The thought of having a “happiness coach” is pretty enticing. While I do live a fun lifestyle, there are always areas where I need improvement – especially when it comes to beating those bad habits that I have (right off the bat I can think of one that involves sugar, fat & late nights in front of the TV). While I know WHAT NOT TO DO, these once a day tips on how to cope and deal with bad habits are a real help.
Sunday, Day 1: Relax and Reflect
On this day, identify what is GOOD about your habit and then figure out ways to get those benefits without the habit. For example; if smoking, eating unhealthy, or drinking excessively helps you relax, learn and apply other ways to relax without returning to your crutch.
Monday, Day 2: Plan Your Week
Write out the reasons WHY you want to kick this habit.
· psychological benefits
· physical benefits
· social benefits (how it will help your relationships)
· work benefits
· spiritual benefits
Tuesday, Day 3: Emotion Comes into Play
Read over the list you made daily on why you want to kick the habit of yours. Moreover, do it with EMOTION.
Wednesday, Day 4: View Your Failures as something good!
Past attempts are not failure but rather data. Look at what happened in the past when you tried to break the habit and were not successful.
· What were the ingredients that lead you to a slip up?
· How can you take steps to prevent them in the future?
Thursday, Day 5: Simply Forgive Yourself
Stop the all-or-nothing thinking: if you do mess up, it does not mean,
“I will never be able to quit.” Purely forgive yourself, figure out what
went wrong and move on.
Friday, Day 6: Weekend Temptation Cloud Rolls In
Set short-term and long-term goals with rewards for each. The weekend is the best time to start as you are bound to give in to temptation and become weak. You are strong and deserve rewards always.
Saturday, Day 7: The Day Your Relapse May Return
Your body is your temple. If your walls begin to shake, address your stress. Increased stress makes relapse much more likely.
· Consider trying something you have never done before on this day
· Yoga
· Read a New Book
· Cycling
· Cooking
Thank you to Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, MS, PT, author of Happy Habits by Dr. L: A Tip a Day to Kick Your Habit Away for these helpful tips. Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, MS, PT is a clinical psychologist and physical therapist who helps people have less stress and more happiness, regardless what is going on in life.
Colleen says
Oh this book sounds like an interesting read. I believe that things can become a habit.
Jenn @therebelchick says
I just came across a study on kicking bad habits while traveling last month – these are the exact same tips! They must really work!
marg says
I need this. I need to be more organized – and need a plan to kick the messy habit!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
I think for me finding time to relax is the hardest
Notorious Spinks says
This book sounds great!
April Decheine says
This sounds like a great book! I have a book shelf filled with this 🙂
Kelly says
I need to plan my week better. My time management skills are the pits.