If you're anything like me, you have those few things that you know you shouldn't do, but do anyways. Some habits may be a bit worse than others (Quote Tove Lo's: Habits ... here) but regardless, they're still taking up space in your life that could be used for so many other things that will set you free to be the person you want to be! Here's just a few of my bad habits along with my tips on how to break them!
1.) Staying Up All Night: Does staying up late due to binge watching episodes of my favorite series at moment on Netflix or staying up all hours of the night to finish just one more assignment ring a bell for you? If so, going to bed early is basically a foreign concept to you, I'm sure. I mean hey, I'll be the first to say that I never know when to quit. Truly, what good does staying up those 2 extra hours slaving over an assignment really do you besides waking up on the wrong side of the bed in the morning?
The Fix: Schedule. Schedule. And Schedule some more! Go out and buy yourself a planner and start prioritizing! What I did was go out and buy myself a pack of colorful pens so that I could begin organizing my planner (plus the pop of color will brighten anyone's day). Then, before the start of each week, I planned out upcoming events and assigned different categories of events in a color-coded key! P.S. - keep a cheat key in the front of your planner..if you're like me, you tend to get a tad bit forgetful with all the hustle and bustle that you forget what the key even means. Next, I went out and bought myself a stationary set, but sticky notes will do the trick! Before the start of each morning, I plan out my day by prioritizing the list from most important to least important and try to set an approximate time limit to get each of these things done. Be sure to schedule some time for yourself in there too! Let that Inner-Netflix junkie in all of us come out and thrive!
2.) Overthinking EVERYTHING: Ever feel like you're on the verge of a meltdown every time Taylor sings gotta long list of ex lovers but really it only sounds like STARBUCKS LOVERS. Yeah, sames. Okay, okay.. so maybe I'm not that bad.. but, seriously though don't act like it doesn't bother you, lol. Anyways, I overthink everything.. because I mean really does anybody truly know exactly what they want for longer than 72 hours at a time, if that. Being a naturally anxious person, I've come to learn how to calm myself down and get out of my head for awhile. Bid you mind, this is always a work in progress for me!
The Fix: Take a breath and literally picture yourself writing down the situation on a piece of paper and crumpling it up. This always helps me to realize I'm in control of the situation and I'll always come out with the right answer if I just learn to listen to my gut. Once I do that, I continue to make sure I'm breathing in a calm manner and try to actually get closer with what's going on internally so I can properly let go of it! Then I get into storyteller mode.. if any of you are close to me .. you'll know that I call these nice little diddy's, telanovelas. Nothing is better than getting everything off your chest; so get talking.. odd's are your friends can see things from a lot better of a perspective than you can at the current juncture. After coming to a conclusion.. I usually try to sleep and pray on it. Then I go for it.
3.) Drinking Caffeine Anything!: With the hustle and bustle of everyday life being a college student with about a dozen assignments and counting.. it gets pretty hard to not need a little bit of a boost sometimes. I'm guilty of this.. I mean I swear, I went through a time when I could've practically opened up a Starbucks with all the money I spent there. But, you've got to be careful before you get too dependent on these types of caffeinated beverages. It won't be long until you find yourself irritable, nervous, restless, with headaches all while facing those long nights of insomnia.
The Fix: There are actually a few different fixes for this one. The first being, getting yourself on a regular sleeping schedule that includes at least 7-8 hours a night. Also, you can start changing your diet..including eating more whole grains to give you a boost. Those Mini-Wheat commercials aren't lying! There's always the option of switching to decaf so you still get the taste of what you wanted originally but without all the side effects. Lastly, you can always just limit your caffeine intake! I chose this option and found a healthy alternative in the process. Try Starbucks Refreshers. They can be found at Walmart and are made from a green coffee extract with natural energy instead of all the processed stuff loaded in those other cans!
4.) Skipping Out on Exercise: I definitely have never been one who was just a lover of voluntary exercise and going to college hasn't changed that! In fact, my exercising habits have probably gotten worse.. much to my shame. I'm sure I'm not the only one who tries to find excuses at the end of the day as to why they skipped out on the gym, yet again.
The Fix: Get a workout buddy! Getting a buddy to help you achieve your goals always makes the idea of going to the gym hurt a little less. Take small steps and gradually increase your time at the gym as you feel comfortable. Still don't like the idea of the gym? I understand. Try out an intramural sports team, dance classes like Zumba, or even going for a nice walk around the neighborhood/campus. This way you're burning calories without the mental strain of feeling like you're exercising. Also, on days you have less time.. opt to take the stairs and eat healthier. Did you know that you can actually lose weight just by choosing healthier food options?
5.) Eating even when I'm not hungry: Tell me.. if you were offered to go on a spontaneous Chipotle run would you resist? The answer is.. doubtful. Just like Starbucks, I've paid my fair share there in exchange for a large chicken quesadilla with a side of chips and guac. Too many times, I'm offered to go to many, many food joints and too many times I leave broke but full. But, that counts for something right? So, how did I go weeks without Chipotle; keeping more guac in my pockets you ask?
The Fix: Replace junk food with real food; chock full of vitamins and fiber to keep you feeling energized and fuller longer! Also, learn how to say no. Trust me, Chipotle will still be there the next time you say yes. Be sure to drink lots of water; staying hydrated and cutting all that extra sugar out of your diet will save your waist line. Lastly, try not to mindlessly eat. It's so easy to grab that bag of chips while studying to keep you company. Instead, opt for a healthier snack like gummies and water or pretzels and peanut butter. You'll be amazed at the results!
So there they are! My tips on how to kick those bad habits in 2016! Like what you saw here? Comment below and tell me how you're kicking those bad habits?
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