Replacing old habits can be done

[Rose65]

The old patterns only give us ongoing old results and yet we keep repeating them - at least I do. Yet I know it is definitely possible to override old habits and attitudes but it takes real effort. The good news is the effort is only for a short time. A surprisingly short time, and well worth it.

Examples are biting nails. I used in my youth to do that but I stopped, my nails have been nice for years. Two sugars in tea, I gave it up. I found cutting down to one didn't work but miraculously giving it up was far easier. Now I hate sugary tea, it's saved my teeth. I didn't like exercise, so a few months ago I made myself do 10 minutes every day. After about a month I enjoyed those 10 minutes and now wouldn't be without them to begin my day. I feel a little stronger and more flexible daily.
A habit is only what you always do, and we you DO have the ability to change.

Other matters are harder. Those destructive patterns with difficult people, learning to say no and not letting them take advantage of you. Once you begin doing something about it, it gets easier and confidence grows. It's that initial hurdle, forcing yourself to confront all that is bad news for your wellbeing and then doing what is needed.

New Year is a great chance. However, one thing I have learned is - do not be too ambitious, never aim above what is realistic because failure is then guaranteed and horrible. Conquering small things builds confidence.

So which habits and patterns need sorting out in your case?

Mine is weight, 20 pounds must go. Also negative thinking, I need to seriously work on that and be a more positive person. An actual plan is necessary, not just a vague intention, so I am stepping up exercise and cutting carbs for my weight and quite happy to aim for a pound a week. For the negative thinking I am deliberately choosing funny books and films to raise my spirits. It sounds daft but it works. Our choices of what to focus upon are within our own power. I also don't watch the news and do focus on keeping myself busy. It's already working.

 

[dilettante]

Good topic and an honest introduction. Thanks.

Right now: Weight and blood glucose level both by portion control and meal selection. Increasing endurance and flexibility with exercise. Making progress.

 

[hollydolly]

Good Post Rose..

I don't smoke or drink alcohol... or bite my nails...

I find also if you spend time with an upbeat person on a regular basis it will rub off on you..

I drink far too much tea.. and in the last 2 years eat way to much sweet things..

I need to lose weight too.. but until my knees are fixed, I can't really exercise..

 

[Rose65]

Good Post Rose..

I don't smoke or drink alcohol... or bite my nails...

I find also if you spend time with an upbeat person on a regular basis it will rub off on you..

I drink far too much tea.. and in the last 2 years eat way to much sweet things..

I need to lose weight too.. but until my knees are fixed, I can't really exercise..

Me too, bad knees so I can't do much walking. But I exercise my knees to loosen them up and it makes a difference.
Never smoked but I like one glass of wine each evening. I switched to decaff tea, Tetley, years ago and really, it tastes the same. Yorkshire decaff is lovely too. I like the look and taste of a traditional cuppa, so I don't drink herbal teas.

The elimination of caffeine has been very beneficial. With sweet things I do eat them and love them but I limit myself. Pudding once weekly. I still need to lose 20 pounds though, it creeps on.

 

[Pepper]

Got out of the habit of eating past noon since Buffy was so sick, so it's been like since March or April that I just have no appetite. I felt guilty eating in front of her when she couldn't jump on the table and bother me anymore. Some days I just survive from a morning roll & butter.

Ate so much Christmas got sick, but felt stronger like son said I would. So, seems I must eat more.

 

[katlupe]

After reading and participating in a book study on the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear, I have changed a number of habits. Now I feel like I can change most habits quite easily and I have this past year.

 

[Jackie23]

Yes, health has forced many habit changes, the sugar battle is ongoing with me, the most rewarding was when I quit smoking years ago.

 

[chic]

I don't have any bad habits, that I want to change. It's just other people's interpretations of what I do. In the new year I would like to actively promote peace more than I do now because it's so important.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Good Post Rose..

I don't smoke or drink alcohol... or bite my nails...

I find also if you spend time with an upbeat person on a regular basis it will rub off on you..

I drink far too much tea.. and in the last 2 years eat way to much sweet things..

I need to lose weight too.. but until my knees are fixed, I can't really exercise..

Studies show that exercise has very little to do with weight loss. That’s because it takes a lot of effort to burn even a few hundred calories. When I decided to lose weight during the pandemic I literally weighed and measured everything I ate.

I bought a kitchen scale to weigh everything. I also decided that I wanted to eat and not drink my calories so coffee was the only thing I drank with calories.

I also ate most of my calories between breakfast and lunch because that’s when I am really hungry and then just had a light snack in the evening. I also read that one day a week not to count and eat what you wanted to within reason to keep your body confused so it doesn’t lower your metabolism by getting used to the lower calories.

Because I am 5’7” I chose 1600 calories a day. Within 4 months I had dropped 50lbs. I have maintained for 3.5 years. Even on vacation I am mindful of what I eat. Without counting calories I think it’s easy for all of us to fool ourselves about how much we are really eating.

 

[Rose65]

I don't have any bad habits, that I want to change. It's just other people's interpretations of what I do. In the new year I would like to actively promote peace more than I do now because it's so important.

It is good to be content with yourself. Long may you be so.

 

[Quackers]

Must admit, I don't really have any bad habits to change... well ok I might get a bit grumpy at times but I do try to swallow it down with a cuppa, no sugar, with only a drop or two of milk

I find it interesting we tend to think about losing 'weight' rather than 'inches'. Yes weight is 'on the scales weight', but inches is on the 'size' rather than the 'weight'. Hope I'm making myself clear here, 'cos I feel like I'm confusing myself.

As a for instance - (and please excuse I'm speaking UK weights and sizes as I don't know the equivalent over the pond) - I've always been the same size ie 10/12. When I was younger I weighed 10 stone at that size - now I weigh 8 stone at that size.
I know I have osteoporosis, so I'm assuming my bones must be running on empty

I don't know if there is an M & S shop over there, but here in the UK it's known that their sizes are on the large size, so when get something from there, I need a size 8 rather 10 or 12. Sizes seem up the wall here, some shops are larger, some smaller. This could make us seem we might be fatter or thinner that we were before.

I think I'm trying to say to those who feel they've put weight on, is it your actual body size that is 'larger' (sorry, not being rude), or is it the weight of your body on the scales that's telling you you need to lose 'weight'?