There are two schools of thought as to how long it takes to break a bad habit. Some believe it takes 21 days to break from an old routine and learn a new one, however, a recent study of 96 people that was published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, claimed it took them 66 days to relearn a new habit or way of doing things. Whatever category you might fall into, certain things would benefit you greatly if you took the time to quit the old and start anew.
6 - Refocus your focus
When the chips are down, it’s easy to wallow in your own self-pity. Get out of this sorry state by shifting your focus to someone else, other than yourself. Go and volunteer your time at an animal shelter or soup kitchen and give back to your community. Giving back does wonder for people’s self-worth, and it works every time.
5 - Look after you
Often, we feel guilty when we know we should be doing something and we’re not. For example, we have a gym membership but never use it. Each day we think of it and we feel awful for not utilising it. Try something else instead, perhaps a different exercise that appeals to you more, that will make you never want to miss a class. Try out a few options and find the place that matches you – you’ll find any excuse NOT to miss your exercise class!
4 - Keep it safe
Firstly, putting your wallet in your back pocket is not a great idea as it’s an open invitation to pick-pockets. Here’s another reason to avoid doing it. Chiropractic physician, Dr Scott Schreiber adds that putting your wallet in your back pocket causes your pelvis to tilt unnaturally, making the muscles compensate from the extra pressure. It can cause irritation in the sciatic nerve which leads to piriformis syndrome. Just carry the cards you’ll need for the day and leave the bulk of the wallet at home.
3 - Cover Up
You’re trying to sleep, and your ears are cold, so you slip the covers up way over your head… bad idea! You’re doing your brain no favours! By doing this, you’re increasing your intake of carbon dioxide and long-term, this could damage your brain cells. Not worth the risk!
2 - Accept Yours
We all have flaws. Some may be better at hiding them than you are… but they’re there. The quicker we learn to accept those that we can’t change, the more at peace we will be with ourselves. Accept the things you can’t change – well without surgery anyway – like your ears, your bizarrely shaped baby toe or your nose, and change the things you can – healthier attitude, smiling more, being kinder… you get the bigger picture!
1- You Got This
The moment you start using the word, “can’t”, you’re already setting yourself up for failure. You’re playing the victim role and not holding yourself accountable for your own actions. It’s all about shifting your thinking. We tend to complain a lot about our work, as an example, yet think of your work like this. Instead of moaning about all you must do, saying something like, I’m grateful I get to do XYZ … and you will be amazed the difference it makes.