The first thing you have know is what is the definition of a habit. A habit is a complusive behaviour pattern, that is carried out by aperson,without even considering the behaviour.
Is a bad habit an addiction ? . Compared to other addictions , it has many of the aspects of addictive behaviour. Bad Habits can be harmful to others and the individual themselves. In fact a bad habit could be classed as harmful to social integration.
What is the cause of addiction? Addictions are rooted to unhappy occurrences encountered during childhood. Research shows that children who are prone to addiction are those who have undergone physical maltreatment, embarrassment, degradation or were neglected.
Some of the bad habits which people are addicted to, are things like excess alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, smoking and even over indulgence. In fact thinking about you may be more motivated to get rid of the addiction to overeat. You have 2 types of addictions. Number one is something you really find difficult to get rid of and number 2 something you are regularly used to doing.
Some people believe that bad habits or cravings force people to live with something that is not liked and that it can take over your life. People are also saying that cravings can lead to dreadful and distressing behaviour, which is taking over society today.
Habits are like fishing hooks , that grab you and stick with you and in time are very difficult to mind is constantly thinking about these habits and plotting ways to use them.
Do you believe in these erroneous beliefs? Even if it says that it is irresistible, the truth is you can resist it. If you can do something else for as little as 21 days, you can change it and continue resisting it. The habit resisted will eventually pass into memory.
Generally speaking willpower , distraction and dedication and a little effort will help you overcome them. Addictions to drugs, alcohol and smoking will need qualified help . Belief that you are able to overpower your urges gives you the confidence to do so in most cases
Drinking alcohol, you can drink occasionally, but if drinking in excess and every day can be detrimental. Not all habits are considered harmful , anything in excess is not beneficial
Rehabilitation centers abound, however, you may not want to subject yourself to rehab just to run away from bad habits. Last time I checked, there wasn't a rehab for excessive nail biting, but it's still a very bad habit. The best thing to do is just don't let your urges overpower you. In simple terms, don't let them lead you to addiction or excess.
These are some of the ways of getting rid of bad habits.
You have to have the frame of mind in your strength to overcome and resist your urges. Thinking your are too weak to resist your urges is not an option. Use the faith you have in yourself to fight them. Follow these steps :
When you feel an urge or craving , slow down, sit back and relax. Urges come and go and do not last long. Slowing down and thinking of other things will help you resist. Find something else to do until the urge goes away. Move around if you have to. Take a long walk, you can even watch TV. Just get your mind on something else.
Resisting overeating can be avoided by staying away from the temptation of bakeries and food shops. avoid these places if you can. If you have to go the supermarkets, eat a sensible meal before going, so you can resist temptation to buy things you know are not good for you.
Mix with the people you admire for their good habits, slim people who are more likely to eat healthy meals, non- smokers who visit places where smokers aren't. Why put yourself is temptations way, when you can take these simple steps.
Finding alternatives to your craving is a good way of reducing temptation. Crave for a candy bar ; eat a granola bar. Tempted for a cool beer; try a coffee or tea. In many ways you do the same for a child , by distracting them from something harmful.
Exercise also cuts down on eating and smoking urges. Working out in a gym would best replace your urge for sex if that's a problem. Take a walk round the block or go for a jog.
If you have weight problem, think of ways to motivate yourself to change. Have a look at yourself naked in the mirror, also create images in your mind of how you want to look like and feel. All these types of actions will help you fight your cravings.
If none of this works, and your cravings and addiction is severe, seek an expert - your doctor or rehabilitation might be called for to get you started. In any case, take some action to break the habit you are struggling with. You are a winner as long as you continuously take action to change the habit.