8 Bad habits to break before end of year

Bad behaviour is a negative repetitive pattern that can only be done away with if there is commitment. Those guilty of bad habits should identify what makes them do it and slowly work on breaking them. Here are the most common bad habits we should do away with before the New Year begins.

Snacking when not hungry

Bingeing into snacks and losing your body’s natural hunger can lead to chronic disease and obesity that may lead to heart diseases and diabetes. The components the snacks have add extra weight to your body. The habit can be reversed by eating only when you are hungry; don’t eat because you are stressed or angry. Also, you can replace the junk with healthy snacks such as nuts and fruits.

Spending hours on the sofa watching TV

This is not something many youths want to hear, but the truth must be told. The more time you spend on the sofa watching TV, the less physically active you will be. Research conducted at Osaka University in Japan found out that those who watch TV for more than two hours eat more. Limit watching of TV and get physically active to reduce the risk of getting health complications. Reverse TV bingeing by spending less than two hours on TV and exercising for 30 minutes each day. Only turn the TV on when you want to watch something specific and resist the urge to eat while at it.

Overspending your income

Many youths enjoy shopping and at times this can get out of hand. A telephone survey by Rutgers University showed that financial stress leads to high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, headaches, ulcers, weight gain or loss, and excessive smoking and drinking. When you overspend, you tend to fall into debt and recovering from it takes a lot of effort. When you overcome this habit, you tend to feel more in control of your life, have fewer worries and improve your relationships. Reverse the habit by educating yourself on money management, freeze your account to avoid spending whenever you want, have a budget of how much you want to spend on certain necessities and avoid shopping as a distraction.

Depending on fast foods

Health problems like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and bigger waistlines are caused by the luxury fast food we enjoy. Changing this lifestyle is not easy because fast foods are cheap, tasty and, as the name suggests, fast to prepare. But eating healthy has much more benefits in the long term. Reverse this habit by replacing fast foods with some healthier foods like our indigenous foods, even when eating in restaurants.

Skipping breakfast

Never start your day without breakfast because it might affect your weight, energy and your blood sugar. Your first meal of the day is what kick-starts your metabolism and replenishes blood-sugar levels so you can focus and be productive throughout the day. Reverse this bad habit by starting your day with a nutritious, well-balanced breakfast that consists of high-fibre carbohydrates and lean protein.

Excessive consumption of alcohol

Alcohol damages the liver, can cause cancer, depression and blood pressure, and also risks development of heart disease and memory loss. When you quit drinking, you tend to restore your health and strengthen broken relationships with family and friends. Reverse this habit by reducing your alcohol intake. If you cannot function without it, then talk to a doctor who will conduct tests to assess the damage alcohol has done to your body and thereafter prescribe the right treatment.

Failing to prioritise

Warren Buffet, one of the richest men on earth, once asked his pilot to make a list of 25 things he wanted to achieve before dying. He then asked him to pick five things from the list that he thought were most important, work on them and to ignore the rest. This antidote perfectly sums up the importance of prioritising especially in a world where we are bombarded with so many things. On the same note, avoid putting off your most important work until later as research has found that people’s willpower decreases throughout the day.

Technology addiction

Now, more than ever before, technology addiction is real. To reverse this habit, dedicate sometime to being ‘tech free’. Also, avoid the temptation of reaching out to your phone at least two hours before bedtime and during the night. The LED screens of our smartphones, tablets and laptops give off what is called blue light, which studies have shown can damage vision and suppress production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle.