How to Establish Better Habits to Avoid Addiction
At some point in your life, you’ve established habits. You may have engaged in these everyday routines intentionally or subconsciously. For example, you might make coffee upon waking up each morning out of habit, or you may bite your fingernails when you’re stressed out.
Many people aim to establish healthy habits. Engaging in routines that benefit your physical and psychological health can contribute to good overall wellness. It can also reduce
Using drugs or alcohol to deal with stress, anxiety or depression can result in a severe substance use disorder. Addiction is a neurological disease that affects the way you think, feel and behave. It also increases your risk of experiencing a fatal overdose or long-term health complications that can lead to death.
However, you can create healthy habits to avoid drug or alcohol use that could bring about a substance use disorder. The more you engage in these routines, the more likely you are to live a drug-free life.
Engage in Physical Activity
Fitness promotes good physical and psychological health. Engaging in activities like running or CrossFit can help you decrease stress, increase strength and enhance self-confidence. Upon exercising, your body often releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which can produce a high that can improve your mood.
Each week, try participating in physical activity — even when you don’t feel like it. You might want to relax after working an eight-hour shift, but training yourself to engage in fitness activities like jogging or yoga can help create healthy habits.
Eat Healthy Foods
It can be difficult to eat healthily. Fast food restaurants are found throughout the United States, and many convenient stores sell candy and other sugary products. However, foods that are heavy in sugars or fats can lead to bad cholesterol and increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
According to Healthline, research indicates that eating healthy foods can improve your psychological health. Try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and foods that are rich in protein and healthy fats. The more often you eat healthily, the more likely this becomes a lifelong habit.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
At some point, you have spent time with people that stress you out. They may be unfriendly coworkers or unruly classmates. However, spending time with people whom you enjoy being around can reduce stress. In many cases, these individuals are family and friends.
Being around loved ones has many benefits. They may be able to make you laugh or offer advice during difficult situations. Family and friends can improve your mood. Continuously experiencing negative emotions can result in substance use.
Stay Busy
If you’re dealing with negative emotions, it can be dangerous to spend time alone in your own thoughts. You may consistently think about the source of your negative emotions, which can exacerbate your mental health and bring about drug or alcohol use.
Instead, stay busy. Go to the park for a run in the morning. Browse some retail stores in the middle of an afternoon. Go to dinner with friends in the evening, and maybe watch a movie later that night. Keeping your mind occupied can help prevent negative thinking.
Seek Therapy, If Needed
If you consistently grapple with anxiety or depressive thoughts, you may be experiencing a more deeply rooted mental health problem. Psychological disorders can affect many facets of your life. Many people need treatment in order to learn to better manage mental health conditions.
Attending therapy each week can help you control negative emotions caused by mental health problems. A licensed therapist or counselor can help you learn about the source of your distress, ways to avoid triggering situations and activities that can improve your overall health.
Achieving or maintaining good overall health is possible. It may not always be easy, but establishing healthy habits can improve your wellbeing in myriad ways. Stay active, spend time with loved ones, eat healthier and seek professional help if needed. Additionally, these routines can reduce your chances of engaging in drug and alcohol use.
If you do struggle with substance use, professional treatment may be necessary. The Recovery Village operates several rehab centers throughout the United States. At each facility, patients receive treatment plans that fit their specific needs. Many people who have completed treatment have gone on to live drug-free lives. To learn more about how treatment can benefit your overall health, contact The Recovery Village.
