How can you overcome bad habits?!  

Getting into good habits overriding the bad habits is very difficult.

If the bad habits are deep rooted in your brain it is very difficult to come out of it. So you need to break the bad habit before you can start a good one. Here's how you do that.

1) Challenge Yourself

So, you might be living healthy and feeling good, but chances are there is a bad habit or two that you would like to change. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself. You can do it.

2) Make Your Intention Clear

Zero in on the behaviour that you would like to change. For example, deciding to change computer mouse use to your left hand is much more focused than just deciding to use your right hand less.

3) Know the Benefits

Make a list of all the good reasons to break the habit and use this as a list of things to fight for when you feel like giving up. Maybe you are seeking pain relief from a repetitive stress injury by changing a behavior that you believe is causing the pain. Pain relief is a real and very desirable benefit and a great incentive.

4) Take Action

Set yourself up for success by taking immediate action to change your behaviour. Go ahead and move that mouse to the left hand side of the computer so the next time you sit down, you will be ready to click.

5) Eliminate Excuses

Take steps during your downtime to eliminate excuses during your more hectic times. High stress times are also high risk times to fall back into your comfortable routine. For example, if you are committed to going to the gym right after work, put your workout clothes in the car the night before.

6) Enlist Help

Tell those people around you what you are trying to do. Co-workers and family members can help you recognize when you are slipping. Although this feedback is not always welcome, accountability is key to recognizing when you are not on track for success.

7) Track Your Progress

Keep careful note of your progress and if you are experiencing and of the benefits. If pain reduction is your goal, use the visual analog pain scale to record your pain levels each week. After a few weeks of hard work, you might need to see something to keep you going. Progress is an awesome incentive to keep going.

8) Do Not Give Up

If you slip, don’t throw your plan away. Just move on and keep going. Failure is only a reality when you stop trying.

9) Reward Yourself

While accomplishment is a reward itself, a tangible reward such as a new ergonomic office chair (can you say Aeron?), will certainly feel good as well.

10) Keep It Up

When you have succeeded, it will be easy to let your guard down. Changes in environment and routine can slowly bring bad habits back into your life. These are the times to be vigilant and make sure they don’t creep back into your daily routine.

How well have you overcome your bad habits? Were you able to succeed in it. You are welcome to put your own experiences in myLot, of how you have overcome your bad habits.