Everyone has habits. Some are beneficial, like brushing your teeth. Some are neutral, like the order in which you put on your socks. And some are harmful, like constant self-criticism. When letting go of a habit, it’s often a good idea to replace it with a more constructive one. Czyz Counseling invites you to read on for ideas on what to give up and what might be better.
Self-care matters
Even if you have small children or a loved one with health issues who depends on you, you must take care of yourself because you can’t help anyone else if you aren’t functioning well. So stop putting your own needs last, and start prioritizing good nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise–they’re fundamental to your well-being and that of the people who depend on you. You don’t need to make any serious changes right away; you can start small and work your way up. For example, if you want to incorporate exercise and you live in a neighborhood with a high walk score rating, consider walking to nearby attractions, parks, and shops to help you incorporate some light exercise into your routine.
Make deliberate choices
If you have a habit of saying “yes” to everything, you may be overwhelmed and burned out. If you build in a pause before answering requests and invitations, you can take time to think about whether you really want or need to do each thing. Attempting to multi-task and juggle several tasks simultaneously is a habit you’ll be far better off without. Most successful people focus on one task at a time and are, therefore, more efficient, accurate, and calm.
It’s easy to slide into the habit of negative thinking, and the cost of this can manifest in many ways, in physical and mental health, as well as day-to-day contentment and productivity. First, you may need to make an effort to notice when your mind automatically jumps to negative assumptions, predictions, and interpretations. Once you notice these habitual thoughts, you can begin to challenge them. Ask yourself, “Is everything really terrible because of one disappointment?”
Take a look at your work habits
We all have work habits, such as procrastination, that we’d be better off without. Next time you find yourself delaying a task, ask yourself if you could do it or at least begin it right now. Working yourself to the point of burnout is the result of several bad habits, including neglecting exercise, social connection, and rest, as well as failing to prioritize yourself as well as the job. So if you think about your neglect of key areas as a habit, the steps that need to be taken will be clear.
You may have built a life around working at a job you dislike or even hate. Forcing yourself to continue down the same path could have very unpleasant consequences, so maybe it's time to consider a career change. Although the idea of starting a new company might sound overwhelming, if you base it on a skill, activity, knowledge, or making a product that you already enjoy, it won’t seem so overwhelming, and your strong interest and enjoyment will help you overcome many hurdles.
Consider your relationships
Neglecting social connection is something that most people do at times, but don’t allow this to become a habit because we all need relationships with other people. With a bit of planning, you can find ways to stay in touch with friends and family. As Esther Perel said, “The quality of your life ultimately depends on the quality of your relationships.” Spending quality time with those you care about isn’t just good for them, it’s good for you too. If your marriage, friendships, or other relationships are troubled, you may want to seek professional guidance.
Bad habits can certainly derail your life and prevent you from reaching your goals. Change is a process that begins with recognizing the habit, understanding how it came to be, and then developing a more positive habit to replace it. None of this happens instantly, so be patient with yourself and look at the big picture frequently. Whether you’re giving up habits of neglect or striking out on your own to start a business, remember to stay persistent — your life will improve as you release these things and replace them with more constructive habits.
Czyz Counseling can help you create holistic solutions for the problems you face in life. Get in touch today by calling 214-875-0068.
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