Happy Habits by Dr. L: A Tip a Day to Kick Your Habit Away author, Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, MS, PT is a clinical psychologist and physical therapist who helps people have less stress and more happiness, regardless what is going on in life. Working with individuals around the globe, she is a highly sought-after consultant, media personnel and professional speaker.
Sunday, Day 1: Relax and Reflect
On this day, identify what is GOOD about your habit and then figure out ways to get those benefits without the habit. For example; if smoking, eating unhealthy, or drinking excessively helps you relax, learn and apply other ways to relax without returning to your crutch.
Monday, Day 2: Plan Your Week
Write out the reasons WHY you want to kick this habit.
psychological benefits
physical benefits
social benefits (how it will help your relationships)
work benefits
spiritual benefits
Tuesday, Day 3: Emotion Comes into Play
Read over the list you made daily on why you want to kick the habit of yours. Moreover, do it with EMOTION.
Wednesday, Day 4: View Your Failures as something good!
Past attempts are not failure but rather data. Look at what happened in the past when you tried to break the habit and were not successful.
What were the ingredients that lead you to a slip up?
How can you take steps to prevent them in the future?
Thursday, Day 5: Simply Forgive Yourself
Stop the all-or-nothing thinking: if you do mess up, it does not mean,
“I will never be able to quit.” Purely forgive yourself, figure out what
went wrong and move on.
Friday, Day 6: Weekend Temptation Cloud Rolls In
Set short-term and long-term goals with rewards for each. The weekend is the best time to start as you are bound to give in to temptation and become weak. You are strong and deserve rewards always.
Saturday, Day 7: The Day Your Relapse May Return
Your body is your temple. If your walls begin to shake, address your stress. Increased stress makes relapse much more likely.
Consider trying something you have never done before on this day
Yoga
Read a New Book
Cycling
Cooking
Dr. L has been quoted by some of today’s top media outlets including CNN, Newsweek, MSNBC, National Public Radio, Glamour, Redbook, Elle, Self, Woman’s Day and Real Simple magazine.
Her writings can be found in peer-review journals as well as print for the public. She co-wrote a leading book for psychologists on using the best practices for their patients. Dr. Lombardo’s upcoming book, “A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness,” teaches the necessary skills to lead a happier life, regardless what is going on. Visit her website at www.AHappyYou.com
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