of bad habits. Therefore, whether you are a coach potato, smoker, or nail-biter, you can kick these habits to the curb for good in these three ways. Read on and discover.
Step One: Mindfulness Training.
To break a bad habit for good, you must first identify what triggers its urge in the first place. For example, if it is smoking, do you reach out for a cigar when you are stressed or socializing at a party?
Unlike the behaviour-based cessation programs previously used by addicts, honestly, looking into the feelings associated with your cravings will help you become less susceptible to them. Mindfulness training enables you to become aware that you are choosing this habit. And if you are consciously choosing, you can choose differently. In time, it will help you to learn to let them go.
Step Two: Changing Your Environment.
When it comes to creating habits, the environment has a larger influence than people care to admit. The environment includes the people you hang around with, your neighborhood, family and home. Consequently, it can either promote a great habit or encourage a bad one.
For example, if you are trying to lose weight but have cookies, treats and chocolates in every cabinet in the house, it defeats the purpose. Replace all your snacks with healthy alternatives. In other circumstances, it requires moving houses and changing your environment altogether to keep the bad influences at bay.
Step Three: Swapping The Bad with the Good.
The trigger that prompts your bad habits will still demand attention. For instance, if you reach out for cake and ice cream when you feel sad, you must intentionally break that circuit.
Find healthy ways to deal with your emotions. Having a planned response for that trigger could stop you from running back to drinking or binge eating. For example, if you are stressed at home and your body is itching for that shot of vodka, count backwards from 20, and the overwhelming craving will begin to subside.
The Take Away.
As the year comes to halftime, remember that you can still make different choices and still achieve your resolutions. Also, nobody is coming! Nobody is coming to do the work for you, stop you from smoking or lose weight for you. It is all on you. So, get moving! Cheers!♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
