Do you have a bad habit that you would like to quit, but you are not sure where to even start? Let us identify the habit and break the cycle. You can replace the bad habit with a good habit to improve your quality of life with these 5 simple steps to break a bad habit that makes you unhappy.
1. Identify the Habit
Start by identifying only one specific habit you would like to reduce and/or eventually end. One common bad habit people have expressed a desire to quit is smoking.
Try to get more specific. For example, “I want to stop smoking when I am with my grandchildren.”
2. Set Realistic Goals
“I babysit my grandchildren 5 days a week in the morning and early afternoon, so I can begin by trying to not smoke from 9 AM to 11 AM.”
Give yourself a reasonable amount of time as well. If you feel like you can make it to this goal in 2 weeks, set the days on your calendar.
You can always re-assess and reset your goals as well.
3. Don't Compare Yourself to Others
Someone may have told you they were able to stop smoking cold-turkey and have not had a cigarette for 2 years. If you don't have the same experience, that doesn't mean failed.
You need to personalize your goals and follow these 5 steps to break a bad habit.
If you continue to feel like you are not meeting your milestones, you might just need more support.
4. Celebrate Your Successes
Remember that all the little steps are success. If you go for a while without smoking and then have a smoke, that's okay. You can get right back on track.
Your health has improved from any time your smoking was reduced.
5. Replace the Bad Habit with Good
If the bad habit you want to stop or reduce is smoking cigarettes, you will have to replace that with other activities. If you are accustomed to taking a smoke break after breakfast, you may need to set up a new morning routine. You should include the kids to get chores done. Then plan a fun activity before lunch.
Let’s get healthy!
Now you have 5 steps to get you started on your journey to break a bad habit.
Get in touch with our wellness coaches if you would like assistance setting up a plan to meet your goals.
Reference: https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-bad-habits