5 habits to stop before 2020
When forming habits, even bad ones, you start by being in control. One extra deep-fried drumstick won’t hurt, neither will an extra cigarette, or a pair of jeans. According to science, most bad habits are a result of stress and boredom. Whether it’s biting your nails or drinking every weekend, the reason behind it is you either want to kill stress or boredom. Unhealthy habits are a simple response that is often mindless.
Stress and boredom are a result of deeper issues. If you are serious about making a change, you have to be honest with yourself and look deep into the real reason why the habit is so engraved in you. For instance, people who overeat often use food as comfort when certain feelings, such as sadness, rejection, self-pity, arise. The good news is, you don’t have to be stuck there, and if you have any of these habits, you can drop them before the year ends.
#1. Stop eating when you are not hungry
Snacking and stress eating are common for a lot of people. It’s caused by losing touch with your natural satisfaction signals. Your body gets used to receiving and processing food, even when you are full. The result is extra pounds, which increases the risk of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and other severe conditions. If you are fond of eating sugary snacks, for instance, your oral health will suffer. Although it’s essential to visit a dentist and have your teeth checked, you might find yourself in more serious trouble like extraction and replacement. Clear choice dental implant cost will give you an idea of how much replacements will cost if you are in this situation already.
Break the habit: This is one of the many habits people find tough to beat, but it can be done. Your first step is to discipline yourself such that you eat because you are hungry, and stop when you are full- Not stuffed, but just a little bit full. Get rid of all unhealthy foods and snacks n your home and replace them with healthy snacks such as fruits and veggies. You can talk to a nutritionist to help you come up with an eating plan that will suit your body type and metabolism.
#2. Stop being a couch potato
Have you checked to see how much time you spend in front of the TV? According to recent polls, the average Briton will spend ten years of their lives watching television. That’s ten years of no physical activity at all. This increases your chance of being overweight and contracting diabetes type 2. When autumn and winter are around the corner, it’s common to cozy around your tv with some snacks, a warm blankie, the remote, and some hot chocolate. But unless you get up and move, you are wasting time and creating an unhealthy habit.
Break the habit: Minimize the amount of time you watch TV to two hours maximum a day. Replace the extra time with exercise, a hobby, visiting with friends, or learning a new skill. Also, avoid snacking when watching TV as it increases your chance of intaking hundreds of unwanted calories without realizing it.
#3. Stop hanging out with naysayers
Look around you and check who your friends are. You indeed become like those you hang around with, and if you notice you have a lot of negative energy, the cause could be your inner circle. Naysayers not only discourage you from going after your goals, but they also act as the devil’s advocate by being critical. They will tear you down, and if you hang around them long enough, you will start believing them and acting and being what they say you are.
Break the habit: Friends have a significant impact on who you are. Hang out with supportive people who are ready to encourage you and push you to achieve more. Hang around people who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. You will be happier.
#4. Stop smoking
At least seven million-plus Britons smoke, which accounts for 16.5% men and 13% women. The disadvantages of smoking have been emphasized for years, but a lot of people still find themselves caught in the habit. Research shows that smoking is the leading preventable cause of death globally. It causes pre-mature skin aging, discolored teeth, bad breath, increases health risks for those around you, and increases your chances of suffering from lung cancer.
Break the habit: Smoking is not the easiest habit to break. Instead of treating it like a habit, treat it as an addiction and gear up for the rough road ahead. It helps when you have supportive friends and family, and a strong urge and willpower to quit.
#5. Stop spending your way into debt
If a close and honest look at your finances has left you shocked at just how much you spend, you need to put a cap on it. Money worries have serious consequences, both to your physical and psychological health. It contributes to high blood pressure, ulcers, digestion troubles, among other conditions. You need to regain control of your finances and remain vigilant on how much you earn, how much you spend on needs and wants, and how much you save. Credit cards are great, but if you are not careful, they can be a one-way traffic to a horrible credit score, debt, and financial worries.
Break the habit: Start by educating yourself on the basics of personal finance. Also, keep close tabs on how you spend your money and come up with a budget that works for your needs, wants, and savings. Balance is critical in ensuring healthy finances.
Breaking habits for a healthy lifestyle is not as easy as forming them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t break unhealthy habits. If you are genuinely willing to change, you will take the necessary action needed to start your journey. It’s easy to slip, but don’t give up along the way. Instead, go back to the drawing board, note where you might have missed the mark, and adjust accordingly.
