Cooperative Living November/December 2023 - 7

HAPPY& HEALTHY
Breaking
C
C
Bad
by Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski, Contributing Columnist
Strategies for stopping bad habits
trategies for stopping bad habits
W
W
hether it's biting our nails,
hether it's biting our nails,
overindulging in unhealthy
foods, procrastinating or
succumbing to negative self-talk, these
habits can hold us back from leading
fulfi lling and productive lives. Th e good
news is that with the right mindset and
motivation, change is possible. Here are
four proven strategies to help you stop
unwanted behaviors in their tracks.
1. IDENTIFY AND UNDERSTAND
THE TRIGGERS
Th e fi rst step in breaking any bad
habit is to identify its triggers.
Habits are oft en a response
to specifi c cues or stimuli
in our environment.
By recognizing what
prompts your bad
habit, you can take
proactive steps to
avoid or mitigate
those triggers. For
instance, if you're
trying to quit smoking,
you might discover that
stress or social situations
trigger your cravings. Once you know
this, you can develop healthier coping
mechanisms for stress or choose not
to attend events where smoking is
prevalent.
Understanding the psychological
and emotional triggers behind your
habits is equally important. Are you
turning to a specifi c behavior as a way
to deal with anxiety, boredom or
low self-esteem? If so, addressing the
co-opliving.com
underlying emotional needs is crucial.
Consider seeking support from a
g e
l ne ds is c
therapist or counselor who can help you
develop healthier coping strategies or
recruit a friend who knows you best.
2. REPLACE NEGATIVE HABITS
WITH POSITIVE HABITS
Breaking a bad habit oft en leaves
a void in your daily routine. To
successfully overcome this gap, replace
the negative habit with a positive one.
Habits are easier to change when they
are replaced rather than simply removed.
For example, if you are trying to
cut down on sugary snacks,
stock your pantry with
healthier alternatives like
fruits, nuts or yogurt.
Th is not only helps
satisfy your cravings
but also improves
your overall nutrition.
Similarly, if you're
trying to break the habit
of excessive screen time,
consider replacing it with a daily
exercise routine, reading or spending
quality time with loved ones.
3. USE THE POWER OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
Share your goal with a friend, family
member or coworker who can hold you
responsible for your actions. Knowing
that someone is aware of your intentions
can motivate you to stay on track.
You can also take advantage of
technology to boost your accountability.
underlying emotional needs is crucial.
Choose from a variety of habit-tracking
apps that allow you to set goals, monitor
your progress, and receive reminders.
Some even off er social features that let
you share your achievements with a
community of like-minded individuals.
4. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
AND SELF-REFLECTION
Mindfulness is the practice of being
fully present in the moment and aware
of your thoughts and feelings. It can
be a powerful tool for breaking bad
habits because it helps you become
more conscious of your actions and
their consequences. By practicing
mindfulness, you can observe your
cravings, triggers and urges without
immediately acting on them.
Kicking a habit to the curb is
challenging but entirely achievable.
Remember that change takes time,
and setbacks are a natural part of the
process. Be patient with yourself.
Give yourself grace when you fall
short. Stay committed to your goals,
and with persistence and determination,
you can successfully break free from
those unwanted habits.
*
Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski is a certifi ed
nutrition counselor, weightlift ing coach, life
coach and stress-management specialist.
All health-related content and media provided by
Cooperative Living or its website(s) is created and published
for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for
professional medical advice and should not be relied on as
health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your
doctor or other qualifi ed health professional with any questions
you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
November-December 2023 * Cooperative Living * 5
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Cooperative Living November/December 2023

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