What are effective strategies to break free from an unhealthy habit?

A bad habit can often be traced back to ingrained behaviours from our upbringing, or as a coping mechanism to deal with stress.

Here are the most effective strategies to break free:

1. FIND THE SOURCE: By simply paying attention and identifying the triggers that lead to the habit, you’ve already won half the battle. For example, let’s say you have a bad habit of finishing a bag of chips every day. Pay attention to the specific time of day when you get the urge for it.
2. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: If you’ve been caught up in an unhealthy habit for a while, chances are you’ve surrounded yourself with individuals who either share the same habit or indirectly encourage it. For instance, let’s say you’ve been wanting to quit smoking, but you still join your office crew for midday smoke breaks. In such cases, it’s worth considering a change in your environment and social circle. Surround yourself with people who will motivate and support you in kicking the bad habit.
3. RECONNECT WITH YOUR BELIEFS: While social pressures and external factors in life can often derail or distract us from our goals, it’s important to recognize that our own thoughts can be our biggest obstacle. Pay close attention to your thoughts and the self-beliefs you hold. For instance, if you want to work out in the morning but have a belief that you are not a morning person, try reframing those negative beliefs into positive ones in your mind.
4. DECLUTTER YOUR LIFE: Take the time to tidy up your environment, removing anything that might enable or tempt you to engage in the bad habit. For instance, let’s say you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake, but you have boxes of cookies sitting in your cabinet. It’s essential to eliminate all traces and reminders of the bad habit from your lifestyle.

I understand that all of these points can be challenging. Remember to start slow and take it one step at a time. It’s important to acknowledge that it’s okay if you experience setbacks along this journey. Believe in yourself and strive to do your best every day.

Please keep in mind that the unhealthy habits discussed in this blog are not indicative of addiction. However, if you or someone you know is struggling with addictive behaviour, it is essential to seek proper medical advice.