Mixing Bad Habits With Slightly Better Ones

We all have bad habits. While some of us don’t like to admit it, others are well aware of the vices that control us. Whether it’s smoking, excessive drinking or even an addiction to buying clothes, we all have something that controls us more than it should.

Admittedly, most of us indulge in these habits because it gives us some kind of satisfaction. Some people just love getting the latest fashion drops because it adds to their collection and makes them feel like they’re in the clothing scene, despite potentially never wearing a piece more than once. Others enjoy the high that they get from smoking, and others enjoy drinking with friends because it creates good (and often bad) memories.

But sooner or later, those vices will catch up to us and it’s our duty to control the bad things that can come out of it. This is why it’s a good idea to ultimately mix our bad habits with slightly better ones every now and then.

Whatever you do, it’s never going to be a full replacement

If you think you drink too much then replacing your weekend alcohol binge with friends for non-alcoholic beer isn’t going to do much–people will just look at you funny. However, going for some low-alcohol options (such as singles over doubles) and staying hydrated will keep you on your feet and reduce the bad aftermath of drinking too much.

Similarly, you’re never going to replace the feeling and taste of tobacco with e-liquid. However, if you’re looking for some slightly more exotic and fruity flavors while still getting the nicotine satisfaction, then vaping can be a great alternative. Just remember that the theme here is mixing in a few slightly better habits with your bad habits, not searching for an alternative to replacing it entirely.

Think about what those bad habits are really doing for you

People understand what they’re getting themselves into when they go out to a bar with friends. They know they’re going to drink and they know they might lose control and drink way more than they’re supposed to. These things happen on a regular basis with anyone and as long as you’re back in the office on Monday morning, you can recover.

But your body might not. When we’re young, we tend to live life haphazardly because our bodies can take it. But as you get older, you’re going to notice that you can’t drink as much, you feel awful after some nights and you’re eventually going to pay the price with your body despite whatever tolerances you think you’ve built up. Understanding these long-term effects is key to balancing when something is worth it and not worth it to go out and party with your friends.

Other bad habits, such as being financially irresponsible, can also have long-term effects on your financial situation. When you realize what your excessive spending is doing (even if you can afford it) then you might start to cut back and be more frugal. Living beyond your means is just as bad as any addiction considering the long-term effects it can have on your mind and your wallet, so it’s always good to really take a look at the life you’re living.

Next up, How To Break A Bad Habit By These Simple Steps