Simple ways to break bad habits

The first step to break any habit is identifying and accepting the existence of the habit itself.

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What you need to know:

  • Be honest with yourself and identify what led to the relapse and then come up with a better way to deal with it.
  • Get a friend and pay him a certain amount of money every time you succumb to the urges.

 1. Identify the habit, and the triggers

The first step to break any habit is identifying and accepting the existence of the habit itself. Once that is done, the next step is identifying what triggers the habit. Your triggers may be anything from the environment you are in to the company you keep. 

2. Write down reasons for breaking the habit

Noting down the benefits you stand to gain once the habit is broken can help you stay on course even when the urge to indulge in the habit gets overwhelming. Put the list somewhere you can see it often such as fridge door or a dressing mirror so that you are constantly reminded of your mission to break the habit.

3. Get a new habit

Replacing the bad habit with a new one makes the process easier. If you want to quit smoking, you may choose to go for a walk or exercise every time you get the urge to smoke.

4. Punish yourself for each offence

Making the bad habit more painful or expensive may help you break it. Get a friend and pay him a certain amount of money every time you succumb to the urges. There are also apps like Stickk that can help you do this. You will be required to put some money on the line and if you fail to meet your goals, you lose the money.

5. Be patient and kind to yourself

When trying to break a habit, prepare for slipups because they are bound to happen. Whenever you slip, don’t dwell in your frustrations, focus on the positive aspects.

Be honest with yourself and identify what led to the relapse and then come up with a better way to deal with it. This is a growth process where you will learn more about yourself. Remember that it will take time and it will be difficult. However, it is not impossible to break a bad habit.