Bad Habits You Need to Break
By Sara Butler
Habits can be tough to break, that’s probably how they become habits in the first place. Not all habits are bad, though. Brushing your teeth and putting on clothes each day are pretty good habits to keep around. But some habits can be harmful, which makes it even more important to try and break these habits. Here are a few common harmful habits and how to break them for your health and wellness.
Checking Your Cell Phone
Did reading this cause you to look at your cell phone? Stop it! A survey recently revealed that people click, swipe, or tap their cells phones an average of 2,600 times each day. That can add up to nearly a cool million each year.
How do you quit this habit and start interacting more with the world around you? Well, you have to remove the trigger – your phone. One way to do this is to put it away. If you can’t see it, then you may not check it as much. Also, don’t charge it at night right next to your bed and put it down at least an hour before bed.
Biting Your Nails
Nail biting is a bad habit that can potentially be harmful. It’s bad for your teeth and putting your hands in your mouth so much is a very easy way to expose yourself to all kinds of germs. It’s definitely a habit you should work to break.
But if you’re a nail biter, then you know that quitting is easier said than done. Experts agree the only time-tested way to quit is to be mindful and live in the moment. Mindfulness practices help to make you more aware of what you’re doing so you can recognize what you’re doing and stop it. Think about why you’re doing. It might be to help relieve stress or as a way to soothe yourself. Whatever it is, if you recognize why you’re doing it, then take steps to address the underlying issue, it may make it easier to quit.
Enduring Lateness
Are you one of those people who is constantly 15 minutes late for everything? Many people are chronically late – up to 20 percent of all people. To break this bad habit that has probably gotten you into hot water in both your personal and professional life, you need to help solidify your sense of time.
To do this, try to break down how long the things you do actually take, such as driving to school, work, or appointments. Write down how much time is spent doing these common tasks and then add extra time to that number to give yourself more time to get where you’re going.
Don't let bad habits keep you from leading your best life!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denton, Tex.