Eliminating Bad Habits

By: Tony Gilpin

The first thing you have know is what is the definition of a habit. A habit is a complusive behaviour pattern, that is carried out by aperson,without even considering the behaviour.

These habits are viewed as bad and harmful since they can be uncontrollable. When you think about addiction as a habit, that is a good explanation. When you think about your bad habits, you might not think addiction, but in actuality, they fall into the same category.

What is the cause of addiction? Addictions are rooted to unhappy occurrences encountered during childhood. Research shows that children who are prone to addiction are those who have undergone physical maltreatment, embarrassment, degradation or were neglected.

So, what does this have to do with bad habits? Some of the bad habits people are addicted to, are excess alcohol intake, drugs, smoking, gambling, sex and even overeating. When you think about it like that, you might be more motivated to eliminate that addiction to overeating. Addiction falls into the category of something you find really difficult to get rid of, something you are especially used to doing.

We have many misunderstandings about bad habits or craving and how society is afftected today. If has been stated by many people that cravings are dreadful and depressing. In some cases people believe , that you are forced to live with something you don't want , that in many ways can rule your life.

Habits are like fishing hooks , that grab you and stick with you and in time are very difficult to eliminate.The mind is constantly thinking about these habits and plotting ways to use them.

Do you believe in these false beliefs? Even if it says that it is irresistible, the truth is you can resist it. If you can do something else for as little as 21 days, you can change it and continue resisting it. The habit resisted will eventually pass into the mind.

Belief that you are able to overpower your urges gives you the confidence to do so in most cases. Addictions to drugs, alcohol and smoking will need professional intervention, but other bad habits generally can be worked through using willpower, distraction and dedication.

Some habits are considered not harmful, but anything in excess is not a good thing. Just like drinking alcohol, you can drink occasionally, but if drinking in excess and every day can be detrimental.

The best thing to do is just don't let your urges overpower you. Many Rehab centers are available , but you don't need a rehab center just to run away from a bad habit. In fact it is very difficult to find a rehab center to be able to stop a bad habit like excessive nail biting. Excessive nail biting is still a very bad habit anyway.

Some sure-fire ways to eliminate bad habits

You have to have the frame of mind in your strength to overcome and resist your urges. Thinking your are too weak to resist your urges is not an option. Use the faith you have in yourself to fight them. Follow these steps :

Just get your mind distracted when you hit an urge or craving. A good way is to slow down , relax and sit back. Cravings don't last long, get your mind thinking of other things, and you will be able to resist. Go for a walk or run, play a game or even watch TV.

If your addiction is on cigarettes, avoid places where cigarettes and smoke are present. It's easier nowadays because most places are smoke-free. If overeating is the addiction, avoid places like bakeries and ice cream parlours.

Why put yourself into a the worst places where temptation is strongest. Mingle with healthy people who will more likely be eating salads and veggies or non-smokers who frequent places where there aren't smokers.

Finding alternatives to your craving is a good way of reducing temptation. Crave for a candy bar ; eat a granola bar. Tempted for a cool beer; try a coffee or tea. In many ways you do the same for a child , by distracting them from something harmful.

Exercise also cuts down on eating and smoking urges. Working out in a gym would best replace your urge for sex if that's a problem. Take a walk round the block or go for a jog.

If you're overweight and want to lose weight, look in the mirror at yourself naked. That will be motivation to change. Look at pictures of what you want to look like and it will motivate you to fight by your cravings.

Get expert help if you find that your cravings and addiction iare too severe to deal with. A professional could put you on the road to breaking your bad habits. Winners never give up and always take action to change a habit.