Breaking Bad Habits
Identify the Cause and Effect
In order for one to break bad habits, they should first identify which causes it and to what extent is the effect of it.
I will be the one who will serve as an example for this article. The number one reason why I sleep late is because I am addicted to using my phone. Also because of the presence of internet connection. Sometimes, I just scroll into my social media accounts and scroll down to it while not having an importance to my life. Basically, I waste a lot of my time affecting my sleep.
I have already mentioned in my recent article It's Getting Bad that I sleep almost every night or should I say morning at 4 am. That's the usual time that I close my eyes. And sometimes I don't get night sleep at all.
The effects of my bad sleeping routine is that I get irritated easily, sleep deprivation, and worst, I sometimes do not attend my online classes just to get sleep during the day.
Well, it's not just the reason for my bad habits but it is a major reason. Sometimes I sleep late when I am overwhelmed, when my mental health is getting bad. And it contributes to my lack of sleep.
Identify The Reason Why It Happens
This is quite similar to the previous one. Identify what keeps you doing that habit. Think of the reason.
As for me, I get bored. Ever since we were in this pandemic, I depended on my entertainment through the internet. I don't usually go out like I used to and the only way I can get entertained is by watching movies/series, connecting with my friends through the use of social media apps, and etc cetera.
Willingness To Change
One should take action regarding the bad habit. Whether it would be disconnecting with life over the internet or taking a break.
I am aware of the bad effects that my bad sleeping habit does to me and I wanted to change it. It was quite hard this time but I am trying. I deleted my social media apps and I have had a hard time deleting the TikTok app since it doesn't just entertain me but it also educates me.
Find Other Activities
Try to find other activities that can suit your lifestyle. Activities that you can exert your energy and time that will make you feel productive.
I am trying to get back to my usual habit of working out and jogging. This is where I exert most of my efforts since getting tired during the day also helps me to go to sleep early. It also gives me fulfillment that my day became productive.
Closing words
Changing this bad habit of mine is a long process. There are still times when I fight the urge of sleeping early and use my phone up until 3 am but I also understand that this is not an easy road. Our bodies are like alarm clocks, it knows when to sleep and when to wake up. Even though I sleep early sometimes and my usual time of sleeping is at 4 am, I still feel tired and sleepy. That's because my body is not used to waking up early.
I hope you got something to realize from this blog. You can also share other tips and the things that you do to change your bad habits.
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Author's Note:
Thank you for reading this! I am crossing my fingers that Rusty will visit me this time.
Read my previous blogs:
Identify, find the cause, be willing to change, and find replacement activities. All the things I am doing in order to stop smoking. And it is working. It has been almost 2 weeks since I've had a cigarette. And several days since I've had any nicotine.
I would also like to add one more to the list. Be willing to be uncomfortable.
We have habits because we are comfortable with them. If a habit becomes a bad habit, we are still comfortable with it. So, we have to be willing to be uncomfortable in order to break a bad habit.