3 Tips for Quitting Bad Habits
By Genevieve Cunningham
It doesn't matter who you are, everyone has some bad habits. Some people smoke, some bite their nails. Some people eat when bored, some stay up too late every night. If you have a few bad habits, don't beat yourself up. Instead put some effort into quitting these bad habits in order to improve your health. To help you quit your worst habits, take a look at these tips that should make the process a little easier.
Get a Buddy
Sometimes all we need in order to break a bad habit is a little bit of accountability. If you're not good at holding yourself accountable, get a buddy to help you. A friend, a family member, or even a professional may be able to help you kick your habit to the curb. Tell them your ultimate goal and any steps that you'll be taking along the way. When you mess up, they'll be there to encourage you to do better next time. Just make sure that this is someone you love and trust, as quitting a bad habit is tough and you'll definitely want the support.
Set a Deadline
Quitting a bad habit is tough, but it's even tougher if you never give yourself a deadline. If it's just some ambiguous date in the future, you're going to keep putting it off. Instead get out a calendar and make a plan. Mark a date in the future for when you want your habit completely gone. Even if you don't make the date specifically, chances are good that you'll be much closer to your goal once that date arrives. The most important thing is to stick with it! With a plan of action and the deadline intact, you'll finally break your bad habit and meet your goal.
Make a New Habit
When you finally decide to quit a bad habit, try finding a new healthy habit to take its place. If you're trying to quit smoking, take up something in its place. Whenever the urge to smoke arises, do your new habit instead. While this is definitely difficult, it helps ease the transition. Just make sure that your new habit is a positive one to add to your life.
Breaking bad habits is very difficult, but it's not impossible. Use these tips to help you get moving in the right direction. It will take some time, so don't be impatient. Stick with it and your bad habit will be gone before you know it.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orange, Calif.