Are your bad habits holding you back from enjoying the healthy and peaceful life? Do you think that you are in a position from where it is not possible to come out of your bad habits? Don’t worry, here is the good news. It is never too late to come out of your bad habits!
In order to come out of your bad habits, you will first need to understand the importance of establishing a healthy lifestyle and the common reasons that make people not stop bad habits.
Importance of establishing a healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyle provides good physical and mental health. It keeps us away from diseases or illnesses thereby increasing our lifespan. A good diet, exercise and managed stress levels are some of the healthy practices. However, it is not possible to change your lifestyle at once. Small positive changes over a period of time can break your bad habits.
Common excuses for not breaking bad habits
Though many people today are aware of the benefits of healthy lifestyle or harmful effects of bad habits, many try to give reasons when asked to stop them. More than reasons, they are myths that are associated with breaking bad habits. Here we will have a look on some of them.
• I am fine from years – no need to stop bad habits
You may think that there is no need to stop your bad habits as you did not have any health issue from a long time. You may be lucky, but remember there are many chances of you getting seriously ill at any time. Bad habits like drug or alcohol abuse negatively affects all the vital body organs in such a way that once you get sick, it will be almost impossible to come back to normal health. So it is better to reduce and slowly stop unhealthy habits to minimize the possible health risks in future.
• I am too old to exercise
You may think that you are too old to follow healthy practices like doing physical exercise. You need to remember that everybody irrespective of their age can do exercise. If you are too old, consult your doctor as he may suggest you simple exercises. Remember, many health problems like osteoarthritis, obesity, and certain cancers require regular exercises along with regular treatment.
• Changing diet at this age doesn't help
People generally think that changing food habits at a certain age has no effect on health. You need to understand that a good and healthy diet is essential at any age. A healthy diet reduces the risk of heart diseases, cancer and many other diseases. Antioxidants present in the fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains fight against many diseases. There are many health problems which may result at any age due to improper diet.
• I am abusing drugs from years – damage is already done
One of the major problems with drug or alcohol abusers is that they always think negatively. They generally think that “I am abusing drugs from years, damage is already done. Even if I practice healthy habits now, it won’t help.” One needs to understand that healthy lifestyle can reduce the further damage. It may also lessen the present ill-effects of the body.
Since bad habits are associated with many negative effects, it is important that you get rid of them. You may think that it is a very difficult task. Believe me it is easier than you think.
What is necessary to stop bad habits?
Willingness to stop bad habits itself is a big achievement. However, the below mentioned points help you in avoiding or breaking the bad habits.
Awareness
You should be aware of the health issues that are caused due to unhealthy bad habits. Educate yourself on the nutrition, exercising, and other things you need to practice. Internet is the best source to get information on health. You can also consult your doctor to get help. Get a clear vision on the things that you need to avoid and things that you need to practice.
Commitment
A strong commitment is key for success in any work. Though it may take time to completely stop bad habits, you should have a firm commitment to avoid the practice of bad habits. Make yourself clear and committed to the goal. Based on your commitment you can observe and experience the positive attitudes of exercising and being healthy.
Planning
A proper planning is essential to have a new and healthy lifestyle. Prepare a step by step plan to change the habits. Make a list of ‘things to do’ to support the new healthy habits. Also design a plan to deal obstacles and bad habits.
Practice
You cannot benefit unless you put the plan into action. You can really observe the changes in your lifestyle by regular implementation of healthy living practices. You should be patient and persistent to find the associated good results.
Remember, breaking your bad habits is in your own hands. Now that you are aware of the issues with bad habits, myths associated with them and most importantly what it needs to stop them, make sure that you are going in the right direction. So start avoiding bad habits and practice healthy living from today itself.
By Nate Rodney
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