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Eliminating Bad Habits |
By:
Tony Gilpin |
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The first thing you have know is what is the definition of a habit. A habit is a complusive behaviour pattern, that is carried out by aperson,without even considering the behaviour.
Addiction maybe a harsh word to use for bad habits, but if you compare it to taking drugs, it does fit in the same category. Bad Habits have many parallels , to taking drugs. A person can often fall into a bad habits cause consideable harm to themselves and others
How are addictions started ?. Most Addictions arise from bad events happening when you were kids. Kids are very susceptible to addiction ,if faced with physical mistreatment , shame, degrading circumstances or just feeling left out.
So, what does this have to do with bad habits? Some of the bad habits people are addicted to, are excess alcohol intake, drugs, smoking, gambling, sex and even overeating. When you think about it like that, you might be more motivated to eliminate that addiction to overeating. Addiction falls into the category of something you find really difficult to get rid of, something you are especially used to doing.
There are many misconceptions around bad habits or cravings and how they are taking over our society today. People say that cravings are dreadful and distressing. They say that it makes you obliged to live with something you don't like and that it can even rule your life.
It's difficult to resist because it won't leave your side. It's always on your mind and it interrupts your thoughts. It always tempts you to use it, eat or smoke it. It hooks you so that in time it becomes very difficult to eradicate.
Do you believe in these erroneous beliefs? Even if it says that it is irresistible, the truth is you can resist it. If you can do something else for as little as 21 days, you can change it and continue resisting it. The habit resisted will eventually pass into memory.
Addictions to drugs, alcohol and smoking will need professional help, but in other things a belief in your ability to overcome a habit, gives you the self esteem to do it in most cases. Generally speaking willpower , distraction and dedication and a little effort will help you overcome them.
Not all habits are considered harmful. Drinking occasionally is okay, but in excess every single day can be very harmful. Anything in excess is not good.
The best thing to do is just don't let your urges overpower you. Many Rehab centers are available , but you don't need a rehab center just to run away from a bad habit. In fact it is very difficult to find a rehab center to be able to stop a bad habit like excessive nail biting. Excessive nail biting is still a very bad habit anyway.
These are some of the ways of getting rid of bad habits.
If weakness is a problem to resist your urges, then you will be weak. This is absolutely not true. Have the mindset in your ability to overcome and believe that you can beat them. Just follow these steps :
When you are hit with an urge or craving, slow down, sit back and relax. Urges are transient, they come and they go. If you can slow down when it attacks your brain, and it keeps on harassing you, slow down and think of other things. Distract yourself until the urge passes. Get up and move if you have to - take a walk, turn on the television, anything that it takes to get your mind on something else.
If your addiction is on cigarettes, avoid places where cigarettes and smoke are present. It's easier nowadays because most places are smoke-free. If overeating is the addiction, avoid places like bakeries and ice cream parlours.
Why put yourself into a the worst places where temptation is strongest. Mingle with healthy people who will more likely be eating salads and veggies or non-smokers who frequent places where there aren't smokers.
Distracting yourself is a good way of resisting cravings. Fancy something sweet; have some nuts instead. Can't resist a cool beer ; have a coffee instead. Your parents use to do the same thing when you were young, by distracting with something else ,to keep you from harm's way.
If sex is your problem add exercise . A good workout in the gym would replace your urge for sex. Take a walk, put on your ipod and walk to a park or just around the block. Exercise also cuts down on eating and smoking urges.
If you have weight problem, think of ways to motivate yourself to change. Have a look at yourself naked in the mirror, also create images in your mind of how you want to look like and feel. All these types of actions will help you fight your cravings.
If none of this works, and your cravings and addiction is severe, seek an expert - your doctor or rehabilitation might be called for to get you started. In any case, take some action to break the habit you are struggling with. You are a winner as long as you continuously take action to change the habit.
Tony Gilpin Self Improvement Professional http://www.objectiveselfimprovement.com Self improvement membership ste Self Improvement and Personal Development Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article55796.html |
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