What are some tips on breaking bad habits?
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Blisspot Wellbeing in Mind on
Awareness is the key to changing your bad habit. If you are not even aware you have the habit in the first place you are not able to change it. You may become aware through your insights or feedback from others. When this happens (particularly the feedback from others) you may feel defensive and this can be normal, just acknowledge the feeling and then see the insight or feedback as a gift to make positive change.
Try to work out the root cause of your bad habit. When did it start, was there a big life event or something that triggers the behaviour. For example: Do you crack your knuckles when you are anxious, in an attempt to relieve your stress? You realise that you started cracking your knuckles when your parents divorced. The next step is to face any unresolved feelings around your parents divorcing. How did you really feel about it? Sad, angry or anxious about you future? Accept any unresolved feelings you may be harbouring. Comfort your inner child with love and reassure them that everything is OK now, as you will always be there to take care of them and there is no need to feel anxious.
Bad habits usually result from our thoughts that drive our emotions and resulting behaviours. Becoming aware of your thoughts through meditation can allow you to feel calm and peaceful within and less likely to enact the bad habit.
Support yourself by replacing your habit with another action. This will begin to change your somewhat unconscious behaviour. For example; if you bite your nails, paint them OR if you if you smoke, chew gum. Be mindful of your habit and create barriers around it to make it unpleasant or difficult, as this will break the routine. Rather than engaging in a behaviour that does not support you will instead engage in life in a peaceful and happy way.
