How to Break Bad Habits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How to Break Bad Habits - Essay Example The initial phase of recovery is by admitting that they are living with a bad habit. Secondly, they should decisively choose to change such a habit. Consequently, they should seek to identify the cause of the habit, and eventually look for a healthier habit to replace the bad habit. According to Health Encyclopedia, such phases may assume other names such as pre-contemplation phase, contemplation phase, preparation, action, maintenance phase and termination. The initial stage of admitting helps in raising the consciousness of the victim. At this stage, one should seek to gather substantial knowledge on how beneficial would it be if he/she adopts a healthier habit. For example, what would be the benefit of becoming a non smoker? While, at the same stage, it is also essential to learn on how one can end a bad habit. This stage may be referred to as the pre-contemplation stage. At the contemplation stage, one begins to implement the knowledge gathered in the pre-contemplation stage; there is the commitment to start the process via which a bad habit is to be terminated. One may consider restricting themselves within six months. At the preparation stage, one is almost set; he/she plans on how to take necessary actions within the shortest time possible, probably a month after the six months of contemplation. Often, there is a plan on how to stop a bad behavior, when one is at this stage. For example, an alcoholic addict identifies a support group to be attending. On the other hand, a drug addict may opt for a health facility. The action phase means that a person takes a definitive action towards breaking a bad habit. For example, one may be actively adhering to the appointments with the doctor, or following a program of losing weight. However, only proven approaches are considered as actions. For example, cigarette smokers with an intention of just cutting back cigarettes cannot be