We all have habits that we would like to break, but often, getting ourselves free of these can be quite tricky. Willpower is often not enough to do it, and you may need to employ a number of other tactics in order to quit the addictive habits that affect our health and life.
Quitting Smoking
There is no longer any denying that smoking is a harmful habit. Nicotine is very addictive and inhaling smoke to enjoy the benefits that the drug provides our bodies, causes so many different health problems, from heart disease, lung conditions, right through to cancer.
But smoking is very addictive. Once you start smoking, it can almost feel impossible to stop, and there are a number of different elements associated with the addiction. Firstly, there is the actual chemical dependency that you need to consider. Getting over this hurdle may seem huge, but once you have gone for a period of time without nicotine, the addiction to the chemical will become reduced.
A large part of the addiction is centered around the actual act of smoking. Many people replace this with vaping, and if this is an option you want to consider, you may want to Come experience some amazing e-liquids.
Removing the physical connection with the addiction may be trickier, but it may be worth pursuing. Think about finding something to do with your hands during the times when you would have previously been smoking. Stress balls, fidget spinners or taking up a pass time such as knitting or drawing may all be good options.
You may find that as you quit smoking, you exchange the habit with snacking. Be mindful of this and try and ensure you snack on fruit instead of unhealthy sweets or crisps.
Cutting Down On Drinking
Enjoying a drink and having an addiction is not the same thing. But for many people, social drinking can become a problem. Feeling as though you cannot enjoy the time when you are out socializing without having a drink can lead to drinking too much, too often.
Retraining that mindset can be hard, but if you attempt to find an alternative way of handling the situation you will soon start to feel better about it. Allow yourself to go out and socialize where you are not able to drink. If you can, opt to drive. That way, you won’t be tempted. You may find that you enjoy everyone’s company just as much without the need to drink.
Visit places where drinking is not normal. Engaging in sports-based activities may mean that you get to enjoy your spare time without having a drink.
Getting Help With Addictions
One of the biggest steps with any addiction is realizing when it is becoming a problem in your life and admitting it. Getting the help of someone else, ideally, that has a real understanding of what lies behind your addiction is going to be significantly important. Look for local support groups in your area, or reach out to an online community for help.
Mandy X
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Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
