Bad habits and how to break them.

Why we have bad habits

Most of us have at least one bad habit that we would like to break. Bad habits can be challenging, whether biting our nails, procrastinating, or overeating. So why do we have them in the first place?

There are several reasons why we develop bad habits. For one, they can be a way of coping with stress or anxiety. When we're feeling overwhelmed, indulging in a bad habit can give us a momentary sense of relief. Additionally, bad habits can be learned behaviours. Suppose we see someone else engaging in a particular behaviour (like smoking or overeating). In that case, we're more likely to pick up that habit ourselves.

Whatever the reason for our bad habits, the good news is that they can be broken. It may take time and effort, but changing our behaviour is possible.

The most common bad habits

Most of us have at least one bad habit that we would like to break. Some everyday bad habits include:

1. Procrastination: This is when you put off doing something that you know you should do, like cleaning the house or completing a project for work. Procrastination can lead to guilt and anxiety and make it challenging to get things done on time.

2. Overeating is when you eat more food than your body needs, which can lead to weight gain and health problems. Overeating can be triggered by stress, boredom, or simply overeating in one sitting.

3. Smoking harms your health and can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems. It's also addictive, making it hard to quit once you start.

4. Using alcohol as a coping mechanism can lead to addiction and make it difficult to stop drinking. If you want to stop using alcohol, there are many resources available, including therapy and support groups.

5. Gambling can cause financial problems and lead to relationship break ups if you get in over your head with debts.

Why bad habits are hard to break

We all have those pesky little bad habits that seem to stick with us no matter how much we try to shake them. Why are bad habits so hard to break?

There are a few reasons why bad habits are difficult to kick. For one, they're usually ingrained in our daily routine. We may not even realize we're doing them until someone points it out! Additionally, bad habits can be a form of comfort or coping mechanism. If we're used to smoking when stressed, it can be tough to give up that crutch.

Finally, our brains are wired to keep us doing familiar things, even if they're not good for us. This is because our brains crave predictability and routine.

How to break bad habits

Most people have at least one bad habit. Bad habits can be challenging to break, whether biting your nails, smoking, or procrastinating. However, you can do a few things to increase your chances of success.

First, identify the trigger that leads to your evil behaviour. For example, if you bite your nails when you're nervous, try to find another way to cope with anxiety, such as taking deep breaths or going for a walk.

Next, make a plan to change your behaviour. This may involve setting small goals, such as only biting your nails for 5 minutes daily. Slowly but surely, you'll be able to break the habit entirely.

Finally, don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Everyone makes mistakes, and learning from them is essential to continue making progress.

Conclusion: What to do next

If you're trying to break a bad habit, know that you're not alone—bad habits are common and challenging to overcome. But the good news is that change is possible with effort and perseverance.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you work on breaking your bad habit:

1. Be patient with yourself—change takes time.

2. Be gentle with yourself—don't beat yourself up if you slip up. Just start again.

3. Have a plan—identify what triggers your bad habit and have a strategy for avoiding or dealing with those triggers.

4. Seek support—tell friends and family about your goal to break your bad habit and ask for their help and encouragement.

Contact john@thehelpinghandcoaching.com to learn about our coaching programs, seminars, and workshops and how they can help you.

Be well.

You belong here.

John.