It’s bad for you, so why can’t you just stop? We are not just creatures of habit, we are better than any other animal at changing and orienting behavior toward long-term goals and/or benefits. We have the ability to replace our bad habits with other healthier habits and behaviors. Replacing does not simply erase the previous behavior, but you can strengthen the new one and suppress the old one.
Here are five tips for breaking bad habits:
Avoid temptations: If you always stop for a donut on your way to work, try a different route. Keep fatty foods, cigarettes, alcohol and other tempting items out of your home.
Replace unhealthy with healthy behaviors: Try exercising, or practicing a favorite hobby.
Prepare mentally: If avoiding temptations is difficult for you, plan in advance. Plan how to handle temptations and practice what you plan.
Enlist support: Have friends, family, and co-workers to support your efforts to change.
Reward yourself for small steps: Give yourself a healthy treat every time you hit a small goal.
Our Licensed Mental Heath Counselors can help you change your bad behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. If you feel that you do not have the strength to begin the process on your own, let us help you. We will work with you every step of the way and help you create goals and steps for breaking your bad habits.
(813)244-1251 www.starpointcounselingtampa.com
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