Changing habits you’ve gotten used to before is hard, especially if you’re just starting out. Some people need help changing their bad habits whenever they find themselves in a tempting situation.
So it is a long process that you have to go through repeatedly until you finally successfully overcome the bad habits that prevent you from achieving a good life.
Habits play a huge aspect in a person’s life. Suppose your usual negative habits include gossiping, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, lying, exposing yourself to too many gadgets, and going to bed early. If you don’t work to improve your life and overall health, it can cause more damage to your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being.
The good news is that breaking bad habits can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many people have already managed to leave all their bad habits and live a better life with the help of various strategies. So below are five strategies you can do to slowly but effectively break the habit:
Set a reminder
A smart way to remind yourself of your goals and obligations is to set a reminder. This is an efficient way to keep track of your daily needs. Try writing on sticky notes and sticking them on the wall, create a visual reminder and set an alarm on your phone.
For example, people who tend to exercise little and sit most of the time may experience high cholesterol levels. Cases like this are fatalistic, and if exercise and lifestyle changes don’t work, doctors would recommend medication. High cholesterol medications can be expensive, but you need to take them at the right time to help relieve the symptoms you experience and reduce your health care costs in the long run. Also, check out the various drug discounts such as coupons and promotions that you can enjoy to lower your healthcare costs.
Realize that relapse is part of the journey
The term relapse refers to a scenario where a person tries to quit bad habits, makes positive progress, and then falls back into their vices. This is common in people struggling with addiction, and sometimes individuals experiencing this experience pleasure when they are tempted to repeat their addiction. But the guilt comes right after he realizes his wrongdoing.
If you are currently in a relapse phase, know that this is normal for anyone going through recovery. Don’t get discouraged and give up immediately. Even recovering from an addiction to smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is not something you can easily do overnight. But remember, whenever you relapse into breaking any bad habit, find a way to help you get back to sobriety.
Although temptations may be everywhere, try to build a strong determination and will to push through because you are stronger than what the temptations around you give you.
Avoid tempting situations
If you are having trouble turning away from your bad habits, avoid being in a place where temptation can bother you and affect your progress. For example, on the way home, you always stop at the nearest donut shop and try to take a different route so that you can reduce your consumption of sweets.
Make small adjustments at home too. For example, if you want to start eating healthy, stock up on more nutritious foods like vegetables. You can also add some yogurt and some fruit as a source of fiber. Although it can be challenging, try to do it gradually until you realize that your diet has changed and your home is a temptation-free place to stay.
Reward yourself and find alternatives
You don’t always have to be hard on yourself to break bad habits. Make a day where you can reward yourself for increasing your motivation, but don’t reward yourself with the same bad habits you’ve been trying to quit. For example, take a pamper day or find other alternatives that you might enjoy, such as smoking instead, walking outside and breathing fresh air.
Do some wellness practices like yoga or sign up for a gym membership. Find a community that can help improve your lifestyle and has the same goals as you. This way you won’t feel alone on your journey and you’ll have someone to help you keep improving.
Get professional help
If you think the journey to wellness is difficult, health professionals are always available to give you the support and advice you need. There is no shame in seeking professional help because not everyone can handle their problems alone, and that’s okay.
To create a positive change in your life, you need to leave all your unwanted habits of the past. Dealing with problems on your own and letting go of all your negative pleasurable habits can be hard.
However, these challenges can be easier to manage if you have someone who listens, understands and faces them with you. You could also be encouraged to perform better, help identify triggers and commit to your change plans.
Final thoughts
Not all pleasant things are good for the body. Breaking bad habits is therefore necessary for a more harmonious life. Also, avoiding harmful practices can help a person live longer. If you plan to break your bad habits, remember to be kind to yourself and don’t hesitate to seek professional help.