What can I do to replace this awful habit I've created?
12 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Oct 21, 2019
positiveWhisper24
on
Apr 1, 2015
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Replace it with a new habit that is not harmful. If it's something to do with your hands, I like to play with smooth rocks or silly putty to keep my hands occupied. Some other neutral habits can be things like taking long showers, painting your nails, finding a hobby. Make a list of things you like to do and have it with you at all times so when you need it, you can look at it and find something else to do instead.
JustBreatheLikeKat
on
Apr 15, 2015
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Try to find something positive to replace it with. For example: Reading, running, sewing, playing an instrument or even by playing video games!
BrokenTeaCup
on
May 28, 2015
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Well it depends on what habit you have. The best thing to replace it with something you can easily do whenever you need to. You can always change what you're replacing it with if it's not working. Example: so a person is a self harmer. That person could get around trusted people, and keep them away from harming tools and what not. Everybody has some kind of habit that is bad/awful. Also everyone deals differently. Hope this helps.
littlesnowflake1
on
Jul 20, 2015
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To replace an awful habit created by your own self, I recommend distracting yourself. Also reminding why that thing is wrong.
Carin
on
Sep 21, 2015
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You need to find a new, beautiful one. You need to distract yourself from that awful habit, and day by day you forget about it when you'll have a better one
Anonymous
on
Jan 4, 2016
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Give yourself consequences when you do it and give yourself prizes when you fight the urge .if you can stay 40 days without doing it you will be over the habit! (stopping or starting a habit takes 40 days). Good luck!
Anonymous
on
Mar 21, 2016
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Breaking bad habits can be very difficult, some people cut the habit cold turkey and others phase out the habit in stages. I find that taking care of yourself: getting enough sleep, eating right, taking a shower, getting outside, light exercise; is helpful in resetting yourself and ridding bad habits.
Anonymous
on
Aug 9, 2016
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Find alternatives for the issue. Maybe do something to distract this habit by creating a better one in replace. Another thing you can do is to punish yourself everytime you do it (10 jumping jacks, pushups, etc.) to train you to get rid of it.
Anonymous
on
Dec 19, 2017
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you could try distraction techniques. every time you think about doing the awful habit, try talking to someone or go for a walk or have a warm bath
Anonymous
on
Apr 16, 2018
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Find some positive coping mechanisms to replace the habit. Slowly start to push the habit into the background
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