Bad habits typically form to manage stress, overcome anxiety or promote relaxation.
Habits are hard to break. We all know this, whether it’s struggling with the latest diet, or unable to resist the pull of social media instead of interacting with those around us or working on a project or deadlines. Choosing to act differently under stress can be especially difficult in today’s world with cigarette additives, refined sugar, take-aways designed to make us crave and ingest to the detriment of our health. Each time we reach out for something to soothe ourselves, every time we take this action we reinforce the learning, to the point where it becomes automatic. This is how habits are formed.
Habitual smoking, excessive drinking, abuse of drugs and overeating are four of the primary ways that people attempt to self-medicate to feel better. Biting nails, picking at skin, hair pulling are other habits sometimes used as a means for regaining a sense of control or to get noticed in those who feel abused or neglected. Bad habits also form as a means of self-punishment in a child who feels guilty, ashamed, or worthless.
Not all bad habits involve using physical substances or doing bodily harm. Procrastination, obsessive compulsive behavior and chronic negative self-talk are examples of bad habits that do emotional harm, damaging self-esteem, while attempting to stave off fear, prevent failure, or dissolve guilt.
Breaking bad habits with EFT is a fast, safe and effective approach. Hypnotherapy is another excellent way to help your subconscious take on healthier coping mechanisms. Mel has had a lot of experience in assisting clients with cravings and other unhealthy habits.
Client A constantly craved nachos with all the trimmings. Mel had her bring the whole kit and caboodle into the clinic and got her to construct her plate of nachos exactly as she would at home. Using a special technique with EFT, Mel assisted this client to completely break that craving which was all connected to a certain ongoing negative emotion that the client had been subject to for many years Months later the client reported that she no longer suffers from this craving.
Client B could not resist chocolate and knew that this had got out of control. Mel got her to bring her favorite chocolates in to her appointment. Once again using EFT on the craving the client was surprised at what was holding this craving in place. As a child from a large family she was neglected when it came to having the necessary love and attention to thrive. She would look forward to receiving her monthly pocket money for her chores as she would buy chocolate, go off to her favourite place and sit peacefully enjoying the sweet treat which made her feel good. Her subconscious began to automatically connect feeling good with chocolate and every time she felt low, sad or alone she would go straight for the chocolate. In finding the root cause of the craving this client was able to move forward without the need for chocolate to help make her feel better and no longer subject to the cravings.
Do you have an unhealthy or bad habit that you know needs addressing? Why wait? Act now and contact Mel for a chat on how she can help you.