How to Stop Bad Habits? (Purging Your System of Bad Habits)

Certain fixations can become unhealthy if they get out of control. They can even spiral into addictions, if they become habitual.

Many of us become fixed on certain things to the point that we feel as if we can’t possibly live without them; and once this vicious circle is established, it can be hard to break.

Those who are stuck in them often feel as if they’ve been robbed of their willpower, and are powerless to make a change…

Traumatic experiences we deal with early in life can often have negative ripple effects much later in life. The sadness and pain one may have lived through as a young person, or even as a child, may have negative side effects, such as unhealthy addictions. Physical or verbal abuse, being witness to a violent event, or simple neglect can scar a person’s psyche, and lead them to seek comfort in certain habits they know are bad for them—be it alcohol consumption, narcotics, slot machines, sexual fixations, or even unhealthy eating habits.

As the Ancients said, “Everything in moderation.” Anything you do in life to an excessive degree can endanger you, physically or psychologically. Sure, an occasional beer isn’t any cause for concern. But if you find that you can’t go a day without one, perhaps you should pause and consider why that’s the case. This is true about anything in life.

Sound familiar? Ready to do something about it?

The first step is to brace yourself for the challenge; it goes without saying that bad habits are hard go break. When you’re trying to eliminate something that has become a part of your life, you’re bound to encounter resistance, and see your willpower seriously tested. You’re in for a marathon—one in which that old addiction will tempt you at every step, trying to lure you back into that old vicious circle.

On the other hand, addictions and bad habits aren’t as difficult to overcome as one often hears nowadays. So forget about the defeatism; it’s just an excuse people find for their lack of determination. You’re stronger than that. If you stick to your guns, and follow a few simple rules of thumb, you can overcome and stop those nagging bad habits.

1. Avoid the Danger Zones:
Most addictions are associated with places, people, or circumstances which encourage you to indulge in something you know you shouldn’t. If you make a point of avoiding these danger zones, you may find that the habit will disappear of its own accord.

2. Motivate Yourself Properly:
Exercise your willpower, just as you would any muscle of your body. Flex it whenever temptation encroaches, and surprise yourself with your strength of will. If you need help strengthening your motivation, there’s nothing wrong with seeking assistance with a professional, or even a trusted friend.

3. Discover the Alternatives:
Give some thought to the fact that if you’re addicted to one thing, you may be missing out on a lot of other pleasures. Seek out something new, and give it a try instead of the object of your addiction. If you’re headed for the bar again, think a moment about a coffee shop, or a movie theater, or even a nice run, for a natural high.

4. Slam on the Brakes:
When addiction rears its ugly head again, and tries to take control, throw a wrench in the works. Take a time-out, and reevaluate. Do anything it takes to delay, and distract yourself. Break those habits of thought.

Photo by Paul Chenoweth, flickr.com