Recovering From Our Most Destructive Behaviors

We all have our own “demons” to fight. However, for many of us, the habits we use to manage our own emotional stability and to keep control can eventually end up doing much more damage. Whether it’s anger, addiction, self-harm, or something else, we need to recognize our destructive behaviors and know how to address them. That’s what we’re going to look at here.

Admit it to yourself

If you’re already reading this then you may, in part, have already admitted that there are behaviors of yours that aren’t good for your health. It’s time to make that recognition formal and to make a promise to yourself to stop it. A good way to do that is to write your resolution on a piece of paper and to stick it next to your bathroom mirror so that you see it every morning. It can help nail it in and make it feel a lot more real, rather than a stray thought can simply tuck under the rug.

Talk about it

If you feel like you’re struggling, like you’re doing something bad for your health, or like you are starting to lose control, those are good signs that it’s time to ask for help. Look to your friends and family, and ask to arrange a private chat with them so you can tell them what you’re dealing with. Even if they can’t immediately and directly help, their support can be instrumental in helping you find the help that you need.

Look for help

Once you’ve admitted it to yourself, and made it clear to a loved one that you plan to change, you can work together to find the best method to help fight those self-destructive behaviors. When it comes to the first step of quitting, then services like an alcohol detox center can be very helpful. Otherwise, you should also be looking at long term strategies like therapy and support groups that can help you manage the urge to indulge in the same self-destructive behaviors in the future. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to help you find the best methods of treatment, either.

Start constructive habits instead

While you’re getting rid of unhealthy habits, you should fill the gap that they leave behind with healthier habits. Exercise, meditation, creativity, travelling, and other habits can do you a lot of good. For one, they help stop you from fixating on the behaviors that you’re trying to get over. Things like exercise and diet have plenty of mental health benefits as well, helping you address the emotional conditions that can make us vulnerable to our more self-destructive habits in the first place. Setting healthy goals can also help boost your motivation to keep up with your efforts, too.

Naturally, it’s not easy to shake off the behaviors that cause us the most harm. That’s why it’s important to take the first step now, even if it’s a small one. The sooner we start chipping away it, the sooner we can come out on the other side.