You probably have at least one bad habit you'd like to break, but did you know the breaking them helps you when you're coping with stress? Maybe you bite your nails; perhaps you munch while watching television every night. Whatever the behavior, there are universal strategies for breaking bad habits - which can help your regular stress management techniques - that can assist you as you try to overcome.
Identify one behavior you wish to change
Don't tackle more than one undesirable behavior at one time. It's harder to break bad habits if you're scattered in your efforts, trying to change your whole life at once. Instead focus on one behavior and determine to break yourself of the habit.
Evaluate how difficult change will be
You'll need to be reasonable about what to expect as you tackle your bad habit. Are you trying to quit smoking or trying to eat more fruit and vegetables? Are you trying to curb your spending or overcome a serious addiction? Read up about your concerning behavior and see what other people have done to beat the challenge.
Write out your reasons for overcoming your bad habit
You'll need motivation to stop a bad habit, so write out all the ways the habit is hurting your life and all the ways you will benefit if you beat this monster. Focus on how you will feel when you have overcome. Keep the list handy for moments when you need strength.
Enlist support breaking your bad habit
Trying to lose weight? Consider joining a weight loss group or weighing in weekly with a buddy. Trying to quit drinking? Check out your local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter. Want to stop biting your nails? Make a bet with a friend that you can indeed go a month without biting them. Find a support system somewhere, whether that's through an online community, a structured group or a friendship. It's best to find someone who knows how to break the habit you are trying to overcome and learn from someone who has already gone through this experience.
Make a specific plan
Figure out what it will take for you on a daily basis to practically break this bad habit. Structure your day for success around your daily plan. For example, if you are trying to quit smoking, what will you do with your hands when you're craving holding a cigarette? Will you carry pack of gum? Doodle with a pencil? What will you do when that coworker invites you out back for a smoke? Are you going to use a patch or nicotine-rich gum to help you quit?
Commit to the plan to stop your bad habit for 30 days
Once you've figured out what your daily plan is, commit to it for thirty days. Set up a reward for making it all 30 days, whether it be a massage, night out with a friend or a manicure, and tell at least one other person about your goal.
Hold yourself accountable daily
You'll want to establish some sort of goal setting chart for recording your progress and failure. For example, if you are trying to eat healthier, record with a tally mark every time you have a glass of water instead of sugary soda, or every time you choose a serving of fruit or vegetables instead of an unhealthy treat. Evaluate your progress at the end of each day and celebrate your victories.
 | When the pressure's on, it's even more important that you put yourself first. Applying simple stress management techniques like controlled breathing, exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce your stress and the risks it poses to your physical and emotional well being. |
 | Feeling stressed? Meditate. Health professionals now strongly encourage stressed individuals to turn to meditation as a form of stress relief. |
 | Everyone experiences some level of |
You're sitting in heavy traffic, late for your daughter's soccer game and your two preschoolers are having a shouting match in the backseat. Your daughter is complaining, "Why are we always late?" Your heart rate is rising and your muscles are tense. |
Coping with stress requires a conscious effort each day. Take time out for yourself, even if only for 30 minutes, to focus reducing stress. |
