We all have things that we do that are not healthy. We tend to do them more when we are tired, stressed or unhappy. They can be addictive behaviours like drinking alcohol, smoking, using drugs, gambling, gaming, sex. Addictive behaviours mean that we tend to increase the behaviour over time and we may need help to stop. They can be habits like late nights or excess time in front of a screen. They are different for all of us.
Have you thought about what you do that feels unhealthy or harmful? Do you have triggers for the behaviour or are they a habit? What would you like to change?
What does research tell us about overcoming harmful behaviours?
Dr Gabor Maté, renowned addiction expert, talks to Dr Rangan Chatterjee about self-compassion. He believes the right question is not why the addition, but why the pain.
Johann Hari guides us through the research on what causes addiction and the critical role of social connection in this TED talk.
Jacki Hillios introduces us to Phoenix Multisport – a peer-support driven program that uses physical activity and community to transcend addition.
Here are some suggestions for ways to minimise harmful behaviours.
Understanding the relationships between the different pillars of Lifestyle Medicine can allow us to use our strengths to support the areas we are trying to change.
Click on the icons below to find out more about the other pillars.
Minimising harmful behaviours and substances can stop us being over-stimulated at the end of the day which helps us unwind and get to sleep
Minimising unhelpful coping strategies can make physical activity feel easier and more enjoyable
Minimising harmful habits can allow you to find pleasure in eating well
Minimising unhelpful coping strategies and substances can lower stress responses in the body
Minimising harmful influences can improve the sense of belonging when you are with others
Sleeping better may leave you less likely to rely on unhelpful coping strategies
Moving more and finding the joy of movement can lessen the urge to use harmful behaviours or substances
Eating well can make harmful habits less appealing
Reducing stress can lower the temptation to rely on harmful influences
Deepening connection can give us support to resist using unhelpful coping strategies
Here are some more insights you might find helpful to explore:
What do you notice when you minimise harmful influences? What helps you minimise harmful influences?
You might find it helps to keep a note of the things that particularly support you with minimising harmful influences, so you can refer back any time you need.
