Easy ways to break 10 bad habits
It's New Year's resolution time. Find out how to kick those bad habits for good.
It's New Year's resolutions time, and everyone has those bad habits they'd like to break. Woman's Day compiled a list of easy ways to break 10 common bad habits.
It's New Year's resolutions time, and everyone has those bad habits they'd like to break. Woman's Day compiled a list of easy ways to break 10 common bad habits.
10. Fidgeting -- Everyone gets anxious, but fidgeting can be seen as a sign of weakness. To keep calm in tense situations, put your hands at your sides and imagine they're glued there, Ken Lindner, author of "Your Killer Emotions," told Woman's Day. Or, if you're sitting, rest your hands on top of your knees and consciously think about not moving them until you have to.
9. Talking Loudly on Your Cellphone -- To remind yourself to pipe down in public, write a trigger word or phrase on your smartphone in a place you'd see all the time, Lidner told Woman's Day.
8. Reading Over People's Shoulders -- Imagine how you'd react to someone looking over your shoulder. Now picture how embarrassed you'd be if that person called you out in a room full of people, Lidner says.
7. Being Late --Try visualizing your arrival at an event five to 10 minutes early, or write down appointments 15 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure you're on time.
6. Noisy Eating -- Possible solutions include changing where you keep and how you move your tongue during meals, chewing more slowly, chewing smaller pieces or keeping your mouth closed while eating.
5. Interrupting -- Focus on listening, Dr. Yael Varnado told Woman's Day. If someone pauses, breathe deeply, count to 10 in your head and reflect on what they said before you interject. Friends can also be good at reminding you when you lapse.
4. Sleeping in Your Makeup -- Keep makeup-remover wipes on your nightstand, so you can at least wipe off your face before you sleep. Or create a bedtime ritual of washing and moisturizing your face to soothing music, Varnado says.
3. Gum Snapping -- Consider giving up gum altogether, or try deep breathing or relaxation exercises if chewing gum calms you, Dr. James Claiborn told Woman's Day. Pop a mint instead if you use it to freshen your breath.
2. Knuckle Cracking -- Punch your other hand or fan out your fingers to keep yourself from cracking your knuckles, Claiborn says. Keep a record of your successes and lapses to banish the habit for good.
1. Nail Biting -- Figure out what you do before you bite your nails. When you feel the urge, clench your fists for up to a couple minutes until the need to bite your nails disappears, Claiborn says. When you make progress, treat yourself to a well-deserved manicure.
Click here to read the Woman's Day list in full.
