How to break an unhealthy habit - Essay Example

How to Break an Unhealthy Habit How to Break an Unhealthy Habit Most of the span of anyone’s life is basedon habitual actions; some of these habitual actions benefit the individual while others result in harmful consequences. Breaking unhealthy habits can often prove to become an ordeal for most since it requires determination and persistence. Sometimes, even the knowledge of dangerous effects of the unhealthy habit is not enough to keep the individual away from it. In such circumstances, seeking help from available literature is considered to be a wise step.

There exists numerous articles and information to break bad and unhealthy habits. Scott (2008) advised that a 30 day trial should be planned to cease the habitual action. The individual should be persistent about resisting the habit and should try to divert his attention to an alternate thing. Replacing the need with an alternative is an important step in break bad habits, such as reducing time to watching TV will require an alternate source for finding information and entertainment. It is also advised to focus on one habit at a time and make rules to ensure fruitful results.

The rules to break an unhealthy habit need to be kept simple to ensure that they shall be followed over an elongated period of time. Who doesn’t like a reward at the end of an ordeal? A friend should be given a certain amount of money that can serve as one’s reward at the successful breaking of an unhealthy habit. In the end, it would not be wrong to state that the traits of perseverance and will power bear great relevance in breaking any unhealthy habit since the individual usually finds himself longing for the desired action.

The habit should be planned to be broken with an incremental approach, thus increasing the 30 day trial to 2 months, 3 months and so on. Losing unhealthy habits can result in a healthier and productive society that can progress at a greater pace. ReferencesYoung, S., (2008), Tips for Breaking Bad Habits and Developing Good Habits, Retrieved from http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/strategies-for-breaking-bad-habits-and-cultivating- good-ones/