Healthwatch by Shyft

Go back

Breaking patterns and addictions- understanding harmful health habits

Breaking patterns and addictions- understanding harmful health habits
Contents
Contents

We all have habits that we wish we could break. Whether it’s smoking, excessive drinking, overeating, or not getting enough exercise, harmful health habits can be difficult to break. These habits are often deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour that have developed over years, if not decades. But breaking these patterns and addictions is essential for our overall health and well-being.

Harmful health habits are often deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour that have developed over years, if not decades. These habits are not only difficult to break, but they can also be destructive to our physical and mental health. It is essential to understand the psychology behind these habits and the factors that contribute to their development.

One factor that can contribute to the development of harmful health habits is stress. When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can increase our cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods. This is because cortisol triggers the release of glucose, providing our bodies with a quick source of energy. This can lead to overeating and the development of unhealthy eating habits. Another factor that can contribute to the development of harmful health habits is social influence. We are often influenced by the behaviour of those around us, and this can include unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive drinking. Peer pressure can be a powerful force, and it can be challenging to resist the influence of those around us, especially when we are in social situations.

Finally, the way we think about ourselves can also contribute to the development of harmful health habits. Low self-esteem, negative self-talk, and a lack of self-care can all contribute to the development of unhealthy habits. When we do not value ourselves or our health, we may engage in behaviours that are harmful to our bodies and minds.

Understanding these factors can help us to identify the root causes of our harmful health habits and take steps to break them. By reducing stress, surrounding ourselves with positive influences, and practising self-care, we can create a healthier, happier lifestyle. Breaking harmful health habits is not easy, but it is possible with the right strategies and support.

In this article, we’ll explore the psychology behind harmful health habits, the physical and mental health consequences of these habits, and offer tips and strategies for breaking them.

Understanding the Psychology of Harmful Health Habits

Harmful health habits often begin as coping mechanisms for stress or emotional pain. For example, smoking may have initially been a way to cope with stress or anxiety, while overeating may have been a way to deal with emotional pain. These behaviours become habits when they are repeatedly reinforced, either through the release of dopamine in the brain or the relief of stress or emotional pain.

Over time, these habits become deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour that are difficult to break. The brain has rewired itself to associate these behaviours with pleasure or relief, making it hard to resist them even when we know they are harmful.

Physical and Mental Health Consequences of Harmful Health Habits

Harmful health habits can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health. Smoking, for example, is a leading cause of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Overeating can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Excessive drinking can damage the liver and lead to addiction, among other health problems.

These habits can also harm our mental health. They can increase anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem, and reduce our overall quality of life.

Breaking Harmful Health Habits

Breaking harmful health habits can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some tips and strategies that can help:

  1. Set a goal: Start by setting a clear goal for yourself. This goal should be specific, measurable, and achievable. For example, if you want to quit smoking, set a goal to be smoke-free for one week.
  1. Identify triggers: Identify the situations, people, or emotions that trigger your harmful health habits. This will help you anticipate and avoid these triggers.
  1. Create new habits: Replace your harmful health habits with new, healthier habits. For example, if you tend to overeat when you’re stressed, try going for a walk or practising yoga instead.
  1. Seek support: Breaking harmful health habits is easier when you have support. Seek the help of friends, family, or a support group.
  1. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential when breaking harmful health habits. Practice self-care by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
  1. Get professional help: If you’re struggling to break harmful health habits, consider seeking the help of a healthcare professional or therapist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, harmful health habits can be challenging to break, but it is possible with the right strategies and support. By understanding the psychology behind these habits, recognizing their physical and mental health consequences, and taking steps to break them, you can create a healthier, happier life for yourself. Remember, breaking harmful health habits takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.

Over 20,000 customers have reduced their symptoms and improved their health by consulting Shyft's Clinical Nutritionists. When are you starting?

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles
when new information becomes available.

Read more

Continue to read on a range of topics related to Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health and Sleep Health.

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are important for regulating the body’s metabolism, including the body’s heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. Causes of Hypothyroidism There are several causes of hypothyroidism, including: Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery, in which the thyroid gland is removed or damaged.… Read more

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are important for regulating the body’s metabolism, including the body’s heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. Causes of Hypothyroidism There are several causes of hypothyroidism, including: Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery, in which the thyroid gland is removed or damaged.…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

27 Apr 2023

From Gout to Diabetes: High Uric Acid Levels and Comorbidities

The human body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in many foods and occur naturally. In healthy individuals, the body eliminates uric acid through urine, but when the levels of uric acid become too high, it can lead to several health problems. High uric acid levels are associated with several comorbidities, which are additional health problems that occur along with a primary disease or disorder. Here is a look at some of the most common… Read more

From Gout to Diabetes: High Uric Acid Levels and Comorbidities

From Gout to Diabetes: High Uric Acid Levels and Comorbidities

The human body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in many foods and occur naturally. In healthy individuals, the body eliminates uric acid through urine, but when the levels of uric acid become too high, it can lead to several health problems. High uric acid levels are associated with several comorbidities, which are additional health problems that occur along with a primary disease or disorder. Here is a look at some of the most common…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

05 Apr 2023

Making and breaking: Habits

4 minutes

23 Jul 2023

Making and breaking: Habits

Habits are a fundamental part of our lives. They dictate our daily routines, shape our behaviour, and ultimately determine our long-term outcomes. Whether we're looking to adopt new healthy habits or break old bad ones, understanding the science of habit formation is key. In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making and breaking old habits. Making New Habits The first step in making new habits is to identify the specific behaviour you want to adopt.… Read more

Most read

Making and breaking: Habits

Making and breaking: Habits

Habits are a fundamental part of our lives. They dictate our daily routines, shape our behaviour, and ultimately determine our long-term outcomes. Whether we're looking to adopt new healthy habits or break old bad ones, understanding the science of habit formation is key. In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making and breaking old habits. Making New Habits The first step in making new habits is to identify the specific behaviour you want to adopt.…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

23 Jul 2023

Most read

Busting Common Weightloss Myths

6 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Busting Common Weightloss Myths

The Carb Dillema What is the first thing that pops into your head when you want to shed a few kilos? Is it a complete removal of carbs from your diet? No bread, No pasta and most definitely no potatoes. The misinformation circulating in the market about carbs (among other things) has made it the scapegoat for all our weight loss woes. What one doesn't realise is that carbs, like all nutrient groups, exist in many healthy foods and occur… Read more

Busting Common Weightloss Myths

Busting Common Weightloss Myths

The Carb Dillema What is the first thing that pops into your head when you want to shed a few kilos? Is it a complete removal of carbs from your diet? No bread, No pasta and most definitely no potatoes. The misinformation circulating in the market about carbs (among other things) has made it the scapegoat for all our weight loss woes. What one doesn't realise is that carbs, like all nutrient groups, exist in many healthy foods and occur…

book

6 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023