Detox Your Life: How to Release Unhealthy Habits

I often write about how to start and stick with a habit, but what about that one you need to let go of? You know, that UNhealthy habit? 

Breaking free from an unhealthy habit can be tough, but it’s totally doable. Let’s explore how you can let go of that pesky habit, paving the way for a healthier and happier life. And let’s not forget to figure out how to determine if a habit is unhealthy in the first place. You deserve to understand the negative impact it can have on your well-being.

Recognize & Assess the Habit

When it comes to figuring out if a habit is unhealthy, it’s time to take a good, hard look at how it affects your overall well-being. Let’s break this down:

#1 Assess physical & mental effects

Take a moment to ask yourself if a habit is messing with your physical health and mental well-being. Do you notice any negative changes in your body, like feeling constantly drained, having trouble sleeping, or dealing with higher stress levels? Are you carrying emotional distress or feeling a sense of guilt or shame tied to the habit? These are important factors to consider because your well-being matters.

#2 Consider the habit’s interference with daily life

Think about how this habit is barging into your daily routines, responsibilities, and relationships.

• Is it hogging a significant chunk of your time and attention? 

• Does it affect your productivity?

• Does it mess with your social interactions, or make it hard to fulfill your obligations? 

If the habit is throwing a wrench into your everyday life, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look.

#3 Reflect on long-term consequences

It’s time to put on your fortune-teller hat and project the potential long-term consequences of sticking with this habit. 

• Will it lead to chronic health issues down the road? 

• Are you looking at financial burdens? 

• Could it hold you back from personal growth and fulfillment? 

It’s essential to recognize that the immediate gratification the habit provides might not be worth the negative impacts it can have on your future.

#4 Ask yourself why you practice the habit

All habits, good or bad are in your life for a reason. Pause and read that sentence again. Even “bad” habits serve a purpose. Otherwise, you wouldn’t do them. Self-reflection and awareness are your secret weapons for letting go of an unhealthy habit. Take some time to dig deep and understand why you engage in the habit and what triggers it. You might be surprised by what you discover. Being self-aware can boost your chances of successfully breaking a habit. 

Let’s say smoking is your vice. By reflecting on why you smoke and recognizing the situations that tempt you, you can better understand the habit’s hold on you and start working towards letting it go.

I want to point out that if any habit negatively affects your overall health then it may be time to let it go. I’m not only talking about habits like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or eating junk food. It may be jumping on social media right away in the morning or mindlessly scrolling for hours. Or maybe it’s watching TV right before bedtime, biting your nails, or clenching your jaw.

It can also be a habit that on the surface seems healthy but has a negative impact when you really examine it. For example, a workout routine that you do because it’s “good for you” but it leaves you feeling completely drained, you dread it every time, and it doesn’t work for you. But yet, you continue to do it. Maybe it’s time to change things up. 

Replace the Habit with Positive Alternatives

Let’s face it, it’s much easier to let go of a habit when you have something else to fill the void. Finding healthier alternatives is key to successfully breaking free from an unhealthy habit.

So, if excessive screen time is your nemesis, why not swap it with something more fulfilling? Pick up a book, explore a new hobby, or get moving with activities like hiking or yoga. By replacing the habit with something positive, you’ll break free and may even discover something that brings you joy.

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, suggests that you make sure the alternative habit offers a similar benefit for it to work. So if you smoke when you’re stressed then simply stopping won’t help.  What’s a different way you can deal with the stress?

If you scroll through social media because you think it keeps you connected, what’s another way you can feel connected?

Keep a Mindset of Growth & Resilience

Here’s the deal: letting go of an unhealthy habit requires a mindset that’s all about growth and resilience. Embrace the idea that setbacks are just stepping stones on your journey to success. 

Let’s take emotional eating, for example. By adopting a growth mindset and viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms and foster a positive relationship with food. 

Useful tips

#1. Leave yourself reminders. Use sticky notes or use a reminder app on your phone. 

#2 Be prepared to slip up. And instead of feeling guilt or shame, look at why you slipped up and see if you need to adjust your approach.

#3 Start small. Unless habits go together, it can be difficult to break lots of habits at once. 

#4. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and stay committed to your goal. Remember, you’ve got this!

Letting go of an unhealthy habit isn’t a walk in the park, but armed with self-awareness, positive alternatives, and a growth mindset, you’re well on your way to success. Evaluate the impact of the habit on your well-being and understand why it needs to go. Break free from its clutches and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life. You’ve got the power to let go and create a brighter future for yourself.

Want to learn how to build resilience? Check out this article!