No one is perfect, and we all have bad habits of some kind (let me share all of mine, do you have a few hours?) While some can be more extreme than others, their constant presence can hold us back from growing and progressing to be the successful, health individuals we are meant to be.
For some friends, it may be regularly biting their nails or smoking cigarettes at any given opportunity. Instead of just allowing your health to suffer as a result, why not use the New Year as the perfect time to quit, disregarding the implied cliches.
Putting a stop to just one of your bad habits could instantly help you live a healthier and happier life. Read on for some of the most common habits your peers, friends and foes are working hard to quit in 2016 (and a few thoughts on how to succeed.)
As always, these are my thoughts and opinions only, if you have a serious health condition, please consult with your doctor before making changes to your daily routine.
Smoking Cigarettes.
One of the most prevalent bad habits on earth, causing a significant damage to our health. It can cause COPD Symptoms, cancer, heart disease and increase your chances of having a stroke and heart attack in addition to a slew of other dangers.
Quitting can reduce your chances of developing these conditions and improve the condition quality around your lungs. It can improve your immune system, skin, teeth, and boost your sense of taste and smell.
To quit a strong support group is needed around you, including your doctor, friends and family. Nicotine patches and gum will help curb your craving, and you may be prescribed a stop-smoking drug by your doctor.
There are support groups and counselors who can help those wishing to quit. Most importantly, one should not feel like a failure if a relapse occurs. Use it as a learning experience and create a plan that effectively deals with the obstacles you face, you’re not alone.
Eating when you aren’t hungry.
This bad habit is something we are all guilty of doing. Eating when you aren’t hungry can be dangerous as it makes us lose touch with our body’s natural hunger signals.
This can result in constant overeating and the gaining of weight that in turn can cause diabetes and heart disease.
By taking note of your body’s hunger signals and eating healthy snacks, you can boost your nutrition and energy levels. It can also help you to lose any unwanted weight. To quit, you need to listen to your body and only eat when it is craving food.
Don’t eat because you’re bored, upset or stressed. You may also need to ban unhealthy snacks and enlist the help of a doctor or nutritionist to keep you on track.
Drinking too much alcohol.
If you find yourself drinking more than you should be you need to maintain your conscientiousness of this behavior and take immediate action. Alcohol that is consumed in large quantities over time can act as a poison to the body. From causing or being related to memory loss, brittle bones and liver failure.
It could also be causing damage with your relationships and work life. Quitting improves liver function, appearance, and you’ll feel more energetic.
The best way to stop is to reduce your intake. Try only to drink with a meal or at social events and stick to the drink max recommended by your doctor in accordance to your body weight and any other factors at play. If you need help and guidance, you can talk to a counselor or go to the many community provided support groups.
What are some of the bad habit you’re focusing on in the New Year?
