Breaking Bad Habits

January is traditionally the time of year that we tend to re-evaluate our lives and start new, good habits. Even though it is nearing the end of the month, this advice is well timed after the excesses of the holiday season, and also our will and determination to change can start to wane around now. How many of us started with good intentions that lessened or faded away after a week or two? Somehow it seems much harder now to do now what we did with enthusiasm in the first week of the new year.

Bad habits, an unhealthy relationship or obsession, or dependence on drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, are all detrimental to our health. This is a reminder for us to keep on track if we have already started a new regime, or is a nudge in the right direction to encourage us to do so if we have not already put one into practice. It can be hard to break established habits, but if we are struggling to do so by ourselves we need to remember to ask others for help. A friend or relative could be willing to be there for you, or a professional who is used to helping people get positive results. Today we have many resources to help us too; books, tv and the internet to name a few. Sometimes it can be hard to sift out the bad to get to the good advice, but it is possible, and if in doubt always get professional advice.

Once the habit is broken, it will be time to re-assess our lives again. We can look back and see why we went down that path in the first place so that we don't go back down it again. We need to learn from our experiences, and build new, better habits for the future. Try to look at the change to good habits as a long term way of life rather than a short term fix or diet. You're in this for the long run.

Finally, if you are struggling with giving up whatever is "bad" for you in your life, remember that you are not alone, help is there for you, and that if you stay focussed and determined you can give it your best shot.