Toxic habits are destructive, dangerous, and addicting. You might think you’re addicted to a habit that helps you relax or study better, but in reality, it’s slowly destroying your life from the inside out. Below are ways how you can get rid of toxic habits that no longer serve you.
1. Learn to Detox Your Body
First, you should learn to eat healthier and detox your body. Eat organic foods, drink lots of water, exercise daily, and get plenty of sleep.
2. Set Goals
To stop a habit, you need to have a plan. Set goals and write them down so you’ll get reminded daily. It will help you start on your new path and make it easier to stay on it. You might need to reward yourself as you reach your goals, too. You can also ask for professional help. For instance, if you are trying to quit drinking you can get yourself an online sober coach who will guide you in recovering.
3. Use Positive Thinking
If you want to rid yourself of a negative habit, train your mind to think positively instead of negatively. Negative thoughts can affect your health and make you feel bad about yourself. Thinking positively will help you be more motivated and appreciate life.
4. Get Rid of Old Reminders
On your new journey towards stopping a toxic habit, get rid of any reminders that may cause you to fall back into it. It may mean getting rid of certain books or clothing. Reminders of a past habit can also be hard to identify as they may be smaller cues, such as an old photo or piece of clothing.
5. Don’t Place False Expectations On Yourself
One of the most common reasons people fall back into old habits is because they place more importance on the habit than they should. For example, when you stop smoking cigarettes, do not set up high standards for yourself that you will smoke less than before. Doing this will only disappoint you when you fail to meet your goals and can have negative consequences.
6. Learn What Motivates You
You will fail without motivation. Find something that motivates you and stick with it. You can look at photos of loved ones, read inspirational books, or think about how good it will feel when you’ve broken free from the habit.
7. Avoid Situations That Cause You to Fall Back Into Old Habits
You should avoid, or get rid of, any situations that might cause you to fall back into old habits. For example, if you smoke after work each day, try quitting cold turkey or limiting your smoking during the week so that it becomes easier on the weekends. It can also help to keep a journal and write down why you want to break your habit. After a while, you will see that it no longer makes sense.
8. Eliminate The Triggers
Be aware of what triggers your unhealthy habits and remove those triggers from your life. If you’re addicted to smoking, don’t keep cigarettes in the house. If you use food as a coping method, quit going to buffets, and don’t go grocery shopping when you’re upset.
9. Replace Bad Habits with Good Ones
Creating new habits will take time, so for now, replace bad habits with good ones. Instead of going to the bar to get drunk and stay up all night, go home and read a book instead.
10. Surround Yourself with People Who Support You
We’re social creatures and having support for your new goals is key. You will be more likely to succeed if you have supportive people in your life. Surround yourself with friends, family, and loved ones who want the best for you.
11. Control Your Environment
Look at your surroundings and change them. Let’s say you’re addicted to smoking. Instead of lighting up a cigarette, go outside, smell the air, and look at the beautiful scenery in your neighborhood.
12. Give Yourself One Positive Reason Every Day
Tell yourself that you want to stop or change a habit and give yourself one good reason every day. Whether it’s the sun shining or your friends cheering for you, tell yourself why it’s good for you and help push yourself to succeed.
No matter how bad a habit you have, it is possible to rid yourself of it. Learn to surround yourself with people who support you and control your environment. Keep a journal of good things that have happened recently so that it will be easier to keep your focus moving forward.