Rochelle Hanson

5 Simple Steps on How to Break a Bad Habit

By Rochelle Hanson

If you were told to stop eating after 7 PM, could you do it? Is it difficult for you to get out of bed in the morning? Do you stay up late at night watching TV or chatting on Facebook? If you tried to stop, would you be successful?

Stop here and take a look at your life. We all have behaviour patterns that we would like to change. In last week’s column, I mentioned that it takes 30 days to form a new habit. After reading,  you may have decided that there is something about you or your life that you would like to change. Today I’m going to give you 5 simple steps to help you make that change. Let’s kick those bad habits to the curb.

Before we go any further, let’s define the subject of this article. Habit: An acquired behaviour pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary. Dictionary.com hit the nail on the head with that one. Take note : A habit is a behaviour pattern that you have acquired and regularly follow until it has become almost involuntary. Almost is the key word here. When making a change, remember that you are still in control. Like the song says, almost doesn’t count.

If you want to break a bad habit, follow the 5 simple steps below.

1. Identify the bad habit. Call it by its name. Write it down. Get a journal and complete this sentence. In the next 30 days, I will stop _________________. If you choose not to take the first step, you will lack focus and you will not succeed. Take the first step. Identify the bad habit. Prepare your mind for change.
2. Identify the cause. What are the things that trigger this bad habit? Ask yourself why you do what you do. Are you tired? Lonely? Hungry? Frustrated? Bored? All of the above? Once you have identified the cause or multiple causes, write them down. This will help you to be more aware.
3. Change your response. Now that you know you are doing the bad habit because of the causes you listed in step two, commit to making a change. Stop feeding your bad habit by allowing yourself to follow the same patterns you always have. You must actively choose to make this change.
4. Replace the bad habit with a good habit. Making the commitment to stop a bad habit is not enough. You will find the journey much more enjoyable if you decide to replace it with something good. Develop a plan of action. Write it down. Be prepared so that you know exactly what you will choose the next time you are tempted by your triggers.
5. Stick with it. Change does not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. If you follow these 5 simple steps you will indeed make a change. If you need help, find an accountability partner. Tell a friend or family member what you are trying to accomplish and let them know you need their support. If you think the people in your life are not in the right place to be supportive, you’re more than welcome to connect with me. Join my group Rochelle Hanson Wellness on Facebook.

Please keep in mind, although the line is fine, there is a difference between breaking a bad habit and breaking an addiction. Dictionary.com defines addiction as the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Aside from the obvious substance abuse, there are regular foods that many of us eat every day which cause our bodies to release chemicals called opioids. These chemicals influence your brain and cause you to become dependent or addicted.  Perhaps we’ll discuss some of these everyday foods in a future article.

Today, I want you to focus on one habit. Just one. Name it. Change it. Stick to it. Follow the 5 simple steps listed in this article. Remember that you are in control. Today is the beginning of the rest of your life. Don’t let your habit change you. Make the choice to change your habit.

Rochelle Hanson is a freelance writer and a natural health enthusiast. To connect with her on Facebook, join Rochelle Hanson Wellness or send email to [email protected]

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